Park Ranger #1872 - Parks & Recreation - Enterprise South - Public Works Division

Hamilton County • Chattanooga, TN

1d • 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 park lands and facilities; and performs related duties. Rangers enforce 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. The hiring process includes an NCIC and fingerprinting background check, a polygraph, and a psychological evaluation.

The role involves a rotating schedule, including hours and days outside the traditional work week. All Hamilton County Government positions are in person and require regular, punctual attendance. Weekend or holiday work, irregular hours, shift work, and possible short-notice shift extensions may be required. Overtime may be offered but is not guaranteed.

The position is safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol screening, including pre-employment, reasonable-cause, post-accident, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing as applicable. Employees must retain law-enforcement certifications and commission, obtain and retain required first aid, first responder, and other certifications and licenses, and be certified in basic life support including AED use or obtain certification within six months of hire. Before operating a County-owned vehicle, employees must complete the County defensive driving course and/or a department-level Emergency Vehicle Operations Course.

The work requires excellent physical condition, energy, visual acuity, and awareness. Candidates must pass a physical examination and fitness tests, vision and hearing tests, and a psychological evaluation; be able to swim; and be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons. Work involves risk of bodily harm and potential exposure to infectious diseases, plants, poisonous plants, and noxious fumes.

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 and ability to obtain 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.
• Must be certified in basic life support, including AED use, or be able to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Must pass an NCIC background check, including fingerprinting, and pass a polygraph and psychological evaluation during the commission process.
• Must pass a new-hire physical examination and specified fitness tests: a 3-minute box step test; drag a 150-pound dummy 10 yards in 60 seconds; complete 20 push-ups within one minute; and complete 20 sit-ups within 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 complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or a department-level Emergency Vehicle Operations Course before operating a County-owned vehicle.
• Knowledge of Hamilton County General Government policies and procedures; Hamilton County Parks’ history, wildlife, natural statistics, and recreation opportunities; applicable rules, regulations, and policies regarding park lands and resources; and basic bookkeeping, record keeping, and file management principles and practices.
• 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 software applications; and communicating effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to interact with people from different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds in varied work situations.
• Must be able to work a rotating schedule, including hours and days outside the traditional work week; weekend or holiday work, irregular hours, shift work, and possible short-notice shift extensions may be required.
• Must meet the physical demands of the role and accept risks of bodily harm and potential exposure to infectious diseases, infectious or poisonous plants, and noxious fumes.

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.
• Assist park visitors with reservations and/or check-in.
• 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 maintain 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 appropriate public service entities as warranted.
• Perform duties assigned to a Hamilton County Park Ranger within the scope and limitations of the Park Ranger 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