How to become a Parking Officer
Parking officers patrol on-street and off-street parking areas to ensure parking spaces and time allocations are shared among users, as required by law.
Personal requirements for a Parking Officer
- Maturity
- Able to walk for long periods and bend
- Able to deal politely and at times firmly with members of the public
- Good communication and conflict resolution skills
- Enjoy working outdoors and willing to work in all types of weather
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job.
Duties & Tasks of a Parking Officer
Parking officers may perform the following tasks:
- Give parking and general advice and information to visitors, businesses, residents and motorists
- Conduct street patrols in accordance with parking plans
- Use handheld devices to issue and manage parking infringements, and provide data on revenue and parking usage
- Check for proper use of permits in special use zones (zones for disabled or residential parking, for example) and loading zones
- Operate boom gates and process payments at off-street facilities
- Contribute evidence to court cases (when necessary)
- Assist police with enquiries about such things as stolen or abandoned vehicles, and in relation to behavior in public places, including issues of vandalism, arson, graffiti or violence
- Assist with asset maintenance of parking equipment, including ticketing machines, lighting, boom gates and signage
- Assist council with asset management of roads, paths, signs, street furniture, rubbish and recycling bins, and with enforcement of laws relating to litter and pollution.
Working conditions for a Parking Officer
Parking officers work outdoors in changing weather conditions and without direct supervision. Parking officers may spend most of their day walking and standing. They wear uniforms, and may be required to work overtime and shifts, including nights and weekends. They have a considerable amount of contact with the public. They use handheld technology and work with the law and regulatory enforcement.
Specializations
Parking Officer
Parking officers patrol on-street and off-street parking areas to ensure parking spaces and time allocations are shared among users, as required by law.
