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