Marine Patrol Police Officer (Certified) bei Town of Bay Harbor Islands, FL

About the Department

WORK OBJECTIVE: 

Under the supervision of the assigned Sergeant, performs marine law enforcement work and protects life and property within the jurisdiction of the Town of Bay Harbor Islands.   Normal duties are performed according to established policies and procedures to preserve peace, maintain civil order and prevent crime. A Marine Patrol Officer will enforce and follow all federal laws, state laws and ordinances of the Town of Bay Harbor Islands.  In emergencies or unusual circumstances, sound judgment and initiative are required to adopt the best course of action.   Work is subject to review through reports and frequent observation by superiors.  A Marine Patrol Officer will answer directly to the on-duty supervisor.

Exercises independent judgment and is totally accountable for executing all duties ethically and within the confines of the law and the established policies of the Town of Bay Harbor Islands Police Department. Participates in special unit activities or programs as assigned. Reports to the assigned on-duty supervisor.

Position Duties

Responsibilities require consistent attention and commitment to the agency's mission. All assigned duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an effective, efficient, and safe manner. The jobholder must accept the responsibility to support and promote this organization's mission and comply with its directives. Personal conduct and behavior (on duty as well as off duty) must be such that it does not bring disrepute or unnecessarily endanger the public's trust or confidence in the agency or its members.

Other essential responsibilities are the ability to recall facts or information; describe persons, things, events; read and comprehend information-consistent with prevailing or accepted standards of the position; prepare written reports/take notes; print/write legibly; apply mathematical skills; operate radio equipment/follow radio procedures; attain and maintain weapons proficiency; and apply listening skills. This position requires a high level of problem-solving ability, self-initiative, and the ability and willingness to work most of the time without direct supervision. Successful performers are those who are capable and willing to make decisions that are consistently in line with the agency's mission, goals, and objectives.

The duties of the Marine Patrol Officer include but are not limited to: Perform various police and law enforcement activities related to marine patrol and road patrol. Enforces maritime laws,  and ordinances and provides high-visibility patrol in the town’s waterways and roadways, investigates boating accidents and related crime scenes, and promotes boating education and safety to the vessel operators in the area. Responding to calls for service, patrolling to deter and detect crime, investigating complaints, citing and/or arresting law violators, following up on pending reports and cases, preparing and/or serving civil processes and arrest warrants, protecting persons and property, securing/protecting prisoners, directing and controlling boat movement, inquiring into records and warrants files, and responding to citizens' calls for service. When not responding to calls for service, the incumbent is expected to use self-directed work time in an efficient manner by self-initiating work on those tasks identified by supervisory personnel as priorities for this job position. Officers shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned by their superiors.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Must have successfully completed Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Basic Law Enforcement Certification or Equivalency of Training, and hold an Active Law Enforcement Certificate. 
• Minimum of Five (5) years of Active Law Enforcement Patrol Experience.
• USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License is preferred.
• Specialized Marine Patrol Training/Certification required.
• Marine Law Enforcement Experience required.
• Jet Ski experience required.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including firearms, automobile, water craft, office equipment, radio, telephone, etc. Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, run. Must be physically fit and able to defend oneself from attack or physical assault. Must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights. Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions.
• Data Conception:   Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
• Interpersonal Communication:  Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors, and giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.
• Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, letters and memos; work orders, diagrams, drawings, studies, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, permits, records, purchase orders, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
• Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.
• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including accounting, mechanical and natural science terminology.
• Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.
• Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
• Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using hand and power tools. Must be able to operate a vehicle safely.
• Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as hand and power tools.  Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
• Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
• Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
• Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via a telephone and two-way radio.
• Knowledge of Job: Has general knowledge of the standard practices, materials, tools, and equipment employed in park operations and maintenance. Has some knowledge of Town provisions, law, ordinances and policies pertaining to care of park equipment and properties. Has some knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to the work. Is skilled in the use and care of the tools, equipment and materials employed in the work. Is able to prepare and maintain routine work records and reports. Is able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in dealings with the public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all Town departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.
• Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Examples of Work Functions.”
• Dependability:  Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, Town policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
• Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to Town policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.
• Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
• Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
• Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with Town policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the Town.
• Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and Town benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all Town employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain goodwill toward the Town and project a good Town image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain goodwill within the Town. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisors, professionals and the general public.
• Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
• Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the Town and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed above, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions in order to perform this job successfully.

Other Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and initiative.
• Ability to make sound decisions in both routine and/or crucial situations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Advanced knowledge of writing and reading reports, forms, records, and comparable data where interpretation is required. 
• Ability to carry out detailed and often complicated instructions to deal with problems with multiple variables. 
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, county, and local laws.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in the performance of departmental duties and investigations.
• Advanced knowledge of computer and technical skills i/e: Microsoft word, Excel, Microsoft Office, CAD, and other related systems.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with town officials and residents. 
• Ability to demonstrate resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other public law enforcement, fire and emergency medical care services, other employees, and the public. 
• Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to prepare and inspect written documents or work products or operate machinery.
• Knowledge of the geography of the Town.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The primary responsibility will be marine patrol work in a patrol vessel or police duties on the scene; limited office work is involved. Tasks are performed in outdoor environments. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include the potential for considerable exposure to disagreeable elements, e.g., heat, humidity, and inclement weather. Some tasks include working with persons in distress, where heightened awareness of surroundings and observance of established safety precautions is essential in preserving life and property. Some tasks include working around moving mechanical parts where physical risks are predictable and/or controllable by observance of standard safety precautions. Work conditions vary by shift. Must be available to work on weekends and evenings. Most tasks are performed outdoors while working from a police cruiser and patrol boat. Few tasks require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy loads. The incumbent should possess the ability to perceive movement and depth of field, detect smells, discern most colors, however, distinguishing between red, amber, green, and blue is a mandatory requirement, and have manual and finger dexterity. Flexibility is important because of the need frequently to enter and exit vehicles, inspect buildings, climb over and around obstacles, suddenly move out of the way of dangers, etc. Mental alertness is very important because of the need to make fine discriminations and decisions concerning subtle cues of impending danger or to discover inconsistencies in witnesses' or suspects' statements, etc. Physical and mental demands may change dramatically within a few seconds and tax the maximum of human endurance.

Therefore, incumbents must maintain a physical and mental state of fitness and readiness that will enable them to handle (with minimal force and often without backup) recurrent contacts and involvements with dangerous and potentially dangerous people, animals and equipment.

DISCLAIMER: INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions. Well constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system. 

All descriptions have been prepared in an attempt to illustrate the jobs functions and basic duties, in addition to ‘peripheral tasks’ or that could generally be considered “other duties as assigned”. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to illustrate the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. 

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Bay Harbor Islands provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.