Salem partners with a number of different courts to allow the public to do court-ordered community service by completing projects in City parks. Community service workers must be 18 or older to participate in the program. If you are looking for opportunities for minors, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Court Ordered Community Service Check-in Information Download

Reporting for Service

Clients must arrive on time and be prepared to work eight hours. People who are late will not be allowed to work that day. When you report for community service, you’ll need to know which court ordered your hours. You will also need to sign in on the appropriate clip board. Because this affects how your service hours are reported, please ask if you are unsure how to sign in.

Monday – Friday
On weekdays, you must report to the Parks Operations office no later than 7:00 a.m. Report to the following location:

1457 23rd St. SE
Salem, OR 97302

Weekday working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays
On weekends, you must report by 7:00 a.m. to the following location:

1457 23rd St. SE
Salem, OR 97302

Weekend work is limited to six clients.

Weekend working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Parking

Please park in the parking lot on 22nd Street through Gate #1, or on Oxford Street. (download map)

Dress Code and Supplies

Community service in Salem Parks is manual labor, so wear long pants or long shorts and a work shirt. Proper work shoes or work boots are required. Clients work rain or shine, so bring appropriate rain gear and a warm jacket if the weather is bad.

Bring your own lunch and any necessary medications. For instance, you may want to bring sunscreen, allergy medicine, aspirin, or cold medication if necessary. Once work crews head out, they don’t return until quitting time.

Rules for Community Service Clients

  • Do not wear sandals.
  • Clothes with vulgar words or pictures are not allowed.
  • Headphones and earbuds are not allowed.
  • Cell phones may be used during lunch and break times only.

Worker Responsibilities

It is your responsibility to show up at the right work site at the correct time and date agreed upon. If you leave the job site early without permission or previous approval, it will be treated as a no show/no call, and you won’t get work credit for the day. If you show up not dressed appropriately and not prepared to work a full shift, you will be asked to return the next day prepared for work.

Work Ethic

You are expected to conduct yourself as if you are Public Works Department employee. You must do your work in a timely and efficient manner, and take breaks and lunches at the proper time. If you don’t exert enough effort, you will be warned. If you continue to not exert enough effort, you may be asked to leave the job site, and you won’t get credit for that day. You might not be allowed to return to work in the future to perform community service.

Time Sheets

It’s your responsibility to make sure that your time is documented at the end of the day. Sign the correct time sheet for your court. No time recorded is the same as not working.

No Drugs, Alcohol, or Smoking

Under no circumstances will you consume alcohol or be under the influence of any illegal substance while working for the Public Works Department.

Smoking is only allowed during lunch and breaks in permitted areas. Smoking is not permitted in City vehicles.

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding. You may be expected to lift up to 50 pounds and bend or stoop all day.