DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Work normally consists of routine park operations tasks performed according to department rules and regulations. Park Rangers receive general and special instructions and must be able to act without direct supervision. Work may involve working in all weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, and wind. Park Rangers are expected to work in teams or alone, often in rugged and isolated areas. Park Rangers may be exposed to personal danger when responding to emergency situations such as search and rescue, wildland fire suppression, and law enforcement situations.

Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed:

• Provides information to the public, including answering questions, explaining park or facility policies and regulations, greeting visitors, responding to visitor complaints, checking visitors into the park and assigning appropriate space for use.
• Performs search and rescue and wildland fire prevention and suppression activities.
• Administers emergency medical care including the use of medical oxygen and AED’s.
• Conducts interpretive programs explaining natural and historical park features; arranges and builds interpretive displays for park visitor centers; creates brochures or wayside exhibits.
• Performs resource management activities such as removal of exotic vegetation, reintroduction of native species, and wildland fuel management.
• Issues misdemeanor citations and, as appropriate, may detain or arrest persons in violation of Federal, State or municipal laws and regulations. Writes reports, reads bulletins, reports, orders and implements indicated changes as appropriate. Makes court appearances as required.
• Patrols specified parks or trails on foot, bicycle, ATV, small vessel, or patrol vehicle.
• Carry and use peace officer protective equipment such as chemical agents, handcuffs, batons, and wearing body armor.

SKILL SETS

• Ability to be courteous but firm with the public.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
• Ability to make sound decisions.
• Skill in observation and memory of places, persons, names and incidents.
• Knowledge of principles of emergency medical care and CPR.
• Knowledge of principles of Search and Rescue.
• Knowledge of principles of wildland fire prevention and suppression.
• Knowledge of principles of cultural and natural interpretation.
• Knowledge of principles of resource management.

COMPETENCY, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices in park management and operations including public safety, day to day park operations, park interpretive education programs, conservation, natural resource management, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Conflict Management - Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people, by presenting the facts, analysis, and conclusions or solutions that show command of content and perspectives and interests of the audience.

Visitor Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate visitors' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of the problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate; exhibits excellent attendance including arriving to work on time.

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES AND/OR DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

(Competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities that are more position specific and/or likely to contribute to more successful job performance.)

Possession of an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Park Management is highly desirable.

Possession of a valid Emergency Medical Response or Emergency Medical Technician Certification

Possession of a current Certified Interpretive Guide certification

Possession of National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) approved Wildland Suppression Certificate (S-190/S-110)