Park Ranger (Full-Time Commissioned)

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks•Multiple Locations throughout Park District, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Park Ranger is a commissioned law enforcement officer responsible for protecting natural, historical, and cultural resources; ensuring the safety and security of park visitors and staff; enforcing district rules, regulations, and laws; and maintaining clean, high-quality park facilities and environments. The role patrols assigned parks, provides visitor assistance and community outreach, responds to emergencies, performs light maintenance, and maintains operational readiness. It also requires accurate activity logs and incident reports, participation in training, and compliance with district policies and procedures. Depending on assignment, the ranger may train new personnel, investigate incidents, assist neighboring jurisdictions, support major-event planning, and serve as a certified instructor. The position regularly involves outdoor work in varying weather conditions, with some time spent in a maintenance facility or ranger station. Schedules must be flexible and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Most weekly shifts are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from October 1 through March 31, and from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30. Candidates must pass a comprehensive background investigation, a job-related physical fitness assessment, and any additional pre-employment screenings required for commissioned officers. The organization is committed to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free work environment.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Associate's degree in Natural Resources, Ranger Services, Wildlife Conservation, Parks and Recreation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and courteously in speech and writing with coworkers, supervisors, local law enforcement agencies, and the public.
Ability to work as part of a team and provide outstanding customer service.
Regular attendance; being present at work is an essential function of the position.
Basic mathematical ability, including arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, and recognizing and correcting errors.
Ability to assess conditions and situations, take appropriate action, define problems, collect data, draw valid conclusions, make sound decisions quickly, and approach situations logically.
Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, email, internet, intranet, Microsoft Office products, Adobe, scanners, printers, multi-line phones, radios, and basic office equipment.
Valid Ohio Driver License, insurability by Metro Parks' insurance carrier, and ability to meet the driving standards policy.
Valid Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate, or successful completion of OPOTA basic training and required tests within 12 months of employment or appointment; the period may be extended if classes are unavailable or management delays training.
Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification and completion of Armament Systems and Procedures baton and oleoresin capsicum spray classes within 12 months of employment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting approximately 50 pounds without assistance and walking, standing, reaching, handling equipment, operating radios and vehicles, riding bicycles and off-road vehicles, and occasionally climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Ability to work flexible schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, job-related physical fitness assessment, and additional pre-employment screenings required for commissioned officers.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the public in a park-like setting is desired.
Knowledge of natural resources and environmental interpretation, safety practices and procedures, park maintenance, departmental policies and procedures, supervision, and public relations.

Responsibilities

Patrol assigned parks by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to maintain visibility and deter violations.
Enforce Metro Parks Rules and Regulations in accordance with organizational philosophy, policies, procedures, and work rules.
Secure park buildings, facilities, and grounds and initiate appropriate security responses.
Carry and maintain required defensive equipment in operational readiness; review preceding-shift activity logs.
Welcome visitors, provide information and assistance, assess visitor needs, and offer directions or solutions.
Represent Metro Parks at community fairs, festivals, parades, and career events; educate visitors about natural, historical, and cultural resources as needed.
Maintain safe, clean, and inviting park environments through general maintenance and light janitorial work, including trash pickup, facility cleaning, vehicle care, and trail clearing.
Assist with special events by directing parking, managing traffic, and helping control crowds.
Inspect uniforms, duty equipment, and assigned vehicles before shifts; participate in required training and maintain certifications and knowledge of district procedures.
Respond to incidents, conflicts, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and weather-related events; administer First Aid and CPR within certification levels.
Serve as a first responder, manage evacuations, direct traffic, use protective equipment where hazardous materials may be present, and activate emergency response protocols as appropriate.
Complete and maintain daily activity logs, incident reports, and other official documentation; submit reports to supervisors.
Perform duties under supervisor direction or provide operational guidance when the Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager are absent.
As assigned, serve as a Field Training Officer, investigate accidents and other incidents, respond to mutual aid requests, plan special projects, maintain Mobile Data Terminal operator certification, assist with major-event traffic and security plans, and serve as a certified instructor.
Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, law enforcement agencies, and the public.