How to Become a Parking Enforcement Officer
Parking enforcement officers, or parking attendants, are responsible for completing a wide variety of tasks on a daily basis including enforcing parking regulations, collecting coins from meters and maintaining records. If you want to become a parking enforcement officer, fulfill the necessary requirements in your area and get hired by a local agency.
- Contact the local government to find out what requirements you must complete before you can be legally hired as a parking enforcement officer. The exact requirements for becoming a parking attendant vary depending on location. Many states require candidates to pass civil service exams or complete training programs. The basic educational requirement is usually a high school diploma or the equivalent, but many agencies prefer hiring candidates that have law enforcement training.
- Pass any required exams. If you have to pass a civil service exam before you can apply for work as a parking enforcement officer, register for the required test as soon as possible. Study the subjects covered by the test in detail before your exam, and do practice tests available online.
- Get hired. There are several different ways you can get a job as a parking attendant. Call up your local parking enforcement agencies to inquire about job opportunities. If there are currently no openings, you can enter another civil service field, and transfer to a parking enforcement agency in the future. If you find that your lack of experience is a problem, seek internship or mentorship opportunities. You may be able to get a job working with other parking enforcement officers until you gain experience and are able to work on your own.