Urban Park Ranger IV
About The Position
The Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking an experienced Urban Park Ranger IV to serve as a senior field park ranger within the Urban Park Ranger Program. This position is ideal for an experienced park ranger, law enforcement professional, or public safety professional who enjoys working with others while remaining actively engaged in field operations. This position is an in the field position focused on outreach and education, enforcement of rules and regulations for the Metro District, and providing support to Rangers and staff as needed. Highlands Ranch Urban Park Rangers are responsible for outreach and education, rules enforcement on more than 2,600 acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, 26 parks, and numerous other recreation facilities. Rangers promote safe and enjoyable public spaces through education, customer service, community engagement, resource stewardship, and consistent enforcement of Metro District rules and regulations. Rangers conduct proactive patrols, investigate violations, issue warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate, prepare reports and case documentation, work closely with partner agencies, and rely on outreach and education first to resolve public safety and resource protection concerns. The Urban Park Ranger Program works collaboratively with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners to provide quality services to the Highlands Ranch community.
Requirements
- Balances education, customer service, and regulatory enforcement.
- Exercises sound judgment and remains calm under pressure.
- Build trust with coworkers, partner agencies, and the public.
- Communicates professionally and respectfully.
- Takes initiative while supporting the goals of the team.
- Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Nice To Haves
- Park ranger operations
- Law enforcement or public safety
- Visitor services and public engagement
- Rules enforcement
- Report writing and case documentation
- Issuing citations, parking violations, or summons
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Field training
- Working collaboratively with partner agencies
Responsibilities
- Promote voluntary compliance through communication, education, and problem-solving.
- Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and exceptional public service.
- Assist in the training of new Rangers while supporting ongoing professional development.
- Patrol parks, trails, open spaces, and District facilities.
- Enforce Metro District rules and regulations through education, warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate.
- Prepare reports, citations, summons, and supporting documentation.
- Respond to visitors’ concerns, complaints, emergencies, and requests for service.
- Coordinate with Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other partner agencies.
- Assist with special events, emergency response, and operational planning.
- Support supervisors/managers by identifying training needs, recommending process improvements, and promoting consistent field practices.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
- 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
- 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
- 100% contribution match for the pension plan
- Up to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement plan
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses
- 80 hours of paid sick leave (renewed each year on work anniversary)
- 10 paid holidays in 2025
- 200 hours of medical leave
- 80 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, increasing after five years
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
- Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
- Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee
- Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
- Generous stipend for personal cell phone and vehicle use
- Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
