Downtown Ambassador Overview

Thank you for your interest in joining El Cajon CDC’s Downtown Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are an important asset due to their high profile presence on the streets of downtown El Cajon and their frequent interaction with the downtown community. If hired as an Ambassador, you will be a representative of the El Cajon CDC and will be expected to present a helpful and enthusiastic attitude at all times. The following is intended to provide a basic understanding of the Downtown Ambassador Program.

Schedule and Training

In additional to normal business hours, Ambassadors may be assigned to work in the early morning, evenings and on weekends and/or holidays for routine coverage as well as special events. Ambassadors will be required to attend weekly Ambassador meetings and/or training. Ambassadors are paid for staff meetings and training. Additional training may be scheduled throughout the month or prior to an event.

Training topics include:

• Customer Service
• Communication and Radio Protocol
• Vehicle Use and Procedures
• Activity Logs
• Community Interaction and Referrals
• Special Events
• Artistic and historic points of interest
• Downtown Business Relations

Equipment and Safety

Serving as an Ambassadors means being outside and around visitors and businesses during your shift. A clean, neat appearance is essential to this job and important for people to feel comfortable approaching you for assistance. Ambassadors will be issued a logo polo shirt and a hat to wear while working. Ambassadors are required to purchase their own navy pants to wear while on duty as part of the uniform. Here are some guidelines for your uniform:

• Shirts must always be tucked into the pants.
• Ambassadors must wear pants that reach their shoe (no capris).
• Shoes should be sturdy and comfortable for long periods of walking. Sandals are not allowed.
• Remember that you are going to be outside and walking a lot so make sure that you are comfortable and protected from the sun.
• In keeping with El Cajon CDC’s intent to provide a safe and inviting environment, smoking or any other use of tobacco is prohibited while on duty.

Functions and Role

Downtown Ambassadors are committed to providing service, guidance and an overall friendly atmosphere to increase safety and pride in downtown El Cajon. Ambassadors are part of a hospitality team, providing service and a sense of comfort to the workers, shoppers, and visitors to the downtown area.

Ambassadors...

• Provide visitors with useful directions and maps
• Help shoppers locate a business or service
• Provide information on parking Downtown
• Provide social service information to people in need
• Identify and report hazards
• Help keep Downtown clean
• Share a smile and a watchful eye

Ambassador training includes learning about downtown amenities such as cultural history, merchants, and special events so that you will be prepared to help people find parking, restaurants, and attractions. In addition to creating a safe and inviting downtown through positive public relations, you will report any observed crime or suspicious activity to the El Cajon Police Department and work with specific departments within the City of El Cajon to solve problems.

To satisfy the diverse needs of the downtown property owners, employees, visitors, etc. Ambassadors must function as a team whose primary goal is to make others feel safe and informed. As a part of our teamwork philosophy, we must communicate openly with each other at all times. Should you face a problem that requires special attention, we will all be ready to listen. Teamwork also means bring punctual and reliable.

We expect Ambassadors to perform their duties fully and enthusiastically at all times. During challenging situations, you will be expected to maintain a calm, professional demeanor and call or seek out help when needed.

Here are some commonly asked questions about your role as an Ambassador:

• Can Ambassadors physically detain and arrest people?
  No. Ambassadors are not permitted to physically detain individuals neither while in the commission of a crime nor individuals suspected of committing a crime. Should a crime be reported to, or witnessed by an Ambassador he or she will immediately ensure that the El Cajon Police Department is notified and will continue observing the individual if it can be done safely.

• Can Ambassadors call the police on a merchant’s behalf?
  Yes. Ambassadors may call the police for situations that call for law enforcement, but Ambassadors should encourage the complainant or victim to call ECPD dispatch directly. This procedure reduces the possibility of miscommunication between victim and responding officers. It also allows the Ambassador on scene to keep an eye on the suspect and coordinate other staff into observation points. Note: Should an Ambassador witness a crime he or she will call ECPD directly.

• Can Ambassadors physically remove disorderly patrons from a store?
  No. Unless in the act of defending ones self from harm, Ambassadors are never to place their hands on an individual. The removal of individuals from a business is the duty of the ECPD. Ambassadors will stand by with the proprietor and assist in notifying the proper authorities.

• Are Ambassador radios directly linked to the Police?
  No. The Ambassador radios communicate to each other and to the office at 168 East Main Street. An Ambassador can make calls to the police department from the cell phones they carry.

• Do Ambassadors work if it is raining?
  During inclement weather, Ambassadors will be provided with jackets and will be expected to continue their routine during light to moderate rain showers or cold weather. Ambassadors should return to the office during dangerous weather such as thunderstorms, storm warnings and/or watches, extremely cold weather, etc.

Application Steps

This is a part-time position, and you may work between 20-30 hours per week. You must have at least three years of full-time work experience and good driving record. Ambassadors start at $9.50 per hour with an increase to $10.00 per hour after successfully completing the first 90 days of employment.

Again, thank you for your interest in El Cajon’s Downtown Ambassador Program. Upon receipt of your completed application, you may be called in for a screening interview and then first and second interviews. If the committee determines that you are both qualified and a strong match for this job position, we will check your references before an offer of employment is made.

Download an Employment Application (PDF)