Parks Ranger

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting with park safety and security, educating and informing the public of park rules, regulations and city ordinances, securing grounds and facilities each evening and serving as a park ambassador assisting the public with questions, concerns, directions, information on park facilities, programs, events, activities, and other park functions.  Be highly visible on park grounds and facilities, reporting and deterring vandalism, deterring and reporting unruly behavior, assisting with shelter reservations, and other general park safety, security, and informational operations as necessary. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Non-law enforcement position, general grounds and facility safety and security.
• Serve as a park ambassador; promoting safety, security, and an employee park users can feel comfortable approaching to ask questions, to receive general park information, directions, etc.   
• Educate, promote and inform park users at all parks of rules, regulations, and applicable city ordinances.   
•  Working varying shifts, but primarily evenings and weekends when daily maintenance crews are not onsite.
• Travels from park to park in a provided vehicle throughout the city a minimum of 2 times per shift (more if needed, directed to and/or if time allows) and performs a thorough sweep and inspection of all park grounds and facilities.
• Inspecting shelters & enforcing capacity limits, inspecting restrooms, playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, picnic areas, parking lots, walking trails, maintenance areas, dog park, and other park grounds and facilities for unsafe conditions, unruly behavior, vandalism, overall safety and security, large groups without permits at shelters, athletic facilities or other park areas. 
•  Keep park supervisors and park administration advised of potential safety issues, security concerns, non-compliance of park rules and regulations, vandalism issues, park patron complaints or safety concerns, etc. 
• Answer questions, give directions, provide park information on areas, facilities, events, programs and other activities to park patrons as necessary.   
•  Assist park administration staff with posting park facility rental information, safety and informational signage, or other tasks as necessary.
• Expected to approach park patrons not following rules and regulations and use discretion to inform and educate in a calm and reasonable manner. 
• The Park Ranger should use caution and is not expected to approach potentially dangerous situations, individuals, or groups.  If conditions warrant and is deemed necessary by the ranger, they may contact law enforcement, EMS, etc. to address any potential and/or immediate dangerous situation or situation the ranger does not feel comfortable addressing.
• Contact Park Supervisors for issues found on park grounds or facilities.  Deputy Parks Director and Parks Director will serve as back up contacts.   
• Other duties as assigned and/or necessary.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

•  Is able to convey a positive image to the public and stay calm during potential difficult situations.
• Able to clearly and effectively communicate to the public in a calm and reasonable manner. 
• Manages resources to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recognizes the need and effectively educates and informs park users of rules, regulations and applicable city ordinances.
• Ability to work cooperatively with people of diverse cultural identities.