Community Peace Officer 1 — Two (2) Positions
Job Type Emergency Management / Emergency Services

Organization Town of Ponoka

Oct 22, 2026

Job Description

Community Peace Officer 1 — Two (2) Positions

Town of Ponoka

Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Protective Services, the Community Peace Officer (CPO) supports community safety through enforcement, education, and proactive engagement, working as part of a small, close-knit protective services team. This role works collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies, including the RCMP, Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife, and other municipal partners.

The CPO investigates bylaw complaints, resolves disputes, and promotes compliance through enforcement, education, and community-based initiatives. In Ponoka, this work is primarily complaint-driven and bylaw-focused: day-to-day priorities come through the Town's online complaint portal (AccessE11) and commonly involve matters such as unsightly premises, noise, and property standards, alongside traffic and provincial enforcement duties. This work extends beyond a simple traffic-enforcement role, giving officers a visible presence and a meaningful impact across the community as a whole.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Respond to and investigate bylaw complaints submitted through the Town's online portal and other intake channels, prioritizing based on urgency and community impact

Enforce municipal bylaws and applicable provincial legislation

Conduct patrols (shift work) for enforcement, prevention, and visible community safety presence

Determine appropriate resolutions to complaints (education, warnings, orders, or fines)

Provide animal control services

Serve legal documents as required

Attend court proceedings and maintain accurate documentation and reporting

Collaborate with RCMP and other enforcement agencies

Deliver public education and community safety programs

Participate in community events, schools, and committees

Support policy development, research, and bylaw updates

Issue orders under the Municipal Government Act

Build and maintain positive relationships with community stakeholders

Minimum Requirements
Education

High school diploma plus a Diploma in Police and Justice Studies (or related field)

Current Community Peace Officer Level 1 (CPO1) appointment under Alberta's Public Security Peace Officer Program, or eligibility to obtain a CPO1 appointment within 6 months of hire

Completion of all training required under the Peace Officer Act (Alberta)

Valid and current: P.A.R.E. test, Baton and OC Spray certification, EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course), and Defensive tactics training

Note: Correctional Peace Officer (CPO1/CPO2) certification, private security licensing, and Special Constable appointments are different designations and do not satisfy this requirement.





Experience

1–3 years of related enforcement or policing experience

Municipal government, bylaw, or local government enforcement experience is preferred and will be given priority consideration

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Experience preparing reports suitable for court proceedings

Ability to interpret legislation, bylaws, and policies

Other

Clean Criminal Record Check

Valid Class 5 Driver's License with clean driver's abstract

Current First Aid and CPR certification

What Makes a Great Fit for This Team

Comfortable balancing provincial enforcement authority with day-to-day bylaw and complaint response; this role has a meaningful, community-wide impact well beyond a simple traffic-enforcement function

Able to work effectively as part of a small team reporting to a non-uniformed manager

Approaches enforcement through education and relationship-building before escalation

Early-to-mid-career officers looking to grow with a small, stable, and supportive team are encouraged to apply

Our Culture
The Town of Ponoka's vision is to be a thriving community with a hometown feel. Our mission is to provide accessible, responsible local government that delivers quality services within a protected and healthy environment.

Everyone on our team operates under the Town's Corporate Philosophy: service excellence in all we do, through integrity, respect, and a shared commitment to people. We are One Team. We are Accountable. We are Aligned.

As a Community Peace Officer, you'll be expected to:

Act with Integrity – act with honesty, accountability, and transparency in every decision and interaction

Foster a Culture of Respect – treat every resident, colleague, and partner with dignity, and listen to differing perspectives

Commit to Excellence – strive for continuous improvement and hold yourself to a high professional standard

Invest in People – support and mentor colleagues, and stay open to growth and feedback

Teach by Example – model the behaviour you expect from others, on and off duty

Serve with Purpose – treat every complaint and interaction as a contribution to the community's wellbeing

Competencies

Sound judgment and decision‑making in complex, high‑pressure, or ambiguous situations, including enforcement and education-based outcomes

Ability to work within a collaborative policing model and make difficult or unpopular decisions when required





Strong understanding and application of policies, bylaws, and legislation

Effective conflict resolution and emergency response skills

Ability to gather evidence and prepare clear, accurate reports suitable for court proceedings

Strong communication skills, including public speaking, community education, and stakeholder engagement

Ability to manage workload fluctuations, remain proactive, and demonstrate initiative

Active listening skills with the ability to assess situations and determine appropriate actions

Professional, calm, and unbiased approach when interacting with the public

Strong relationship‑building skills with internal and external partners

Emotional intelligence to respond appropriately in sensitive situations

Clear and adaptable written communication across various formats

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

High level of confidentiality and professionalism

Ability to present information or reports to leadership, including Council

Willingness to perform additional duties within the scope of the role

Working Conditions
Work conditions typically include office and outdoor conditions. The following is also noted:

Shift work is mandatory

Outdoor work is required

Care and attention will be required when working with animals

The work will have periods of high volume generated by reactive complaints, coupled with high volumes of self‑directed work

The work will have conditions that change constantly

The work will require liaison and collaboration with all internal departments and allied agencies on a continuous basis

Further details pertaining to the physical demands of the position can be found in the Physical Demands Analysis included with the Town's Health & Safety Program.

Health and Safety

Provide our community with quality services in a responsible manner within a healthy environment

Ensure the Town of Ponoka's health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices are followed in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations

Recruitment

Two (2) permanent full-time (1.0 FTE) positions

$36.57 – $53.94 per hour

Full benefits package including group life insurance, dental, extended health care, and a flex health and wellness account

Participation in Local Authorities Pension Plan

Paid vacation

Annual clothing allowance

The Town will cover CPO appointment and weapons training costs (e.g., P.A.R.E., Baton and OC Spray certification) under a training agreement with the successful candidate

This recruitment is being conducted on behalf of the Town of Ponoka by Transitional Solutions Inc. (TSI).

The Town of Ponoka thanks all applicants in advance; however, only those being considered will be contacted.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Community Peace Officer 1 — Two (2) Positions (Alberta)
🏢 ABmunis
📍 Alberta