What are the responsibilities and job description for the Urban Park Ranger III position at Highlands Ranch Metro District?
The Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking an experienced Urban Park Ranger III to serve as a field park ranger within the Urban Park Ranger Program. This position is ideal for an experienced park ranger or public safety professional who enjoys working with others while remaining actively engaged in field operations.
This position is an in-the-field position focused on outreach and education, enforcement of rules and regulations for the Metro District, and providing support to Rangers and staff as needed. Full job description is attached.
About the Urban Park Ranger Program
Highlands Ranch Urban Park Rangers are responsible for outreach and education, rules enforcement on more than 2,600 acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, 26 parks, and numerous other recreation facilities. Rangers promote safe and enjoyable public spaces through education, customer service, community engagement, resource stewardship, and consistent enforcement of Metro District rules and regulations.
Rangers conduct proactive patrols, investigate violations, issue warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate, prepare reports and case documentation, work closely with partner agencies, and rely on outreach and education first to resolve public safety and resource protection concerns.
The Urban Park Ranger Program works collaboratively with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners to provide quality services to the Highlands Ranch community.
Your Role
Working alongside fellow rangers, you'll assist the UPR IV and supervisor in training new staff, provide technical expertise, and promote consistency in customer service, rule enforcement, and field decision-making.
What You'll Do
- Promote voluntary compliance through communication, education, and problem-solving.
- Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and exceptional public service.
- Assist in the training of new Rangers while supporting ongoing professional development.
- Patrol parks, trails, open spaces, and District facilities.
- Enforce Metro District rules and regulations through education, warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate.
- Prepare reports, citations, summons, and supporting documentation.
- Respond to visitors’ concerns, complaints, emergencies, and requests for service.
- Provide support to partnering agencies, including Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other partner agencies.
- Assist with special events, emergency response, and operational planning.
- Support UPR IV and supervisors by identifying training needs, recommending process improvements, and promoting consistent field practices.
We're Looking for Someone Who...
- Balances education, customer service, and regulatory enforcement.
- Exercises sound judgment and remains calm under pressure.
- Build trust with coworkers, partner agencies, and the public.
- Communicates professionally and respectfully.
- Takes initiative while supporting the goals of the team.
- Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Experience That Transfers Well
Experience in the following areas is highly valued:
- Park ranger operations
- Public safety
- Visitor services and public engagement
- Rules enforcement
- Report writing and case documentation
- Issuing citations, parking violations, or summonses
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Field training
- Working collaboratively with partner agencies
Why Highlands Ranch?
This is an opportunity to become a respected member of the Highlands Ranch Metro District team within a professional Urban Park Ranger Program that values service, stewardship, and collaboration.
You'll help shape daily operations, assist in training future rangers, and strengthen partnerships with regional public safety agencies, all while remaining actively engaged in the field.
Join Our Team
If you're an experienced field professional who enjoys outreach and education, solving problems, and serving your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Work Schedule
Works a flexible 40-hour week schedule. Work schedule will vary from Monday through Friday with the daily workday varying between 6:00 a.m. to sunset. Work schedules will vary depending on weather conditions, projects, events and programs, meeting and/or staffing levels and will include evenings, early mornings, and weekend hours. May be required to work holidays as staffing needs dictate. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Our Benefits
At Highlands Ranch Metro District, we prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:
Health & Retirement!
- 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
- 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
- 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
- 100% contribution match for the pension plan
- Up to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement plan
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses
Work/life Balance!
- 80 hours of paid sick leave (renewed each year on work anniversary)
- 10 paid holidays in 2025
- 200 hours of medical leave
- 80 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, increasing after five years
Wellness & Improvement!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
- Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
- Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee
Saving, Planning & Other!
- Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
- Generous stipend for personal cell phone and vehicle use
- Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services
Application Information
Visit our career center at highlandsranch.org/apply to see full job description and submit applications.
Applications will be accepted through August 22, 2026.
Pre-employment screening includes background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record check.
Salary : $2,000