Job Details

Salary: $63,036.00 - $76,680.00 Annually
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00187
Department: Police Department
Division: Traffic
Opening Date: 02/18/2026
Closing Date: 3/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: POA

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

Under general supervision, patrols designated areas on foot or in a vehicle enforcing parking regulations through the issuance of citations for violations.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
Patrols on foot or drives vehicle through assigned area of city to check adherence to parking regulations and patrols parking meters to check for expired meters. Monitors parked vehicles to measure the length of time parked in time-zone area. Writes parking citations for vehicles which exceed time limit. Writes warnings and amendments to previously issued citations. Testifies in court on circumstances regarding contested citations. Initiates checks on potential stolen vehicles and initiates the storage and impounding of improperly parked vehicles or vehicles with expired registrations. Gives first-aid treatment and other assistance to injured people by requesting ambulances and clearing traffic. Calls police officers to investigate suspicious activities. Prepares reports on activities, including number of citations issued. Performs clerical duties such as maintaining records and log sheets, filing tickets and tabulating statistics on court dispositions. Assists in controlling traffic and assists sworn and non-sworn personnel as needed, with street closures, checkpoints, and other special events. Reports needed repair of streets, traffic signs and signals to appropriate personnel. Performs other functions as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months of experience in public contact, preferably in a police department, or any combination of training and work experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Santa Ana laws and ordinances pertaining to vehicle codes and parking.

Ability to: operate a vehicle; operate and maintain specialized equipment, including police radios; read and interpret maps; learn municipal code provisions and other regulations pertaining to parking control and to explain them to citizens when required; write and process citations; maintain schedules, accurate records and files, and carry out assigned duties without close supervision; remember names, street locations, facts and details of incidents; walk for long periods of time; and deal courteously, but firmly with the general public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have an excellent driving record and possession and retention of a valid California Class C driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull objects related to traffic control weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Bilingual fluency in English and one of the following languages is highly desirable: Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Samoan, Hmong or Korean

Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online, which includes a supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of an original application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and may also be reviewed by the Police Department. Those candidates possessing the most pertinent experience and training will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Written Examination: (Weight of 50%) may include questions on schedules, charts and tables, spelling, math, vehicle operation and safety, reading comprehension, customer service and/or other job-related subjects. Candidates need to pass this examination in order to continue in the selection process.

Oral Interview Examination: (Weight of 50%) will evaluate experience, training, and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to be placed on the eligible list.

NOTE: Following the completion of the aforementioned civil service recruitment process, the Police Department will receive the names of candidates eligible for hiring consideration and will contact candidates directly to schedule selection interviews with the Field Operations Bureau Commander or designee.

Prior to appointment, a thorough background process (including a review of your driving record) and medical examination will be conducted.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

(under POA)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01

Do you possess education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months of experience in public contact?

• Yes
• No

02

How much public contact work experience do you possess?

• No experience.
• Less than 6 months
• At least six (6) months, but less than one (1 )year
• At least one (1) year, but less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years or more

03

Describe in detail your work experience in public contact, specifically highlight any experience with a law enforcement agency.
04

Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" driver's license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license and understand this requirement? Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" driver's license from another state would temporarily suffice this requirement and must obtain a Class "C" driver's license in the State of California prior to a job offer with the City of Santa Ana.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience or training in any of the following (check all that apply):

• Patrolling by foot or vehicle
• Checking for expired meters
• Writing citations
• Testifying in court
• Rendering first-aid treatment or assisting the injured
• Assisting with traffic control
• Assisting with street closures, checkpoints, or other events
• Using police radios
• Reading and interpreting maps
• None of the above

06

Are you willing and able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

07

The selection process includes a thorough police backgrounds process for outside candidates and non-Police Department City of Santa Ana employees. Contents of the background file and results of the background investigation may be reviewed by the Police Chief prior to appointment. Candidates selected for employment must also successfully complete a medical examination (some City employees may be exempt).Do you understand the information mentioned above?

• Yes
• No

08

I certify that all information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question