Park Ranger I - Chesapeake, United States - City of Chesapeake

Description

Job Description

The primary responsibility of the Park Ranger I is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of citizens, patrons, and facilities by providing operational, security, emergency response and customer services in assigned parks, campground, recreational and athletic facilities, historical facilities, and waterway properties used for recreational purposes.

Major tasks for the Park Ranger I will include but are not limited to:

Assist the Park Ranger II's with oversite of the Ranger Technicians within assigned area, include training, prioritizing and assigning work activities, and scheduling.

Park Ranger I performs random vehicular, bike and foot patrols of various parks, recreational, and historical facilities as may be assigned to ensure visitors safety, as well as enforcement of park rules, laws, regulations, policies and city ordinances.

Provides Ranger presence at various city-wide special events, historical village at the Dismal Swamp, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail and other recreational/athletic programs at city parks and facilities and schools, as may be assigned.

Park Ranger I ensures the safety of park, recreation and tourism patrons; protects park resources and property; maintains grounds and facilities as needed.

Provides exceptional internal and external customer service that meets the expectations of the City's Customer Service Initiative, answers telephone, assists visitors; and provides public with information concerning park operations, program policies, recreational facilities, programs, and resources. Applies customer service techniques, uses tact and maintains professionalism in all communications with the public, employees and volunteers. Assists park patrons with inquiries and programs; responds to inquiries or problems relating to the park verbally or in writing.

Responds to emergency situations, as a first responder, and may provide basic first aid.

Maintains records and prepares reports; enforces State and City laws on City properties; issues summonses; makes arrests; and testifies in court. Prepares and submits various accident, incident and statistical reports.

Inspects various facilities, structures and equipment, identifies problems, hazards, and concerns related to visitor usage of park facilities and reports to supervisor and completes minor repairs.

Handles routine maintenance, cleaning and repairs on park and historical properties as required. Assists with grounds keeping, operates hand and power tools. Operates various types of transport vehicles and equipment to include, boats, ATV, golf carts, bike, tractor, trailers, canoes.

Participates in revenue operations at the historical village, camp store, campground, and various concessions. Operates cash register; sells concessions and retail merchandise, processes boat, bike, cabin, shelter, site and facility rentals, program memberships, admission, disc and mini golf. Processes credit and cash transactions, performs daily close out procedures and balances cash drawer. Transports deposits to required processing locations.

Reserves picnic areas, historical sites, recreational specialty facilities, and picnic shelters; maintains waiting list, using specialized software and notifies when an opening becomes available.

Assists with park, historical, and recreational events as well as tours, interpretive programs, interpretive walks, camps, clinics, educational programs, talks and other programs relating to park resources, history, natural history, fish and game, and conservation efforts; assists in the care and rehabilitation of injured park wildlife. Researches, develops, and implements educational programs and media materials for park visitors.

Assists other agencies/departments including, but not limited to, Fire, Police, Animal Control, or Game Commission; directs traffic and assists with special events in parks as needed.

Assists with custodial duties of facilities and equipment and stocks inventory and supplies.

Assists with park and historical projects; researches, prepares and presents detailed reports.

Will be required to respond and provide services during citywide special events and activities, inclement weather and emergency events.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Previous work experience in parks operations, public safety, security or emergency management.

Required Qualifications Vocational/Educational Requirement:
Requires high school diploma or GED, and formal training, special courses, or self-education equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education or specialized advanced training in law enforcement or a closely related field.

Experience:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of three months of relevant experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Requires a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the

Requires successful completion of departmentally required courses at the Police Academy or equivalent course work as determined by the Director of the Chesapeake Police Academy and the Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Required certification as a Police Academy Graduate within 18 months of hire OR currently certified a Police Officer OR currently certified as a Conservator of the Peace OR possess an approved waiver from Virginia DCJS.

CPR and First Aid certification required. Must qualify annually to carry a City-issued firearm.

Special Requirements:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties. Preferred Qualifications Previous work experience in parks operations, public safety, security or emergency management.
Knowledge of City codes pertaining to parks and recreation facilities, waterways, open space and public safety.

Knowledge of state and federal fish, game and wildlife regulations.