Park Ranger

Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area•Swanton, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Serve as a law enforcement officer responsible for public safety, protection, and enjoyment at Metroparks Toledo. The Park Ranger maintains law and order, investigates crimes, and protects life and property while combining traditional traffic and criminal law enforcement with community-oriented policing and crime prevention. Rangers build positive relationships with park visitors, protect natural resources, and organize daily activities around department goals. The position involves patrolling parks by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, and on foot; responding to calls; conducting investigations and making arrests; providing assistance and information to the public; and supporting outreach and mutual-aid activities. Rangers may serve in special assignment roles, assist with river rescues, respond to animal and wildlife calls, enforce fish and wildlife regulations, and help direct Metroparks and volunteer staff. The regular schedule is a 40-hour workweek, described as four 10-hour shifts with three days off weekly. Work may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Rangers are regularly assigned to one Metropark but may work at any Metropark, and may need to use a personal vehicle for business travel between locations.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
High school diploma or GED.
Some experience demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the position.
Must be a Certified Peace Officer in the State of Ohio (OPOTA).
Must obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within one year of employment and meet requalification and recertification requirements.
Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal criminal statutes.
Understanding of state wildlife and watercraft laws.
Knowledge of Metroparks rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures, or ability to learn Metroparks properties, features, and natural resource areas.
Computer skills, including word processing and data entry.
Problem-solving skills and ability to analyze situations and take quick, effective, and reasonable action with regard to hazards and circumstances.
Customer service skills; strong interpersonal skills demonstrating sensitivity and empathy; oral communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work without supervision, maintain required law enforcement certifications, and protect confidential information according to departmental security and privacy standards.
Ability to observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places; follow oral and written instructions; and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
Ability to maintain high standards in law enforcement activities, including firearms use, self-defense, motor vehicle operation, interviewing, radio and communications procedures, court testimony, and report writing.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees and the public, convey information effectively and discreetly, and instruct and train others.
Ability to perform law enforcement duties requiring physical agility, wear 20 pounds of equipment, and pass a fitness-for-duty assessment, psychological assessment, and drug test at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in park operations and natural resources management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Patrol Metroparks by motor vehicle, bicycle, and/or on foot to preserve the peace, enforce laws, prevent and detect crimes, direct traffic, and protect people and property.
Check for safety hazards, respond to calls and complaints, provide medical assistance, check building security, investigate accidents, and take corrective action as needed.
Initiate emergency medical care and investigative procedures at crime and accident scenes, including interviewing witnesses, inspecting sites, gathering and maintaining evidence, and making arrests.
Conduct investigations of crimes committed during assigned shifts and perform follow-up investigations as needed.
Escort suspects from crime scenes and prepare detailed reports.
Provide advice, assistance, and general information to the public; answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Analyze and evaluate evidence, prepare cases for testimony, and testify in court proceedings.
Attend assigned training classes and programs; maintain the knowledge and skills needed to use in-car and in-house computer systems.
Check equipment daily to ensure it is in proper working condition.
Serve in special assignments such as firearms instructor, detective, public information officer, or defensive tactics instructor, as assigned.
Carry out lawful orders and duties assigned by the Chief or another supervisor.
Conduct outreach programs and support effective communications and working relationships with external departments and organizations.
Assist other law enforcement agencies through mutual aid and promote cross-departmental communications and objectives.
Maintain a professional appearance, including grooming, uniforms, and vehicles, and maintain departmental equipment and work areas to professional standards.
Open and close parks and secure buildings and facilities by locking and setting alarms.
Undertake community-oriented police work and assist citizens with matters such as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, and traffic safety.
Assist with river rescues.
Respond to animal and wildlife calls and enforce fish and wildlife regulations to protect wildlife and natural resources.
Promote compliance with safety regulations.
Direct the work of Metroparks and volunteer staff as needed.
Perform other Park District work-related duties as assigned.