Community Protection Officer

Role overview

This is a permanent, full-time Community Protection Officer position with Maldon District Council, delivered in partnership with Essex Shared Services. The role is based in Maldon and includes a hybrid arrangement, with an expectation to work from the office two days each week.

The salary range for this post is £30,599.83 to £32,489.41 per year. The closing date for applications is 21 July 2026.

What the role involves

You will act as a visible and trusted representative of the council in the community, providing a professional and approachable service while helping residents access information and the right support services.

• Carry out community safety duties as an accredited officer and represent the council positively in public-facing situations.
• Offer guidance, information, or referrals to relevant services when members of the public need support.
• Check and resolve operational issues affecting car park machines to help keep services running smoothly.
• Monitor council car parks regularly and take enforcement action where required to maintain compliance.
• Complete parking enforcement patrols for the South Essex Parking Partnership, including engaging with the public and issuing Penalty Charge Notices in line with regulations.
• Undertake speed enforcement patrols on behalf of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership.
• Patrol parks and open spaces, promote compliance with the Public Spaces Protection Order, and address anti-social behaviour when it arises, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate.
• Support and develop work delivered through parish and town council contracts.
• Handle enquiries and escalate complaints to the correct team or external agency.
• Maintain effective working relationships with partners such as South Essex Parking Partnership, Essex Police, and the public.
• Work as part of a shift-based team, including evenings and weekends.

Key accountabilities

• Complete patrols, inspections, and site visits as assigned.
• Carry out enforcement activity when directed.
• Respond to matters such as dog fouling, littering, and anti-social behaviour.
• Report defects found on council-owned land.
• Work safely and follow the council’s health and safety requirements at all times.
• Maintain constructive community relationships and act in the council’s best interests.

Experience and skills required

You should bring a solid educational background along with relevant experience in public-facing, community safety, or enforcement-related work.

• A good standard of education, with at least 5 GCSEs or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of community safety principles and how local authorities approach enforcement and public engagement.
• Strong customer service awareness and a professional, helpful manner.
• Understanding of health and safety in lone-working, patrol, and enforcement settings.
• Awareness of data protection and confidentiality when dealing with public enquiries and enforcement records.
• Experience in a customer-facing environment, preferably in community safety, enforcement, or public service.
• Experience working in the public sector or clear understanding of local authority regulation and governance.
• Experience improving processes so they better meet customer and service needs.
• Experience managing public queries and escalating complaints appropriately.
• Evidence of supporting a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive working culture.
• Confidence using handheld enforcement equipment, radios, and similar mobile technology.
• Strong time management and organisation across multiple patrol areas and duties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for dealing confidently with the public.
• Comfortable using Microsoft applications such as Office 365, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as service systems such as GIS, Uniform, and Academy.
• Ability to stay calm and professional in difficult or confrontational situations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including shift work, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to represent the council well and act as a role model in the community.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational demands.
• A full, clean driving licence is required.

Benefits and working environment

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible and agile working
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Discounted membership at a local gym
• Free parking

Additional information

Maldon District Council describes itself as a local authority where quality of life matters. Its Corporate Plan 2025–2028 guides priorities, decision-making, and resource allocation for the next three years.

The council plays an important role in supporting the district’s development and prosperity and offers a wide range of work across customer-facing, policy, and strategic functions.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults, and disclosure and barring checks will be completed according to the requirements of the role.

Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and the council says applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability, or marital status.

The council is also committed to the employment and career development of disabled people and is accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.

For further information about the role, candidates may contact essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk.

Essex Shared Services is advertising the vacancy on behalf of Maldon District Council, but the successful candidate will be employed directly by Maldon District Council.