Park Ranger #1872 - Parks & Recreation - Riverpark - Public Works Division

Hamilton County • Chattanooga, TN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a law enforcement position serving as a primary contact for park visitors. Under general supervision, the Park Ranger assists the public in safely enjoying Hamilton County Park resources, programs, and activities; protects the use of park lands and facilities; and performs other related duties. The position enforces Tennessee law and Hamilton County Park Rules and Regulations within the scope and limitations of the Park Ranger authority policy. The posting is for three vacancies. Applicants must hold current P.O.S.T. certification and be eligible for commission by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. An NCIC and fingerprinting background check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation are required.

The work includes a rotating schedule with hours and days outside the traditional work week. All Hamilton County Government positions require in-person work and regular, punctual attendance. Work may include holidays, weekends, irregular hours, shift work, and extensions of shift hours, sometimes with short notice. Overtime may be offered but is not guaranteed.

The position is safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment, reasonable-cause, post-accident, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing. Employees must retain law-enforcement-related certifications and commission, and obtain and retain required first aid, first responder, and other certifications and licenses. Basic life support certification, including AED use, is required or must be obtained within six months of hire. Before operating a County-owned vehicle, employees must complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or a department-provided Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).

The work involves risk of bodily harm and potential exposure to infectious diseases, infectious or poisonous plants, noxious fumes, and other hazards. Employees must meet specified fitness, vision, hearing, swimming, psychological, and weapons-qualification requirements.

Requirements

• Equivalent of a high school diploma.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Current and valid Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification, or current and valid P.O.S.T. certification from another state with the ability to obtain current and valid Tennessee P.O.S.T. certification within six months of hire.
• Must be eligible for and maintain commission by the Office of the Hamilton County Sheriff.
• Must retain law-enforcement-related certifications and commission and obtain and retain required first aid, first responder, and other certifications and licenses.
• Basic life support certification, including AED use, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Must complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or a department-level EVOC before operating a County-owned vehicle.
• Must pass an NCIC background check, including fingerprinting, as well as a polygraph and psychological evaluation during the commission process.
• Must pass a new-hire physical examination, including a 3-minute box step test, dragging a 150-pound dummy 10 yards in 60 seconds, 20 push-ups in one minute, and 20 sit-ups in one minute.
• Must pass vision and hearing tests and be able to swim.
• Must be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Must be in excellent physical shape with high energy and visual acuity and awareness to recognize signs of danger.
• Knowledge of Hamilton County General Government policies and procedures; Hamilton County Parks’ history, wildlife, natural statistics, and recreation opportunities; applicable rules and policies regarding park lands and resources; and basic bookkeeping, record keeping, and file management.
• Skill in working in a dynamic environment with changing program demands and priorities; assessing situations and taking appropriate action; maintaining cooperative working relationships; operating a personal computer and varied software; and communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact with people from different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds in varied work situations.

Nice To Haves

• At least twelve months of direct work experience in law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, assistance, and informative programming to park users and visitors.
• Provide reservation and/or check-in assistance to park visitors.
• Compile and forward reports with recommendations.
• Respond to emergencies and events in parks; provide basic first aid, security, or other assistance as the situation requires.
• Help ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable park experience and provide a security presence.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws, as well as park policies and regulations.
• Contact and request backup or assistance from law enforcement or other appropriate public-service entities when warranted.
• Perform all duties of a Hamilton County Park Ranger within the scope and limitations of the applicable authority policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED