Park Ranger

Nestled along Florida's beautiful First Coast, the City of Atlantic Beach is a picturesque coastal community of approximately 14,000 residents, featuring two miles of pristine sandy beaches, more than 65 acres of parks and recreational spaces, and the charm of small-town living just minutes from the vibrant City of Jacksonville.

The City takes pride in its strong sense of community, commitment to public service, and friendly, supportive work environment. Our employees play an essential role in preserving the quality of life that makes Atlantic Beach such a special place to live, work, and visit.

We offer competitive compensation, an excellent benefits package, professional development and training opportunities, and opportunities for career advancement. Whether serving our residents, supporting local businesses, or helping maintain a safe and welcoming community, our employees make a meaningful difference every day.

Join our team and discover the rewards of serving a community that truly values its employees and the people they serve!

IMPORTANT NOTICE – TEMPORARY HIRING FREEZE

The City of Atlantic Beach is currently under a temporary hiring freeze through November 15, 2026. The City may continue to accept applications, screen candidates, and conduct interviews during this period; however, any hiring decision or offer of employment is contingent upon the City Commission lifting or otherwise authorizing an exception to the hiring freeze. Posting this vacancy does not guarantee that the position will be filled.

The PARK RANGER position performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, custodial, landscaping, and public service duties in the preservation, operation, and upkeep of City parks, recreational facilities, buildings, and public spaces. Responsibilities include routine inspections, preventive maintenance, minor repairs, equipment operation, visitor assistance, and identification and reporting of unsafe conditions and suspected violations of established park rules. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Parks & Building Maintenance Supervisor. The position requires professional interaction with the public and may involve evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and emergency response assignments.

• Perform custodial and ground keeping activities in maintaining parks and recreation areas including common areas, right-of-ways and sidewalks. 
• Maintenance and repair of tennis, racquetball, and basketball courts; baseball fields; playground equipment; nature trails; structures; and fences and signs around parks.
• Remove and dispose of all rubbish and trash in designated facilities; Pick up litter and empty garbage cans at designated facilities.
• Clean park restrooms and community center restrooms including sanitizing and deodorizing toilets and floors; check and stock supplies; ensure that all lavatories are working properly.
• Perform general maintenance repairs such as windows and doors, flooring, walls, filters, lighting, painting, replacement of damaged ceiling tiles, etc.
• Operate power saws and chain saws, drills, string trimmers, blowers, mowers, etc.
• Inspect assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment before use; promptly report defects; follow manufacturer guidance and City training requirements; use task-appropriate personal protective equipment, including protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, gloves, and high-visibility apparel when required.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on irrigation systems; Landscaping of all sorts.
• Assist in the coordination of recreational activities and special events; participate in the preparation of facilities for various events, including setting-up and arranging tables, chairs, and equipment as instructed; break down, clean, and store materials. Weekend work, evening work, and overtime are frequently necessary.
• Maintain and clean Community Centers.
• Load/unload stone, gravel, dirt, asphalt, timber, and heavy mechanical equipment and supplies.
• Perform basic plumbing repairs such as urinals, sinks and lavatories.
• Operate equipment when needed for maintenance at the discretion of Supervisor or Department Head.
• Construct and repair wooden structures such as walkovers, bridges, benches, tables, buildings, etc.
• Perform roof, gutter, elevated, tree-pruning, and similar maintenance activities only when appropriately trained, equipped, authorized, and consistent with applicable safety procedures; refer specialized or high-risk work to qualified personnel.
• Maintenance of ditches and ponds. Shoveling sand on beach accesses.
• Monitor City parks, recreational facilities, and public spaces for compliance with established City rules, regulations, and ordinances. Inform visitors of applicable rules; report suspected violations and unsafe situations to supervisors, Code Enforcement, or law enforcement as appropriate. Exercise only those enforcement responsibilities specifically authorized by the City.
• Assist skilled tradesman by carrying materials, tools, and equipment.
• Perform minor electrical and mechanical repairs within the employee’s training and assigned authority; refer licensed or specialized work to appropriately qualified personnel.
• Pour concrete; fill pavement cracks with asphalt; shovel and rake asphalt paving mix in road repairs.
• Cleaning and repair of drainage structures such as gutters, culverts, catch basins and storm drains.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of all Parks materials and equipment.
• Receive, document, and close out assigned work orders accurately; record materials, completed work, deficiencies, and follow-up needs using City-approved systems.
• Unlock doors of facilities; lock facilities at closing times, ensuring that doors are secure.
• Utilize City-approved computers, mobile devices, electronic work-order systems, and other technology to document work performed, inspections, service requests, property damage, and equipment conditions.
• Conduct routine visual inspections of playgrounds, recreational equipment, park facilities, trails, and other assigned City property; identify and promptly report hazards, vandalism, damage, and maintenance needs; document findings and take temporary protective measures within training and authority.
• Conduct guided tours and walks in the parks.
• Provide courteous park and facility information to residents and visitors; respond to concerns within assigned authority, use de-escalation techniques when appropriate, and refer complaints or unsafe situations to supervisors or appropriate public safety personnel.
• Recommend and make improvements in work procedures and activities; maintain operating records; prepare special reports and memoranda as required.
• Promote safe work practices and identify and report hazards in City parks and facilities; promptly communicate unsafe conditions or incidents through established City procedures. Follow City safety rules and use required personal protective equipment.
• Operate pick-up truck, bobcat, forklift, and related equipment.
• Promptly report workplace injuries, vehicle or equipment accidents, property damage, near misses, and public incidents in accordance with City procedures.
• Assist other City departments as approved by supervisors.
• Participate in hurricane preparedness, severe-weather response, and post-storm recovery as assigned, including securing City facilities and equipment, minor debris clearance, facility checks, temporary closures, reopening assistance, and damage documentation within training and authority.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the position’s classification, training, and applicable safety requirements.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.Minimum two (2) years of experience in light construction, general maintenance, or landscaping and one (1) year of experience interacting with the public, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience as approved by the City. Knowledge of custodial procedures, landscaping, general maintenance, hand and powered equipment, occupational hazards, and safe work practices. Ability to work independently and collaboratively; understand written and verbal instructions; prioritize assignments; identify and document hazards; use City-approved electronic work-order and communication tools; interact tactfully with visitors and coworkers; respond appropriately to complaints; and refer confrontational or potentially dangerous situations to supervisory or public safety personnel. Ability to perform the essential physical duties with or without reasonable accommodation.