Seasonal Assistant - Police Department

Job Title: Seasonal Assistant

Department: Police Department

Contract/Grade: Personnel Policies, Schedule B

Compensation: Full pay range $15.00 - $50.00, actual salary dependent upon qualifications.

FLSA Status: Part-time, non-exempt, non-benefit eligible

Reports To:  Chief of Police, Sergeants and Lieutenants

1.  Nature of Work:  The purpose of this position is to direct and control traffic to ensure its smooth and safe flow. A Traffic Guard must demonstrate a firm commitment to carrying out assignments in a competent, timely and professional manner. The power of the Traffic Guard is strictly limited to the direction, control, and regulation of vehicular traffic. Such power shall only be exercised when in uniform and only while performing an official assignment given by the Police Department (The Department).

2.  Supervision Required:  Works under the general direction of the Police Chief or designee a Traffic Guard is utilized, at the sole discretion of the Police Chief, to direct traffic and facilitate the smooth flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Upon request by a Police Officer, a Traffic Guard shall support, aid, and assist Police Officers in the lawful performance of their officer duties, within the scope of Traffic Guard duties as outlined in this job description.

3.  Supervisory Responsibility:  The Traffic Guard does not have supervisory responsibility over other personnel.

4.  Confidentiality:  Employee has regular access at the departmental to a wide variety of confidential information including citizen records, criminal investigations, and court records.  Confidentiality must be maintained with regard to this information in accordance with Departmental Policy, State and Federal Laws, and the Public Records Act.

5.  Accountability:  Consequences of errors or poor judgment could severely jeopardize department operations and the delivery of public safety services, have adverse public relations and/or have extensive financial and legal repercussions to the town, property damage, personal injury and/or loss of life. A Traffic Guard is responsible for public and worker safety in high-risk environments and the proper set up and maintenance of traffic control devices. Must follow all legal and safety protocols. Errors in judgement or negligence can lead to accidents, injuries, and/or legal consequences. A Traffic Guard must report incidents and follow chain-of-command procedures.

6. Judgment:   A Traffic Guard must use sound judgment to assess traffic conditions and adjust control measures. Respond to emergencies or unexpected hazards. Communicate effectively with drivers, pedestrians, work crew, and Police Officers. Requires the ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick, safety focused decisions.

7. Complexity: Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions, and unusual circumstances; evaluating compliance with established policies or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts.  While the duties of a Traffic Guard may appear to be routine, the role involves being able to multitask (monitoring traffic, communicating, adjusting signage). Adapting to changing conditions (weather, traffic volume, emergencies). Having clear understanding in applying traffic regulations and department policy.

8.  Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:  Employee interacts constantly with co-workers, the public and groups or individuals who have conflicting opinions or objectives, diverse points of view or differences direct and frequent interaction with the general public, including: drivers navigating through or around controlled areas, pedestrians crossing streets or walking near work zones, residents or business owners affected by traffic disruptions. Contact is often brief but critical, occurring in high-stress or fast-paced environments. Purpose of contact is to ensure public safety, provide information, enforce compliance and represent the Duxbury Police Department. Excellent communication and customer service skills are required involving professionalism, courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in resolving complaints or concerns of the public and in carrying out the required functions of the position. Communication style required; clear, calm, assertive, non-confrontational even when dealing with upset or impatient individuals. Ability to remain composed and respectful under pressure at all times.

9.  Essential Functions:  The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

• Directs and coordinates traffic around construction sites, during parades or emergencies using hand signals and signs at assigned locations, including manually directing traffic, operating traffic signal controls and placing and retrieving traffic cones and barricades to safely direct and control traffic flow as directed.
• Traffic Guards shall be familiar with and conduct duties in accordance with the individual project’s Construction Zone Safety Plan; shall obey, without reservation, the regulations of the department and all lawful commands of Police Officers.
• Upon request by a Police Officer, Traffic Guards shall support, aid, and assist Police Officers in the lawful performance of their official duties, within the scope of Traffic Guard duties as outlined in this job description.
• Observes and reports hazardous conditions/situations to the appropriate designated Police contact.
• Answer questions regarding detours and renders assistance to motorists when appropriate on duty and where appropriate.
• Assists the public with information regarding directions, street locations, etc.
• Communicates with other Traffic Guards, officers & construction personnel at the construction site.
• Shall remain at the assigned location for the hours scheduled or until relieved.
• Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
• Communicate orally and in writing. 

10.  Recommended Minimum Qualifications

High school graduate, ability to complete training consistent with, certification by The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) or similar instruction in traffic control (retired Police Officers may have this requirement waived), and valid Massachusetts Driver’s License. Must be CPR certified and have basic knowledge of first aid.

11. Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Knowledge:  Comprehensive knowledge of Town of Duxbury traffic and parking bylaws, hand traffic signals, signs, cone/traffic patterns, and manual operation of traffic signals with little to no supervision during the course of the assignment. An initial traffic management class will be required for all Traffic Control Agents not formally Police Officers; the Town’s geography, streets, and businesses are required. Knowledge of the project management plan when working at construction locations..

Abilities:  Ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with construction crews, Police Officers, motoring and pedestrian and the general public, governmental agencies, coworkers, other town employees, often in highly stressful situations.  Ability to greet drivers and pedestrians with a friendly, outgoing manner and to interact with a diverse population is essential carry out required duties and responsibilities firmly, professionally, and impartially.  Basic computer skills. 

Skill:  Strong attention to detail, assertiveness, clear communication, use of hand signals, identifying traffic patterns and manual operation of traffic signals; strong organizational skills to set up cones and maintain traffic patterns around construction sites. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

12.  Work Environment:  Work environment requires a high degree of individual tolerance to combinations of extremely unpleasant elements or mental stress from urgent time and attention demands of the utmost priority.  The nature of the physical environment may be such that the employee’s personal well-being and/or safety are constantly compromised. Majority of work is performed outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes and inclement weather.

13.  Occupational Risk:  Duties regularly involve present frequent, recurring exposure to hazardous conditions associated with construction sites and working with/around moving traffic and to extreme weather conditions. Moderate to high noise levels resulting from construction equipment and machinery, as well as traffic..  Job frequently entails the possibility for serious injury or exposure to conditions that could result in total permanent disability or loss of life; work is performed in emergency situations.  Extreme care and safety precautions are required at all times.

14. Physical and Mental Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods of time, sit, talk, hear, walk on uneven terrain, run, use hands to handle or feel objects; and reach with hands and arms.  Regularly climbs, stoops, crouches, kneels, and climbs.  Vision and hearing must be at or correctable to normal ranges. Specific vision abilities include medium and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors. Traffic Guards are required to detect odors.  Frequently lifts up to 30 pounds, rarely lifts or moves up to 50 pounds.  Strenuous physical effort is required when needed to defend, apprehend, suppress, and control suspects.

15. Motor Skills: Duties involve close hand and eye coordination, and physical dexterity Quick reflexes are important, must be alert to oncoming traffic and potential hazards.

16. Visual Demands: Visual demands include (with or without corrective lenses) to monitor traffic and reading signs.  Vision must be at or correctable to normal ranges. Specific vision abilities, include medium, and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors.

17. Hearing Demands: Must be at or correctable to normal range to be able to hear approaching vehicles, respond quickly to audible safety warnings. Be able to use and hear two-way radio communication and require the ability to distinguish speech over background noise.