Park Ranger

Incumbents patrol park facilities and grounds informing patrons about park rules and regulations.  This includes explaining and enforcing regulatory codes and ordinances relating primarily to park usage. Park rangers are unarmed and have authority under the City's Code to enforce park rules, issue park exclusions, warnings and/or citations, when necessary. Specific assignments are received from the park ranger supervisor.

• Patrols assigned City parks and facilities on foot, bicycle, golf cart, ATV or vehicle to promote the safety and security of park patrons, employees, facilities and grounds in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of code and safety violations and crime
• Provides a positive presence, promotes the enjoyment of parks and voluntary compliance with park rules ensuring proper use of property, facilities and amenities
• Exercises independent judgment in determining the appropriate course of action when dealing with public nuisances, group conflict, and general public interactions and determine when situations require law enforcement assistance/intervention
• Detects and investigates any reported or unreported hazards, possible safety problems, and violations
• Enforces applicable laws, codes,  ordinances, and other regulations by issuing warnings and written notices of violations to the appropriate authorities
• Escorts individuals and provides security at special events, such as marathons, parades, concerts and related presentations
• Disseminates information regarding rules and regulations, health and safety hazards and park events to the public
• Interacts effectively with the public; greets park visitors and explains park rules, regulations and city ordinances; provides directions and handles public inquiries and complaints
• Conducts investigations and may issue citations regarding animal ordinance violations and illegal trash dumping
• Conducts investigations on any relevant event occurring on Department property
• Completes appropriate reports, such as vehicle accidents, building burglaries, and employee/visitor injuries
• Controls activity levels within assigned parks by, but not limited to, locking or unlocking and securing  gates, checking park use and permits, providing crowd control at City Sponsored events and notifying public of park operating  hours
• Uses radio communication equipment to call law enforcement, emergency medical service  or other  personnel when  required
• Performs related work as required

• Possess a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and must maintain it throughout employment without any restrictions affecting job performance.
• High School Diploma or its equivalent
• Three (3) years of full-time verifiable experience dealing with the public in any of the following types of work: code enforcement, security, former law enforcement, United States military, or regulatory enforcement experience or closely related field, or in public contact work.
• Possess or obtain Level 1 certification from the Florida Association of Code Enforcement within 12 months of appointment
• Possess and maintain a current certification in American Heart CPR or American Red Cross Community First Aide & Safety within 12 months of appointment
• Possess or obtain a State of Florida Class "D" Security Officer License for unarmed security guards prior to appointment, and maintain for duration of employment.
• Ability to work flexible, non-traditional hours including nights, weekends and holidays

• This position requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, alone or in a team, and involves frequent interaction with potentially hostile members of the public.
• Must be able to maintain composure and perform effectively in varying situations; must exercise restraint and attempt to resolve situations using persuasion rather than force; must refrain from overreacting when subjected to physical or verbal abuse.
• Must be able to work with other members of the team, modeling the behaviors desired of team members and leaders. Adapts behavior to new situations; resilient, maintains effectiveness when under pressure; does not become irritable and anxious, retains composure. Makes a strong, positive impression has authority and credibility.
• Must be a self-starter and take initiative. Sets demanding goals for self and is dissatisfied with average performance; makes full use of own time and resources; sees a task through to completion, irrespective of obstacles and setbacks. Adopts appropriate styles for achieving objectives. Has a customer service orientation and works equally well with the public and staff.
• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.
• Must be able to perform routine activities according to specifications and guidelines and assist others on the team in doing the same; creates a safe environment for the public and co-workers; alerts others to hazardous situations existing in working conditions or equipment.
• The duties of this position entail physically demanding work on foot, bicycle and in city-owned vehicles.
• Work may periodically require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push and/or pull
• Ability to walk and/or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work outdoors under varying temperatures, inclement weather and/or other adverse conditions
• Ability to load, carry, lift or otherwise move objects
• Ability to operate a motorized vehicle
• Perform on-site inspections at locations, which may not be accessible to the physically handicapped
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, word processor, calculator, copier, and fax machine