Park Ranger - Part time (Parks & Recreation Department)

County of Berks • Reading, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Park Rangers enforce park ordinances and related regulations, provide visitors with information and directions, protect park resources, and support a positive visitor experience. The role is responsible for safety, security, visitor services, and resource protection in the parks. Rangers patrol individually by vehicle, utility vehicle, bicycle, and on foot; educate visitors about ordinances; issue warnings or citations for serious or ongoing violations; and present environmental education programs. The position also includes preparing for patrol, maintaining and fueling vehicles, collecting required information and equipment, and completing logs, reports, and timesheets. Other duties may be assigned.

The role requires physical presence at park facilities and involves working independently, often outdoors and alone, in variable weather and potentially hazardous enforcement situations. Shifts vary to provide park coverage throughout the year, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Rangers may work extended hours, sometimes 12–16 hours, and must wear a department-issued ballistic vest while on patrol.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• Must possess or be able to obtain current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience with departmental equipment.
• Excellent public-relations and customer-service skills.
• Knowledge of, or ability to become familiar with, the PA Criminal Code, Vehicle Code, Parks Code, civil law, labor-law relations, PA Fish and Boat Code, and PA Game Laws.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and grammatically.
• Ability to recognize liabilities for the County and take immediate action.
• Adaptability to changing departmental needs and priorities.
• Ability to deal with potentially dangerous individuals, criminal behavior, resistant individuals, and people with varying mental or physical abilities.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Basic IBM-compatible computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Must obtain PA Act 153 Clearances.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Ability to work extended hours, sometimes 12–16 hours.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds, bend, stoop, climb, and reach; walk, hike, and bicycle at varying intervals; and aid or lift people in need.
• Must wear a department-issued ballistic vest while on patrol.
• Physical presence at the facilities is required.

Nice To Haves

• One year of job-related experience and/or training, such as parks and recreation, law enforcement, resource management, education, emergency medicine, or customer service.
• Previous police, ranger, or security experience.
• Knowledge of EMS, MSDS, fire safety, and environmental issues.

Responsibilities

• Patrol parks individually by vehicle, utility vehicle, bicycle, and on foot in various weather conditions.
• Educate the public about park ordinances and related regulations, issuing warnings as appropriate.
• Issue warnings or tickets/citations for serious or continuous violations.
• Prepare for patrol by obtaining log sheets and information from the office, gathering equipment, and cleaning and fueling vehicles.
• Complete logs, reports, and hours sheets.
• Present environmental education programming to varied groups of park visitors.
• Perform other miscellaneous tasks or duties as assigned.
• Respond to safety, security, visitor-service, and resource-protection needs in the parks.

What This Job Offers

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