Urban Park Ranger

POSITION SUMMARY

Englewoods Urban Park Ranger will provide patrol of park properties by means of foot and vehicle enforce various rules and ordinances and provide public safety for the park out a variety of duties in coordination with Englewood Parks Department related to park management environmental education and community outreach as directed by the Code Compliance Supervisor. The Urban Park Ranger must be able to create and maintain good relationships with the public provide education on park rules to visitors in a diplomatic manner make efforts to protect wildlife and maintain the safety of domestic animals while in city parks including both on-leash and off-leash. The Urban Park Ranger should be comfortable administering CPR and basic first aid when required. This position requires a highly motivated self-starter that thrives working both alone and collaboratively. The willingness and ability to support Code Compliance officers with ordinance violations in slower months as needed is required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Code Compliance Supervisor or the Deputy Building Official in the Code Compliance Supervisors absence.

Direct Reports: None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The listed examples of work are not intended to be all-inclusive. They may be modified with additions deletions or changes as necessary.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides patrol of park properties enforcement of rules and ordinances and public safety for the park system. Carries out a variety of duties related to park management maintenance education events and community outreach as directed by the Code Compliance Supervisor and in cooperation with Englewood Parks Department.

Major Tasks Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance of city park ordinances and rules through public relations education signs and written information. If necessary issues city citation for violations.
• Provides a recurring patrol presence on all assigned park properties open space and trails. Patrols using a truck and on foot.
• Coordinates facility operations such as picnic reservations event scheduling community service programs and contract coordination with Open Space Manager and Parks and Recreation staff.
• Provides a safe environment for recreation through upkeep of the facilities educating the public through signs verbal contact coordination with the Communications Department and written information.
• Provide oversight and enforcement of City off leash rules and regulations.
• Responds to calls for disposal of dead animals and care for injured animals. May transport seriously injured animals.
• 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.
• Prepares records and reports to include citations for violations of the Citys environmental nuisance and animal codes as they relate to the use of park facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• May work with volunteers and community service groups.
• Develop partnerships with various user groups
• Will serve as a liaison to the City Park and Rec. Commission
• Additional cross training to conduct inspections and investigate complaints related to Animal Welfare and Code Compliance violations.

PREPARATION AND TRAINING

Education

• High School Diploma Required.
• A degree in Parks Recreation or Natural Resources Law Enforcement or related degree is preferred but not required.

Training

• CPR/ First aid certification preferred but not required. Must obtain CPR certification within 12 months of employment.
• Training in animal behavior preferred but not required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 6 months experience as a Park Ranger or Animal Control Officer to include the enforcement of rules and regulations in parks. Preferred: 2 years or more prior enforcement experience.

Required Drivers License

• Valid Colorado drivers license with good driving record background check and finger printing required.

Certifications/Memberships

• Must obtain certification as a basic animal control officer within 12 months of employment.
• Must receive FEMA Certification 100 & 700 within 12 months of employment.
• Must obtain commission with the Colorado Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP Agent) (Level II requirement) with in 2 years of employment.

• Be affiliated with a state or nation Ranger program to further training and collaboration

An equivalent combination of education training and relevant job experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Animal behavior and handling helpful
• State and Federal Constitutional Law
• Understanding of Search and Seizure Laws
• Basic self-defense is helpful
• Spanish is helpful

• Knowledge of City ordinances
• Knowledge of fishing rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of natural resources base with the various parks
• Knowledge of basic natural history of species within the parks
• Must have 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 and to testify in court proceedings
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to use a wide range of tools preferred
• Basic computer skills
• Must be able to interact with others in a positive manner
• Must demonstrate regular and reliable attendance
• Background check required

Skills and Abilities

Computer Skills - Basic computer skills required for accurate data entry and records management.

Communication - Strong customer service skills required to provide technical advice on ordinances and rules and to provide the public with underlying rationale for ordinances and rules. Strong conflict resolution skills are needed to deal with challenging customers. Basic written skills are required to format reports clearly and concisely as well as general correspondence both internally and externally.

Must be a quick learner to be able to:

• develop a working knowledge of Englewood Municipal Code as they relate to parks animal welfare and code compliance
• develop a working knowledge of animal behavior and handling and learn to properly operate equipment used for restraint.
• learn and apply departmental procedure and policy accurately
• learn the streets and boundaries within the city
• learn basic self-defense skills and operate basic self-defense tools
• learn to operate various City vehicles
• learn basic crime scene documentation and basic evidence collection
• learn conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
• learn and apply animal disease management and prevention

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment requiring standing and walking for extended periods of time to include inclement weather. Must be able to push and pull (up to 40 lbs/force) and perform occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs).

WORK SCHEDULE

Works a flexible 40-hour week schedule. Work schedule will vary from Monday through Sunday with the daily workday varying between 6:00a.m. to 9:30p.m. 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.

Upon the successful completion of mandatory training this position will be required to work partial or entire weekends as part of their regular schedule. Additionally this position will be required to take part in a rotating on-call schedule to address animal welfare emergencies after-hours as needed which could include off-shift holiday and weekends.

HOURLY PAY RANGE

$25.21 - $37.82/Hourly Pay Rate

BENEFITS

The City of Englewood offers a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Medical Dental and Vision Plans
• Retirement Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open until filled.