Park Ranger Cadet (Park Police Officer Cadet)

Under supervision of a Travis County Park Ranger attends approved Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Academy. The academy is typically a five to nine month Law Enforcement academy depending on attendance of day and night classes. When not attending the academy Cadet may perform other office and field support duties and gaining exposure to Travis County Parks operations until successful completion of the TCOLE Academy. Successfully obtains TCOLE Basic Peace Officer license
within specified time frame.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is the trainee entry level position. Park Ranger Cadets are assigned non-law enforcement duties and responsibilities. Cadets perform paraprofessional office and field support duties under supervision of a Travis County Park Ranger. This classification requires a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department. Schedule varies to include some holidays nights and
weekends

• Attends approved TCOLE Academy.
• As assigned participates in supervised law enforcement patrols and learns through observing
  commissioned officers response to incidents within the parks as dispatched reported or as detected
  by the supervising officer in Travis County parks and preserves.
  
• May work rotating shifts including nights holidays and weekends while not attending TCOLE Academy.
  
• Disseminates park preserve and area information to the public; ensures information is accurate
  professional and timely; interfaces with visitors neighbors user groups and volunteer organizations
  and other agencies to promote Travis County parks and preserves in a positive and professional
  manner; responds to visitor complaints and concerns; directs corrective action as needed.
  
• Performs clerical support in department operation centers.
  
• Performs other related non-law enforcement duties as assigned.
  
• Prepares daily accounting reports.
  
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned
  

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or G.E.D.

Licenses Registrations Certifications or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Drivers License.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Must be actively engaged in pursuing a law enforcement career.
Must meet all prerequisite Minimum Standards for Enrollment and Initial Licensure as required by the Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Must pass all selection requirements including a background investigation.
Must maintain background clearance and a valid Texas Drivers License as a condition of continued
employment.
Must wear academy or department-issued non-commissioned (civilian) uniform attire.
Must be able to work in customer service-oriented assignments in busy and crowded areas with members
of the public.


Preferred:
One (1) year experience in Travis County Parks or similar public service system in a customer service
related position.
Associates degree from accredited college or university or college level credit in degree programs related
to the field of criminal justice law enforcement natural resources wildlife management or parks and
recreation

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic functions and operations of a law enforcement agency.
• Criminal law investigation statutes ordinances and crime prevention methods.
• Departmental policies procedures rules and regulations and rules and regulations regarding radio
  communication.
• Safety practices in the care and use of firearms.
• Basic customer service.
• Basic mathematics office procedures and practices.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and common operating software systems

Skill in:

• Effective oral and written communications.
• Customer service and conflict resolution.
• Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Data analysis and problem solving.
• Safely operating motorized vehicles and watercraft.
• Operation of two-way radio equipment.
• Use of personal computers and a variety of software applications including word processing and spreadsheets.

Ability to:

• Work under close supervision as well as in a team environment.
• Articulate factual information to the public.
• Provide informal interpretation of area resources.
• Quickly recognize and analyze irregular events and solve problems.
• Act decisively rapidly and knowledgeably in emergency and life threatening situations.
• Detect and correct safety problems and hazards.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships within the workplace and
  with the public

Sitting; Standing; Walking/Hiking; Climbing; Kneeling/Crouching; Bending/Squatting; Lifting; Carrying; Reaching; Pushing/Pulling; Handling; Gripping/Grasping/Fine Dexterity; Vision; Audition; Talking; Foot Controls. May work outdoors under extreme heat cold dampness for extended periods of time; may be exposed to high-risk situations involved in law enforcement natural disasters search and rescue infectious diseases etc.; may be required to work long hours during emergency management operations. Ability to
take physical control of another person as needed and exposure to: volatile or stressful situations computer
screens and individuals with risk of illness.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.