Senior Park Ranger

Position Summary The Senior Ranger reports to the Assistant Director of Parks and Open Space and supervises full‑time, part‑time, and seasonal park ranger staff. The role involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing all ranger operations, including rule enforcement, wildlife management, environmental education, resource management, special events, and user permit administration. The position requires flexible shifts with possible weekend, holiday, and after‑hour patrols, and conducts duties consistent with the organization’s values. Responsibilities Supervises daily work activities; recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff; provides performance evaluations, coaching, and enforces policies. Determines staffing needs, schedules operations, approves timesheets, and liaises with payroll on pay issues. Adheres to and assists in preparing, enforcing, and updating District policies and SOPs. Manages relationships with local law enforcement and coordinates backup support. Conducts or coordinates ranger training in techniques such as collapsible baton, de‑escalation, pepper spray, self‑defense, first aid, emergency response, customer service, and resource education. Inspects parks, trails, and open spaces for safety and maintenance needs. Performs welfare checks on unhoused encampments and coordinates removal/cleanup. Makes sound judgments and follows safety practices at all times. Assists the Director in developing division goals and objectives. Applies ecological principles and resource protection practices. Enforces district rules through courtesy contacts and after‑hour patrols across all District parks. Operates vehicle, UTV, and bicycle for patrol duties. Builds positive public rapport, assists visitors, and resolves complaints. Develops and implements educational booths throughout the district. Coordinates Vendor and user group programs and events. Responds tactfully to inquiries, complaints, and stressful interactions through email, phone, or mail. Inspects and enforces user‑permit rules for special events. Handles encroachment inspections and follow‑up actions. Maintains tools and equipment inventory; schedules crew maintenance and repair. Assists with budget preparation, revenue/expenditure projections, and RFPs. Keeps accurate records: timecards, reports, logs, and metric tracking. Attends meetings, trainings, and orientations. Stays current on fieldwork and resource management practices. Provides supervisory support when Director is absent. Maintains a reliable presence and punctuality at all shifts. Ready to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required. Education and/or Experience Must be at least 18 years old. Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management or a related field. Two (2) years of related experience, including one (1) year of supervisory experience. Other combinations of education, training, and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain upon hire. EMR Certification or ability to obtain upon hire. Valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable driving record. OC Certification or ability to obtain upon hire. Baton Certification or ability to obtain upon hire. Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of law enforcement and local ordinances related to parks and natural resources. General knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques. Ability to patrol on bicycle, UTV, and motor vehicle. Knowledge of CPR/First Aid and EMR training. Capacity to resolve customer complaints and escalated issues. Motivated, takes direction well, and works independently within a fast‑paced environment. Knowledge of equipment and techniques for safe ranger operations. Ability to prioritize tasks and maximize available resources. Problem‑solving skills for complex scenarios. Budget planning and management understanding. Proficiency in recruiting, training, supervising, and motivating employees. Excel‑comping and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams). Interpersonal and communication skills for customer service and team collaboration. Physical Requirements Extended standing, walking/hiking long distances, and occasional sitting in a patrol vehicle. Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs unassisted. Manual handling, reaching, and coordination with tools and equipment. Climbing, squatting, stooping, crouching, or crawling as needed. Vision acuity for reading, recording, and angle adjustments. Effective communication skills for clear verbal and written interaction. Material and Equipment Used Ranger equipment: police radio, collapsible baton, pepper spray, mule work cart, ATV, chainsaw, line trimmer, pesticide, GPS, live traps. Office equipment: computer, phone, calculator, printer, projector, copier. First‑aid supplies. Personal vehicle use for District travel. Outdoor work in varied weather, wildlife, and environmental conditions. Exposure to dust, noise, extreme temperatures and low‑light activities. Busy office environment with interruptions and background noise. Benefits Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans. Disability and life insurance. Flexible spending accounts (FSA). 10 paid holidays per year. 4 personal days per year. 11.5 paid vacation days per year. Paid sick leave. Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match vesting after 3 years. Training opportunities to grow professional and personal skills. Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 per year. South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr South Suburban Parks and Recreation