Community Service Officer

Job Duties:

The Police Department's Marine Patrol Unit currently consists of eight sworn law enforcement officers who routinely patrol hundreds of miles of vessel-accessible public waters of Virginia Beach, including the Intercoastal Waterway, Rudee Inlet, the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, both branches of the Lynnhaven River, Long Creek, Broad Bay, and Linkhorn Bay. The summer Marine Patrol Aides allow the unit to increase its coverage in both location and hours of service during the busiest time of the year, May 21st, 2026 through September 9th, 2026.

Under the direction of a sworn police officer who serves as the boat captain, the summer Marine Patrol Aides serve as deckhands on the police patrol boats, assist in the enforcement of waterway and beach related ordinances, perform maintenance on boats and gear, control vehicular, pedestrian, and boating traffic on the roads, beach, boardwalk, and waterways, and provide directions and information to tourists and residents.

Successful candidates must have the ability to swim and to work in a marine environment. After the initial application review, candidates will be scheduled for an interview.

Disqualifiers:

The following is a listing of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please give consideration to these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History: Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations: Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs: Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult. Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.

Official City Job Description:

There is no official City job description for this position.

Working Conditions:

There is no working conditions statement for this position.

Minimum Requirements:

Completion of high school; minimum age of 18 years; successful completion of a background investigation including review of criminal history; successful completion of interview.

Additional Requirements:

DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required

Attachments Required: Letter of Reference (character or professional)

Preferences:

Completion of some college level coursework in criminal justice administration or related field with a goal of entering the law enforcement profession.
Completion of National Association of State Boating Law Administrators boating course
Completion of US Coast Guard boating safety education course
Possess any swimming/water safety certifications (through Red Cross, YMCA, or any other state/nationally recognized association)
US Power Squadron, or equivalent basic boating skills course
Experience with boating
Experience as a lifeguard/swim coach/swim team member