Park Ranger - Parks and Recreation

Parks Tacoma•Various Parks Tacoma locations, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live. Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun. Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home. Under the direction of the assigned Manager or Supervisor, the Park Guide creates meaningful engagement with our community in the places they play, learn and grow. The Park Guide promotes and supports visitors' positive park use and voluntary compliance with all laws (specifically the TMC Park Code 8.27) through education and visitor service assistance throughout the district. Guides are the "eyes and ears" of the park and will serve dual but complementary roles: in the Guest Engagement role, the Guide enhances the visitor experiences as a uniformed representative of Parks Tacoma, builds relationships, creates community, and assists in the operations of their assigned area. In the Compliance and Patrol role, the Guide, serving in an unarmed position, seeks voluntary compliance with park code within park boundaries; patrols park areas by vehicle, bike or on foot, responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints; prepares and completes reports and may be required to appear in court. It is stressed that in both roles, the Guide will serve as a friendly and respectful ambassador for Parks Tacoma.

Requirements

A minimum of two (2) years of customer service required.
Two years of college-level study or training directly relating to Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, Criminal Justice, Social Services, or other applicable field required.
Two additional years of customer service may substitute for the college level education requirement
Ability to effectively and respectfully engage with community members from diverse backgrounds and experiences in order to resolve potentially contentious or difficult situations.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (a current driving abstract will be requested during the reference process at applicant's expense.)
Must have or be able to attain a valid First Aid, CPR (adult and child) and AED certification.
Must be willing and able to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Must attend and successfully complete required training within specified time lines.
The Ranger is required to attend public meetings, training sessions, events and conferences and professionally represent Parks Tacoma.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred.
Previous experience working in the public sector is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Advises visitors and answers questions or concerns about safety, fire prevention, and proper and authorized uses of facilities; inspects facilities and checks for compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to parking, noise level, and safety; brings problems or violations to the attention of visitors and, if appropriate, alerts proper public safety authorities for enforcement.
Seeks voluntary park code compliance through tact, diplomacy and visitor education; will patrol park areas by vehicle, bike or on foot, responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints; completes reports and may be required to appear in court.
Assists with emergency calls and takes action where necessary to preserve the peace and to protect visitors and resources; provides limited emergency first aid and other appropriate assistance, and identifies, protects, and obtains evidence.
Deters negative activity through a uniformed, diplomatic, and authoritative presence by communicating laws and regulations regarding park and facility use; directs pedestrian traffic, and maintains crowd control, when needed; investigates accidents, complaints, disturbances, and other problems.
Works cooperatively with law enforcement, Tacoma Public Schools Security, and contracted security providers on site regarding public safety issues and/or developing deterrent programs and strategies, awareness of park code violations, etc.
Patrol parks and natural areas for evidence of illegal camping. Unhoused individuals will be offered services and asked to remove tents and other belongings, and to notify of park closure hours. If necessary, Rangers will post illegal camp sites and arrange for removal and cleanup with maintenance staff or contractor. Will require coordination with Community Liaison Officers, City of Tacoma Outreach workers and other agencies as needed.
Encourage, inspire, and motivate guests to take on conservation actions in their daily lives and support personnel and/or volunteers engaged in interpretive programs.
Learn applicable emergency response procedures and protocols in order to assist with or lead the response to incidents on site.
Operate a motorized vehicle to travel to multiple locations to carry out essential duties. Adhere to all driving laws and safety rules.
Performs related duties as assigned.