COSA FT Park Ranger opening!

South Suburban Parks and Recreation District has an exciting opportunity in the form of a Full Time Park Ranger Position! Come join a tightknit team that is dedicated towards protecting our parks and improving park user experiences. Rangers in our program all get the opportunity to engage in the development and delivery of interpretative programming, mgmt. of invasive species, perform motorized watercraft patrol, limited commission enforcement of rules/park codes, natural resource mgmt., wildlife mgmt., and so much more!

With over 140 parks and over 100 miles of trails, every day is different and exciting for a South Suburban Ranger! This is also an exciting time in our program as we experience new growth, leadership, and we work to develop a team that is focused on safety and collaboration! Click the link below to apply!

https://southsuburban.atsondemand.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=513080.viewjobdetail&CID=513080&JID=808797&&source=Email

Park Ranger

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Salary: $39,245 – $47,056 per year

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations as well as working in wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections, and routine patrol. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting with District user permits and special events and South Platte Park maintenance and resource projects.

Essential Duties:

Directs and supervises the daily work activities of part-time staff and volunteers as assigned.

Administers and adheres to District policies.

Is knowledgeable in law enforcement as it pertains to park and resource management.

Applies knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.

Supervises District volunteers, seasonal crews, youth work projects, and plans and organizes any pertaining to those groups as assigned by the Senior Park Ranger.

Performs long hours of patrol in District parks, trails, open spaces.

Communicates effectively with District staff, the public and other agencies regarding any issues, concerns, needs or requests that are present.

Skillfully operates a vehicle and/or bicycle for patrol purposes.

Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails and open spaces.

Accountable for all patrol functions and inspection of District use permits and enforcement of all park rules and regulations through courtesy contact.

Inspect, monitor and enforce rules and regulations as it pertains to District user permits involving special events and temporary access permits.

Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property and following up through contact and removal evaluation.

Prepares a variety of written reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports and chemical data forms.

Must be able to exercise good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.

Attends pepper spray and baton use training through local law enforcement agency.

Participates in field work pertaining to required maintenance in South Platte Park and other District parks including but not limited to vegetation, wildlife management, playground and park inspections, environmental assessments, trail maintenance, traffic control, and general construction or maintenance.

This position is required to work shifts ranging from morning to evening hours, weekends and holidays.

Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.

Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

Requires an Associate’s Degree in Resource management or related field. Related work experience or past ranger experience may be substituted for some education. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

A minimum of one (1) year of experience in Resource Management and Visitor Services.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

CPR/ First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.

A Chemical applicator license from the Colorado Department of Agriculture within one (1) year of hire is optional. In house training for certification in Collapsible Baton and OC Pepper spray.

Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A general knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques is necessary.

Must be able to communicate effectively to the public and other agencies and be skilled in the area of patrol on bicycle and vehicle use.

Knowledge of safety and emergency first-aid procedures and the ability to perform First Aid and/or CPR.

The ability to successfully establish and maintain a safe environment.

Ability to resolve customer complaints and escalated problems.

Ability to effectively manage employees and volunteers.

Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent communication skills, both written and verbally.

Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.

Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.

Material and Equipment Used :

To successfully perform the required job duties, this position regularly uses a phone, computer, printer, fax, TV projector, and other common office equipment. Use of a police radio, mule work cart with dump bed, ATV and implement pull behind mower, 200 gallon truck sprayer, backpack sprayers, ATV with 30 gallon chemical sprayer, chain saws, line trimmers with saw blades and other hand and power tools, pesticides, hand-held data collection and GPS tools and software, water tanks and trailers, walk behind mowers and live animal traps. This position also uses, operates, and instructs on first-aid supplies and equipment. This position may need to drive a personal vehicle to various District facilities.

Working Environment :

This position requires work in a variety of settings including working indoors and outdoors, daytime and night-time including in dark areas, subject to variable weather conditions, ecosystems, landscape, and wildlife. This position will be working with pesticide chemicals (when needed), power equipment moving mechanical parts and animal traps, and will be subject to the inherent stresses of law enforcement and riding extended hours in a patrol vehicle. Outdoor working environments can be wet, humid, extreme in temperature variations, and loud background noises and may also require biking, canoeing, wading, or swimming in moving water, and handling small animals. Indoor work takes in a busy nature center/office environment subject to continuous interruptions.

Physical Requirements :

Stand, walk/hike long distances, and sit for extended periods. Handles and operates objects and equipment, reaches outward and above shoulder to carry, pull, push or lift up to 50 lbs. and operate a motor vehicle and/or ATV. Pick up small plants and animals. May occasionally climb, crawl, squat, kneel and lift up to 100 lbs. Must be able to see close up and at a distance with vision acuity and the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision. Must communicate clearly and effectively, must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

Employee Benefits & Perks at South Suburban

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision package

Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement packages with employer contribution/match

Free Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off including vacation time, sick leave, personal leave and holidays

District paid life insurance and long term disability

FREE use of District fitness centers and swimming pools

Discounts on recreation classes and golf

Opportunities for training and promotion from within

To view a complete listing of the District’s most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, and a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.

David Hardy, Senior Park Ranger
South Suburban Parks and Recreation
3000 W Carson Dr Littleton, CO 80120
ssprd.org | 303.730.1022 | 303.435.8225 cell