Park Ranger Lead

Salt Lake City, UT•Salt Lake City, UT

41d•$27 - $35

About The Position

In addition to performing all the duties of a Park Ranger, the Park Ranger Lead provides critical functions in supervising the daily operations of the City's Park Ranger Program, including staffing and hiring, coordination with Public Lands Department Administrative Staff, reporting, data collection, and incident response. Park Rangers patrol the City parks and park facilities; provide educational and recreational services through programs, tours, field trips and activities; and enforce compliance with City park rules and regulations and health and sanitary codes in City parks, urban natural areas and trails. Under immediate supervision of the Park Ranger Supervisor, Park Rangers provide public safety, park security and resource protection by providing education to park visitors and enforcing park use rules and other measures to encourage the proper use and enjoyment of urban parks, natural areas, and trails. This program works closely with the Police Department assisting in enforcement of City ordinances in City Parks. Additional training will be provided, including, but not limited to: De-escalation techniques, radio dispatch protocols, animal safety awareness, emergency response, and equity and diversity professional development. This position is eligible for full city benefits, including: Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city) Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Paid vacation and personal leave 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k) A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Requirements

Two years post-high school study in one or more of the following fields: park/recreation management, criminal justice, emergency management, teaching or closely related field; plus two years work experience in the same aforementioned fields. Experience and education may be substituted one for the other on a year to year basis.
Considerable human relations and communications skills.
Ability to work independently, make critical decisions, and use initiative and common sense.
Must have valid state driver's license or Utah driving privilege card (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment).
Ability to work effectively with the public, including conflict resolution skills, and demonstrate outstanding customer service.
Adequate physical mobility to climb stairs, work in confined spaces and negotiate hazardous sites.
Demonstrated ability to read and write legibly and maintain accurate records.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computer equipment, applicable software programs, mobile devices, and applications.
Successful completion of a Post Offer Employment Test (POET).

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years' job experience as a Park Ranger for the Public Lands Department.
Ability to handle pressure and fatigue due to daily exposure to considerable stressful situations and the ability to de-escalate potentially intense situations when interacting with the public.
Experience in working effectively with the public and various government organizations.
Ability to speak and write in Spanish.
Comfortable traveling on mountain bike and e-bike.

Responsibilities

Directs and supervises the day-to-day operations of Park Rangers.
Ensures assigned areas of parks, trails and natural lands are adequately staffed and coordinates coverage as needed.
Assists the Park Ranger Supervisor and Park Ranger Manager with developing and managing program needs within area(s) of responsibility as assigned.
Communicates effectively with Public Lands staff, the public and other City agencies regarding any issues, concerns, needs or requests that are present.
Coordinates with Public Lands Community Outreach Manager on strategic needs regarding development or support with park events, educational and recreational programs, and volunteer efforts.
Develops weekly and monthly ranger operation reports.
Assists Park Ranger Supervisor and Park Ranger Manager in selection process of hiring and training Park Ranger staff.
Follows proper emergency procedures in the event of a serious incident, and will notify proper authorities when necessary of violations. Works closely with the Salt Lake City Police Department personnel.
Patrols parks, trails and natural areas through a variety of motorized and non-motorized means (walk, bike, ATV, patrol truck) throughout the City in assigned locations. Provides the public with information and assistance regarding the use of City parks, trails and facilities. Assists facility users in resolving problems and complaints concerning facility/park quality, availability, and the actions of other users.
Interprets information about the park system and natural resources. Develops and leads community education and recreation programs which may involve hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, outdoor skills, nature exploration, wildlife viewing, nature and art, history and culture, astronomy, geology and natural history, or other topics relevant to City parks, natural areas and trails. Presents programs at parks and local schools.
Supports visitor awareness of, and compliance with, park use rules and regulations. Performs visual observation to ensure proper use of facilities and assist in the prevention of vandalism, facility abuse, and other unacceptable behavior. Issues warnings and citations for civil violations of municipal park ordinances and may need to appear in court if required. Ensures permit compliance, manages conflicts between visitors, and addresses other issues as required.
Monitors parks facilities to ensure that both natural and man-made hazards are identified and corrected. Reports hazardous conditions which might interfere with safe usage of trail/park. Reports all accidents to proper authorities. Acts as a liaison to Police Department and other local law enforcement, fire EMS, to communicate and coordinate assistance, backup information; operate a two-way radio; notify Police and Fire Departments in the event of emergency or hazardous situations.
Works with human service organizations to assist people who are in need of support. Responds to, coordinates and assists with medical emergencies and helps coordinate response to emergencies.
Acts as a community advocate and communicates with diverse and multi-lingual community members. Represents Salt Lake City Public Lands Department at various public events.
Assists with daily park operation requirements, which may include general park maintenance, inspections, natural resource projects and signing. Protects parks and their natural resources through resource management practices.
Works in inclement weather conditions and stands/walks continuously for long periods of time.
Communicates effectively and persuasively with the public, management, and other City employees. Attends and represents the Park Ranger Program at various City and public meetings and events.
Attends regular training classes including mandatory training. Uses various computer programs to create logs and reports. Maintains accurate records and writes clear comprehensive reports; and perform other duties as assigned.