The Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Urban Park Ranger. The successful candidate will become certified as Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) through the Virginia Department of Criminal Services and attend a modified training with the Richmond Police Department (RPD).

Responsibilities:

Patrolling park property on a regular basis
Responding to calls for service
Proactively engaging with park users
Providing park visitors with resources and information
Resolving park user conflicts
Educating the public about park codes, rules, and regulations
Ensuring visitors have a positive experience
Protecting cultural and natural resources through public programs
Serving as Park Ambassadors while providing a positive presence in parks, trails, and community facilities
Working with Outdoor Education, Civic and Volunteer groups to provide public interpretation and programs related to natural and cultural resource stewardship
Patrolling park trails and open areas on foot, bicycle, and vehicle
Working with diverse community groups and individuals, including those who may be in crisis, emotionally charged, or under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol
Responding to and resolving park rules and regulations, and enforcing code violations
Encouraging safe and positive use of parks, including Leave No Trace practices
Providing outreach support and social service referrals
Providing first aid and basic care
Referring serious medical issues to Richmond Fire & Rescue, serious criminal behavior to Richmond Police, and animal emergencies/enforcement to Richmond Animal Care and Control
Locking gates and facilities at close
Verifying permits & reservations
Keeping and preparing timely, accurate, thorough records for court hearings; may testify in court on park code enforcement cases
Willingness to work variable shifts including nights, weekends, special events, and holidays

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses:

Previous law enforcement, Park Ranger, and/or Fire and Rescue experience preferred
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and procedures related to federal, state, and local park code enforcement preferred
Experience with de-escalation and defensive tactics, and ability to diffuse potentially confrontational situations and resolve disputes
Outdoor education and/or recreation background desired
Wilderness First Aid/First Responder certification required or willing to get within 30 days of hire
Experience with community/volunteer engagement and education
Ability to communicate technical information and requirements in a clear, accurate, and understandable manner
Ability to recognize conditions that may jeopardize personal safety
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience using Microsoft Office to include Excel, Outlook, and Word
Demonstrated skill in timely, accurate, and excellent record keeping
Basic familiarity with City of Richmond Parks and Facilities
Ability to walk, ride a bicycle (approximately 50% of the time) on uneven terrain

Minimum Training and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED and at least 18 years old
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree
Five (5) or more years of work experience
Experience working outdoors & in rough terrain
Interpretive guide training that adheres to national standards of interpretation
Outdoor education/recreation experience
Previous law enforcement, Park Ranger, and/or Fire and Rescue experience