Park Ranger

Positions assigned to this class provide security services, maintain safe and secure environments for City Parks and facilities. Provides assistance through education, information or other action in matters both routine and critical in all parks as requested or needed by the citizens and guests of Apache Junction.The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City’s needs.

• Patrol parks by ATV, bicycle, foot and small truck; monitor and repair State Trust Land fence lines; observe the activities of persons in and around City buildings, facilities and park areas; prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. 
• Monitor activities and identify inappropriate, unsafe, criminal or other undesirable behaviors; resolve issues as appropriate; notify the police department if inappropriate activity escalates or may become dangerous; use defensive tactics, expandable baton, handcuffs and defensive spray when necessary. 
• Conduct inspections of playgrounds and equipment, restrooms, lights, signs and other park items for damage or unsafe conditions; complete reports and submit work orders; remove trash and debris and other minor maintenance. 
• Provide assistance to park users and Public Safety Department in emergency situations including locating missing children or persons, traffic control at traffic accident scenes, in capturing and containment of venomous and domestic animals; may serve as a witness and/or complete witness statements; may testify in court. 
• Provide assistance to the Fire Department for accidents and injuries that occur in the parks and serve as first responder for basic first aid and adult and infant CPR. 
• Open gates for emergency helicopter ambulance landings on ball fields or parking lots. 
• Participate in overall maintenance, setup of events, and the opening and closing of parks as needed; enforce park rules, regulations and ordinances; issue warnings and citations and give verbal warnings as appropriate for violations related to park use; provide information and explanation of policies and regulations to the public and employees. 
• Assist Police Department with traffic control; work with community and other City departments to resolve safety issues; answer citizen calls for service in the parks; assist citizens with city limits; implement and conduct educational programs/presentations. 
• Maintain logs and complete various internal administrative, status or incident reports; may operate and monitor keycard security systems, closed circuit TV monitoring systems, metal detectors and other security equipment. 
• Support the City’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Education and Experience
Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and one (1) year paid fulltime experience in park security, law enforcement or related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.Knowledge

• City and Department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes Arizona Department of Public Safety Communications procedures. 
• Proper use of safety equipment and tools used in the line of duty. 
• Basic first aid and CPR

Skills

• Handling and using issued tools and equipment including Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.) spray, safety gloves, baton, handcuffs and radio; operating various types of vehicles and other modes of transportation; determining the appropriate use of force in a situation. 
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful and potentially hazardous situations; dealing with the public in a professional manner; working independently. 
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; following instructions.

Pre-employment Requirements
Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.

License/Certification
Must pass all training in the Use of Defensive Tactics, Use of Force concepts for Expandable Baton, Use of OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) Spray, and Use of Handcuffs programs and obtain AXON Taser Operator certification, and CPR certification within six (6) months of appointment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Majority of work is performed outdoors. Work requires walking, running, climbing, sitting and operation of a vehicle. Required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing between 50 and 100 pounds and exerting force between 20 and 50 pounds. Possible exposure to potentially hazardous, uncontrollable and life-threatening situations. May be in contact with hostile or resistant individuals. May work a varying work schedule which includes nights, weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergencies.