Park Naturalist jobs in Colorado

Position: Park Ranger (Full-Time, Non-Exempt)

Hiring Salary Range: $44,373 - $52,204

Full Salary Range: $44,373 - $60,035

Application Deadline: 2/2/2024

Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Regional Parks Supervisor, this non-commissioned Ranger position is responsible for preserving District park and natural resources through code and rules enforcement within District owned and/or maintained park sites and facilities. This position is responsible for patrolling District owned or leased land to ensure a safe and clean environment for all patrons. Park Ranger tasks include: land use violation notices, field permit enforcement, regulatory signage maintenance, dog waste enforcement, public outreach and community education, and acting as a liaison for local Law Enforcement, local Code Enforcement, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service to District residents and visitors

• Perform foot, bicycle and vehicle patrol in order to enforce District rules and regulations; protect natural and cultural resources; and maintain public safety
• Respond to and assist with emergencies on District owned or leased lands and facilities
• Provide visitor education, outreach and/or violation notices as needed
• Complete minor park maintenance and assist other staff with projects as requested
• Conduct patrols on regional and neighborhood trails
• Maintain park amenities including restrooms, fences, kiosks, gates, regulatory signage, and picnic areas. Report service needs and discrepancies to appropriate staff
• Serve as District liaison to local law enforcement, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Jefferson County Animal Control, Jefferson County Code Enforcement, South & West Metro Fire Districts
• Accurate record keeping and basic office skills
• Resource management
• Requires the ability to work effectively with other departments, home owners, HOA’s, adjacent stakeholders, sports associations, church groups, and the like
• The ability to work alone and in groups
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Effectively and professionally communicate with the public, co-workers, and other agencies via oral or written communication
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from high school or completion of GED and 3 years’ experience in park ranger services, park or natural resources management, emergency response or closely related field
• 2 years’ experience in outdoor education or any combination of education and experience
• Emergency Medical Responder or similar experience preferred

LICNESES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Non-Escalation, De-Escalation, and Crisis Management or equivalent acceptable certification or ability to complete certification within one year of employment
• Ranger Excellence School certification preferred
• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Applicant must possess and maintain certification in First Aid, CPR & AED
• Applicant must pass a pre-employment background screening
• OC (“pepper”) Spray certification or the ability to obtain prior to carrying
• Weekend, holiday and evening work required.
• Park Rangers are required to wear and maintain a uniform.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE:

• Use of modern office equipment and procedures (computer, copier, fax, phone, etc.). Proficiency with applicable computer software applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Requires extensive knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment involved in general maintenance and upkeep of park sites
• Use of OC Spray, first aid equipment

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

90% or more of the work is performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions and requires the ability to drive to district locations. May be exposed to extreme cold, heat, wet, snow, ice or humidity. Frequent exposure to noise, fumes, dust, mist, gases, grasses, molds, fertilizers, solvents, oils, and greases. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to frequently sit, stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, reach, lift and exhibit manual dexterity with the ability to handle objects. Must be able to occasionally push, pull and balance. Upper body strength is a requisite to lift/move a maximum of 80 pounds unassisted and lift/move a maximum of 160 pounds with assistance. Vision requirements include near acuity, far acuity, depth perception, and color vision. The position requires the sense of smell and feeling. Requires the ability to communicate both orally and in writing and execute oral and written instructions with understanding. Must have the ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication.
Job Benefits:

As a Full-Time Foothills employee, benefits include:

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Paid Time-Off (vacation, personal & sick time) which equates to 4 weeks/year
• 8 paid holidays 1 floating holiday/year
• Recreation discounts and perks for you and your dependents including but not limited to:
• FREE use of our recreation/fitness centers, swimming pools, and ice arena
• FREE drop-in fitness classes (includes but is not limited to yoga, Zumba and aerobic classes)
• Golf discounts ($3 - $14 for 9 holes depending on day of week, free driving range and more!)
• Discounts on childcare and other classes/programs
• 100% paid Term Life Insurance and AD&D
• 401(k) with annual District discretionary contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (medical and/or dependent care)
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance available
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability insurances available
• Wellness Program- earn additional personal time or medical insurance discount and more!
• Tuition Reimbursement program

About Us

Creating Community, Enhancing Health, Inspiring Play! We fulfill our mission by providing a variety of recreational services, programs and activities for both youth and adults. We operate three recreation centers, two golf courses, a two-sheet ice arena, swimming pools, and two indoor sports facilities. In addition, we maintain 68 park sites and over 30 miles in trails. Joining our team means you will contribute to the well-being of your community.

From: Foothills Park & Recreation District