Location:

Isla Vista Community Services District

970 Embarcadero del Mar Suite 101

Isla Vista, CA 93117

Islavistacsd.ca.gov

WAGE RANGE:  

$22.91/hr

10-15 hours/week 

SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY 

Regular shifts include:

• Weekends: mornings and early afternoons (before 3:00 p.m.)
• Select weekdays:  afternoons and evenings (after 3:00 p.m.)

Candidates must be available for weekend morning shifts, weekday afternoon/evening shifts, or both. Please indicate your availability in your application. Schedules are set in advance and may vary to accommodate special events.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation following a conditional offer of employment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a designated vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Parking Ambassador plays a key role in advancing the Isla Vista Community Services District’s mission to reduce illegal parking, promote sustainability through discouraging car ownership, and enhance the livability and safety of Isla Vista. Working under the direction of the Public Works and Sustainability Director and Parking Compliance Project Manager, the Parking Ambassador assists with day-to-day operations and ensures the successful delivery of the Parking Enforcement Program.

The position requires impartial judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and professional during challenging interactions. The Parking Ambassador must apply parking regulations consistently, without favoritism or personal bias, while treating all members of the public with dignity and respect.

IVCSD VISION STATEMENT

For Isla Vista, by Isla Vista, building the community we deserve.

ABOUT THE IVCSD

Isla Vista is a vibrant, close-knit oceanside community in Santa Barbara County, renowned for its youthful energy and adventurous residents. The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) was established in 2017 (pursuant to Government Code § 61250), following decades of local efforts toward self-governance. As an unincorporated community, IVCSD is the first local government body dedicated to addressing the unique needs of its residents.

The IVCSD oversees a diverse range of programs and services designed to enhance quality of life, including public safety initiatives, a rental housing mediation program, community beautification efforts, compost collection services, and more. Our budget reflects our commitment to these critical services and ongoing community development.

Our team consists of dedicated staff supported by a network of contractors and community partners. Together, we work to foster a connected, sustainable, and thriving Isla Vista.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Patrol all public parking areas. 
• Identify and objectively document parking violations, issue warnings or citations using handheld technology in accordance with established policies, and maintain accurate enforcement records. Apply regulations fairly and consistently, regardless of personal relationships, community affiliation, or pressure from others.
• Educate the public on parking regulations, policies, and community expectations to promote voluntary compliance through tabling and door to door engagement.
• Monitor and promptly report hazardous conditions such as flooding, obstructions in the public right of way, damaged pavement, or other safety risks to the appropriate department or entity.
• As time allows, monitor and document or report beautification and code enforcement issues, including broken glass, graffiti, overflowing trash bins, and instances of illegal dumping.
• Operate the department’s E-Bike, citation devices, mobile printer, and other specialized equipment safely and responsibly.
• Respond to public questions and complaints through active listening, clear explanations, and respectful communication. Use de-escalation techniques to manage difficult interactions, maintain professional boundaries, and recognize when to disengage or request supervisory assistance.
• Collaborate with other community departments and stakeholders (CHP, SBSO, County Public Works, etc.) to ensure coordinated responses to parking and traffic-related issues.
• Attend all required training regarding equipment use, data entry, de escalation, etc.
• Assist with providing information or documentation for the back end of ticket processing as necessary.
• Assist with gathering information and providing testimony for citation appeals as needed.

OTHER DUTIES: To support IVCSD operations other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned. This position must be available for flexible scheduling, including weekends, evenings, or special event coverage, as needed. Regular night time and weekend shifts are an expected part of this role.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Google Drive for storage; Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Sites for collaboration.
• Some knowledge of local government in California is preferred but not required.
• Some knowledge of California Vehicle Code is preferred but not required.

SKILL/ABILITY TO:

• Learn how to operate parking enforcement equipment.
• Learn and apply the California Vehicle Code and local parking regulations.
• Explain parking requirements and available options clearly and respectfully to individuals who may be frustrated or disagree with an enforcement action.
• Use active listening, a calm tone, and non-threatening body language to reduce tension and encourage cooperation.
• Maintain composure when faced with criticism or confrontation and recognize when an interaction requires additional assistance.
• Operate the District’s E-Bike for parking enforcement activities.
• Work within a collaborative environment.
• Engage with a wide variety of audiences.
• Analyze effectiveness of programs.
• Write strongly, clearly, and effectively for both external communication and internal communication

The Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrates integrity, fairness, and accountability, with the ability to serve the community without favoritism or personal bias.
• Balances a friendly, approachable demeanor with the confidence to maintain professional boundaries and follow established policies.
• Demonstrates patience and empathy while remaining calm, objective, and respectful during difficult conversations.
• Has the willingness to understand and be a part of Isla Vista’s unique community culture.
• Can work independently as needed, in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities/tasks.
• Keeps internal matters confidential.
• Speaks Spanish (preferred but not required).
• Works well with a wide array of partners including other government agencies, students, nonprofits, businesses, property owners, and community groups.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION 

Some completed coursework leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate is preferred but not required.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Recruitment Opens:       November 3rd, 2026

Deadline for Applications:   November 17th, 2026

Invitations to Interview:    November 17th, 2026

Interviews Conducted:   November 18th-20th 2026

Target Hire Date:      November 30th, 2026

HOW TO APPLY:

Fill out the following application by November 17th, 2026: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtlActgM-fV3MTKxAgXEDMaSATMOGsipWDmM8IHXjyi8K6kg/viewform 

All employees of the IVCSD are public servants of Isla Vista and represent a community investment in good governance. As such, employees shall strive to be efficient in their service and conduct themselves professionally and courteously in all dealings with the public and fellow employees. IVCSD Interim Employee Handbook

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

This is a non-exempt, at-will position. Employment with the Isla Vista Community Services District is not for a specified term and may be terminated by either the District or the employee at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, in accordance with applicable law.

The Isla Vista Community Services District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.