COSA City of Lakewood Park Ranger Recruitment!

JOB SUMMARY

Provides patrol of park properties, enforcement of rules and ordinances, natural resources protection and preservation, and public safety for the park system. Carries out a variety of duties related to park management and environmental education as directed by the Open Space Supervisor.

• Ensures compliance with city park ordinances and rules through public relations, education, verbal warnings, written warnings, or issuance of city citations.
• Provides a recurring patrol presence on all assigned park properties and trails to enforce regulations, provide education and correct safety hazards. Patrols using trucks, ATVs/UTVs, foot, mountain bikes and motorboats
• Informs and educates the public on the natural resources within the facilities and preservation philosophy of the department. Provides information to the public on the natural resources through public relations contacts, education programs, signs and written information.
• Coordinates facility operations such as picnic reservations, special event permitting, campground operations, gate/cashier operations, community service programs, swim beach operations and contract coordination.
• Assists with revenue operations associated with the park entrance, Visitor Center, self-serve stations, and rangers/campground hosts. Prepares deposits and assists with daily and monthly revenue reports.
• Provides leadership to variable staff to include rangers, gate employees and aquatic nuisance staff. May directly supervise variable staff as assigned to include hiring, scheduling, and performance reviews.
• Provides a safe environment for recreation through upkeep of the facilities, patrol presence, regulation enforcement, educating the public through public relation contacts, signs, and written information.
• Manages and supervises operation of the beach facility, including water quality assurance, signage, beach patrol, and regulation enforcement.
• Manages public use aspects of the campground, including signage, firewood/pass sales, rules enforcement and supervision of the volunteer campground hosts.
• Effectively responds to emergencies and coordinates response with West Metro Fire, Lakewood Police and other responding agencies. Provides first aid, rescue, wildland firefighting and other emergency operations within training.
• Assists with and supports park educational programs and events, and directly presents programs when needed. Provides formal trail and park safety educational programs.
• Must maintain and utilize City-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when conducting activities where the employee is exposed to risks above those encountered in a traditional office setting. If injured on-the-job due to failure to utilize PPE a safety violation can be taken.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received: Open Space Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: Provides leadership to variable staff

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with course work in fields related to natural resources, parks and recreation, or park enforcement.
• Experience: Three or more years’ experience in a natural resource’s management field including experience as a park ranger.

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Valid driver’s license, with good driving record, background check and finger printing required.
• Must have or attain within one-year of hiring and maintain:
  • First responder or higher Medical Certification (EMT preferred), Firefighter Type II (Red Card), Lakewood Water Rescue Specialist certification (includes swift water, boat operation and lifeguard skills) or approved equivalent certification, Ice Rescue Certification, State Boat Inspector Certification, Collapsible Baton and Pepper Spray Certification, Incident Command courses equivalent to I100, 200, 700 , 800 and Criminal Justice Information System certification. Certified Interpretive Guide Certification preferred.

• Installs and removes park signs as needed. Sets and moves buoy markers.
• Maintenance responsibilities include trash pick-up, emptying trash, cleaning restrooms, upkeep of patrol equipment, boats, police radios & vehicles. Occasional duties also include facility repair, vandalism removal, and other maintenance projects as assigned.
• May be assigned responsibilities is the following areas: construction and maintenance of nature trails and multiple use trails; noxious weed control; restoration; wildlife management, or other natural resource management duties and projects.
• Coordinates oversight and enforcement activities related to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Program.
• Assists in the coordination and oversight of public use related volunteers, including the Lakewood Volunteer Park Patrol, and will occasionally lead volunteers on park projects.
• Advises, assists, and coordinates various duties related to park maintenance as needed.
• Knowledge of City ordinances, state boating statutes and regulations, state fishing rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of natural resources base within the various parks. Knowledge of basic natural history of species within the parks.
• Excellent public relations skills (dealing with complaints and violations) and ability to prepare and present formal educational programs.
• Ability to issue citations when violations occur, complete accurate incident reports and to testify in court proceedings.

Technology Skills

Basic computer skills to include Office 365 Suite

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. Accordingly, the City celebrates diversity in the workforce. This position description is a valid statement of the job duties, responsibilities, requirements, and performance expectations of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

HEAVY

Park Rangers

All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently,

and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa

Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.

Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance

Sit, stand or be stationary

Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on both

even and uneven terrain

Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information

Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.

Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Walk, ascend, or descend on both even and uneven terrain

Environmental Conditions may include

Confined spaces

Extreme cold or heat

Frequent vibrations due to equipment use

Fumes or airborne particles

Moderate to extremely loud noise environment

Outdoor weather conditions

Toxic or caustic chemicals

Wet or humid conditions

Work in high, precarious places

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Pass Red Card physical requirements

Lift and carrying a 45-pound pack completed under 45 minutes.

Lift, carry and/or maneuver materials up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis, up to waist level.

Occasionally lift between 10 and 50 pounds

Will occasionally lift with assistance (two-person or team lift), the following that may weigh 51 pounds and up

Occasionally push and pull over 51 pounds up to human body

Hearing and Vision