Urban Park Ranger

Highlands Ranch•Highlands Ranch, CO

9d•$26 - $35•Hybrid

About The Position

Highlands Ranch Metro District is hiring two Urban Park Rangers. Rangers proactively patrol parks, trails, and open spaces; connect with visitors; investigate potential violations; and document incidents and cases. Outreach and education are prioritized, with warnings, parking citations, or criminal summons issued when appropriate to address public safety and resource protection concerns. The Urban Park Ranger Program is 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. They 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 program collaborates with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
Associate’s degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space or related studies.
Some experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations with a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs (for Ranger I).
Two (2) years’ experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations with a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs (for Ranger II).
Or a combination of education and experience.
Must possess a valid Colorado, Class “R” driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
Maintain annual CPR/First aid certifications.
Comfortable around a variety of wildlife.
Obtain a limited commission as a Code Enforcement Officer through Douglas County Sheriff’s Office within 90 days of employment.
Working knowledge of Sheriff's Office dispatch communication protocols, including appropriate emergency and non-emergency response procedures, radio communication etiquette, and coordination with law enforcement personnel (for Ranger II).
Ability to perform the essential duties listed above.
Physically able to move about on work sites and under adverse field conditions.
Operation of motor vehicles in tight spaces.
Work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
Lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time.
Skilled in safely operating the listed tools and equipment, demonstrating a strong understanding of their functionality and maintenance requirements.
Reliable and punctual for regular shifts as well as community events.
Knowledge of occupational hazards, first aid and safety precautions related to work.
Maintain records and prepare concise reports using PC, Microsoft 365 programs and web-based software.
Present educational programs to the public.
Must possess exceptional organizational skills.
Must be highly motivated and take direction well, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbally.
Must have superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, enabling clear and effective communication with diverse audiences including the public and other agencies.
Ability to accurately document and issue citations, prepare incident reports, and communicate effectively using standard public safety radio terminology and procedures.
Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other departments, officials of the public and vendors.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials and the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds and points of view as part of a team.
Represent the district professionally with integrity and excellence.
Encourage a respectful, collaborative, and accountable work environment while demonstrating ethical conduct in all interactions.

Nice To Haves

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs long hours monitoring and patrolling on foot and by vehicle to enforce District rules and regulations within parks, trails, and open spaces.
Present and report to District staff, the public, and other agencies regarding any issues concerns, needs, or requests.
Assists other rangers in the enforcement of park and open space rules adopted by the District's Board of Directors.
Utilizes Motorola APX radios, Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, a variety of DCSO and Metro District database / web-based software systems to track, report and log incidents.
Communicate effectively with District staff, the public, and other agencies regarding any issues concerns, needs, or requests that are present.
Operates a vehicle safely and in compliance with all traffic laws.
Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails, and open spaces.
Accountable for all patrol functions, inspection of District use permits, and enforcement of all park rules and regulations through visitor contact.
Inspect, monitor, and enforce rules and regulations as it pertains to District user permits involving special events and temporary access permits.
Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property and following up through contact and removal evaluation.
Prepares a variety of written reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports and interoffice emails.
Exercise good independent judgment and proper safety precautions and practices.
Report and maintain regular communications with ranger staff and supervisor regarding daily activities and locations.
Utilize web-based software systems for asset management, work orders, and code enforcement.
Weekly trail station trash receptacle removal and other duties as assigned.
Promote environmental stewardship by creating and presenting outdoor education and interpretive programs to adult and youth groups at special events, schools, and in parks and open spaces.
Participate in/manage the booth for special community events as the representative for the Ranger Program.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and orientations, as well as weekly staff meetings with park services and reservations staff.
Recognize emergency and dangerous situations by reacting quickly and calmly; administer first aid as needed.
Serves as a member of various employee committees and planning teams as assigned.
Identifies analyses and implements actions as necessary to ensure a safe experience for open space visitors and protecting natural resources and facilities.
Identifies, analyses, and implements actions as necessary in protecting Districts resources and facilities, and ensures a safe recreational experience for the public.
Ensure communication and coordination of park activities, events, and uses.
Meets with other local field related professionals to develop procedures and review industry trends and legislation.

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 (8-hour) holidays
200 hours of medical leave, with certification
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.
District cell phone use
Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services