Park Ranger

This recruitment is continuous and may close without further notice.  

 DEFINITION

Under general supervision, supervises park usage and performs a variety of professional, technical, and maintenance duties in the day-to-day operation of City parks, trails and open space including public relations, visitor services, enforcement of park rules and municipal ordinances, natural resource protection, minor maintenance and conduct educational programs. Monitors activities in parks and related facilities with high degree of public contact, authorized to issue citations when required, prepare reports, perform administrative functions and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

This position classification performs a full range of activities associated with monitoring activities in parks and related facilities. This class is distinguished by the knowledge required to perform this work and specialized training required, including PC 832 Certification, First Aid/CPR, and Pepper Spray Certification. Park Rangers must be able to work flexible hours, including weekend, holidays, and evening hours. Work requires good judgment and independent action in performing patrol functions within legal and departmental constraints.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives general supervision from higher level management or supervisory staff.

The classification specification provides a summary of the typical job duties performed, along with the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification.  Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrol City parks, trails, recreational facilities by foot and/or vehicle to protect property and enforce federal and state laws, City ordinances and park regulations.
• Issue citations, when necessary, approach the public when infractions of rules are apparent, diffuse potentially difficult situations; analyze situations and determine a course of action, anticipate and solve problems. 
• Reports any vandalism and other park property in need of repair.
• Patrols parks and recreational facilities by foot and/or vehicle to protect property and enforce federal and state laws, City ordinances and division rules and regulations associated with park and facility usage.
• Communicate with law enforcement and fire officials regularly, radio for Police/Fire in emergency situations, respond to low level calls for service in parks and recreational facilities. Assist in emergency call-out and evacuation situations; administer First Aid/CPR.
• Prepare written reports of incidents and accidents, prepare daily logs and activity reports, maintain records of park activities, work with Park Monitors on scheduled uses of picnic shelters, sports fields and other park amenities.
• Act as a public information source to park users, prepare and make oral presentations to park visitors and community groups.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and serve as a liaison to local community groups and schools looking to   use park facilities for outdoor functions.
• Operate a variety of tools, equipment, perform minor maintenance, open and close park facilities when necessary; set up of equipment, barricades, traffic cones, or similar objects when necessary.
• Drives a city vehicle and operates and two-way radio in accordance with police communication procedures.
• Operate and monitor video surveillance equipment. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience:
One year experience in park operations, security, law enforcement or emergency services experience.  
 Education:
High school diploma or GED preferably supplemented by the completion of college level coursework in a Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a related field.  
License or Certificate:
Possession of a State of California driver’s license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance program.
Possession of a current healthcare provider CPR card issued within six (6) months of hire
Possession of a PC832 certificate issued within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge of:

• Organization and functional responsibilities of the Police, Fire and Public Works and Community Services Departments; PC 832 requirements, including citation preparation and arrest procedures, City ordinances and rules, First-Aid, CPR, Pepper Spray regulations and other emergency procedures.
• Parks, trails, open space and park facilities, general park maintenance standards, and principles of   public relations, customer service and visitor management; Principles of outdoor recreation, interpretation, and other types of visitor services.
• Principles of public speaking, principles and techniques of supervision and management.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment, record   keeping, current computer software.
• Radio communication protocols, safe driving and cycling rules and practices, vehicle operations, basic fire suppression techniques, basic traffic control methods.

Ability to:

• Effectively enforce policies, rules and laws; exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs and resolve conflicts among park/trail users.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees, communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
• Walk, hike, bicycle ride, and climb hills, stairs and uneven terrain, work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Maintain records and prepare clear, complete and concise reports; communicate effectively and appropriately on a two-way radio; make public presentations.
• Work extended hours, irregular rotating shifts, alternative work schedules, holidays and weekends; successfully complete required training and obtain required certifications and licenses.
• Handle medical or other emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and CPR.

WORKING CONDITIONS

 Environmental Conditions:

 Employees who work in the field are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may be exposed to blood and body fluids when rendering First Aid and CPR. Employees are required to wear appropriate attire for the recreation activity to which they are assigned. Employees are required to interact with and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures and are required to resolve conflicts and diffuse situations.

Physical Conditions:

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time and operating motorized vehicles.  The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for this position.
• The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.
• You must list a history of your residences.
• Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.
• Military service records are subject to verification.
• The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).
• Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated.

Application Procedure:

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com. All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376. Telephone: (909) 820-2540.

Selection Process:

 Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility:

Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment. A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. 

E-Verify:

The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.