Real opportunity, as per published advertisement: "The Town of Christiansburg is now accepting applications for the part-time position of Parking Enforcement Officer. Duties include monitoring downtown parking limits by active foot patrol, issuing parking notices, obtaining warrants for delinquent fines, directing traffic at school zones, and assisting with other operations as necessary. Flexible hours. 24-32 hours per week. $10/hour. Application paperwork and job description available at Christiansburg Police Department, 10 East Main Street, ATTN Capt. O'Rourke, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Applications must be received by Friday, January 23, 2009 at 5:00 pm to be considered. EEOC."
So, the job incumbent can earn a minimum of $12,480 to a maximum of $16,640 a year working 4 to 6 hours a day, presumably Monday through Saturday (don't want to ticket Sunday worshipers). Benefits such as paid holidays, vacation, retirement, or medical insurance are uncertain. If provided, this adds cost to the town over and above the employer's FICA matching contributions, workers compensation, and unemployment "insurance." Qualifications, other than being ambulatory and able to write, are not detailed.
The Town Council has not determined or directed publication of (via website, posted signage, bi-monthly water/sewer bills or any media outlet) what downtown parking limits or fines will be. One wonders whether there has been any dialog between town administration and the county operated public schools relative to the town's new task of directing traffic in those zones.
Why is this occurring less than 24 months after council directed parking meters be removed, concurrent with road construction and installation of new sidewalks and lights along three blocks of West Main? Because people abuse short term parking around the county courthouse. And the county gets a Conditional Use Permit to build a new parking structure, even though reasonable people realize the town's own small municipal lot across from the new court's front door will be filled up with these scoffolds and its own employees. Driving through today, there were only six vacant spots in the town lot anyway, and nothing open along East Main. In the past, downtown parking was rarely enforced -- which was a good thing, because half the time the meters didn't work. There must be a real problem present to exchange $3000 meter revenue for a $20,000 expense (it couldn't be anti-economic development or punitive).
Downtown Christiansburg saw a "grand reopening" this past June. Welcome, and pay your ticket if you overstay. If bus service is expanded in Christiansburg, you might be able to park for free in the acres of vacant mall lots and commute to the downtown area, and forget about the time.