Recreation and Parks - Park Ranger I

Full Job Description

A vacancy exists in the Department of Recreation and Parks for a Park Ranger I in the Northwest Section of Baltimore County.

Pay Schedule VI, Grade 25, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and professional license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of professional licenses, certifications, and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of professional licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Requirements

Job Purpose

Under general supervision, provides specialized park safety and security services, including routine patrols of county parklands and facilities, ensuring compliance with park rules and ordinances.

Assess facility conditions and perform routine maintenance tasks. Plans, organizes, and supervises recreation and park programs within the assigned park region.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Patrols county parklands and facilities by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to maintain public safety and to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and ordinances.

• May issue warnings and citations.

• Assists, as necessary, law enforcement agencies in crime prevention and reporting, search and rescue operations, parking and traffic regulations, and accident investigation.

• Maintains a cooperative liaison with county police and other law enforcement agencies.

• Maintains contact with other Department of Recreation and Parks employees and the county Police Department.

• Investigates violations, prepares reports, secures evidence, and testifies in court, as necessary.

• Assists Park patrons and visitors by answering questions relative to park amenities, programs, and rules and regulations.

• Cooperates with community and service groups in clean-up and park beautification projects.

• Assists other park staff with crowd and traffic control.

• Receives training as a first responder.

• May render assistance and first aid before the arrival of emergency medical personnel.

• Liaison with local wildlife rehabilitators, the Bureau of Animal Services, or the Department of Natural Resources regarding injured or deceased wildlife.

• Ensures safety standards and required maintenance and/or custodial services are provided at sites.

• Coordinates and assists, as necessary, in the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment.

• Inspects sites to ensure that facilities and equipment are in proper condition and that safety standards are maintained.

• Ensures proper use and care of facilities requiring permits and resolves permit disputes.

• Compiles program and facility reports as needed.

• Develops, supervises, and implements interpretive programs.

• Attends meetings of civic and social organizations in the community.

Examples of Other Duties

• Assists with the inspection of facilities.

• Assists with various maintenance duties essential to the operation of the park functions of each position in the class.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all essential job functions for each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of park operations, recreation, education, business administration, forestry, social sciences, history, or a natural resources or history-related field;
Plus
One year of experience in forest or park management, recreation, or natural resources management, law enforcement, or preparing, developing, or delivering programs that interpret natural, historical, cultural, or recreational features.
Or
Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of park management, recreation, education, business administration, forestry, social sciences, or a natural resource-related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

(Experience as described in Examples of Essential Duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Managing a nature or recreation center, park, or related facility
• Supervising recreation staff
• Recruiting, training, and guiding volunteers for recreation-related facilities or functions
• Planning, organizing, and supervising nature, environmental, historical, and recreation and parks programs for a community
• Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with the public, other agencies, and co-workers
• Using computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, email/calendar software, and computer file management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental, historical, and related recreation and parks programs and activities.
• Knowledge of natural history, botany, zoology, and land and wildlife management.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of nature center, environmental center, and park operations.
• Knowledge of law enforcement techniques and policies.
• Knowledge of civil and traffic laws of the State of Maryland and Baltimore County.
• Knowledge of first aid.
• Ability to operate tools and equipment used in the maintenance of grounds and structures.
• Ability to learn basic landscaping techniques and principles.
• Ability to learn basic carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electrical tasks relating to general maintenance procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to learn the Department of Recreation and Parks rules and regulations.
• Ability to react quickly, calmly, and decisively during emergencies, ensuring the safety of park visitors.
• Ability to plan, organize, develop, and direct naturalist, environmental, and historical programs.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the operation and maintenance of a recreation and parks nature, environmental, or historical center.
• Ability to supervise staff.
• Ability to recruit, train, and guide volunteers.
• Ability to represent the department at meetings and community events.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with recreation and parks councils, community groups, the public, other agencies, and co-workers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental recreation and parks programs, services, and operations.
• Skill in planning, organizing, developing, and directing naturalist, environmental, and historical programs.
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and directing the operation and maintenance of a recreation and parks nature, environmental, or historical center.
• Skill in supervising staff.
• Skill in recruiting, training, and guiding volunteers.
• Skill in representing the department at meetings and community events.
• Skill in preparing reports.
• Skill in communicating effectively.

Licenses and Certificates
A valid driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of application.
May require training and certification in various law enforcement practices and certifications. Current CPR and Basic First Aid Certification are required.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of professional licenses, certifications, and education beyond high school to meet the required qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of professional licenses, certifications, and Education may result in your application not being considered.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Park Ranger I
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and professional license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience as stated in their application, including their responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants must clearly and completely state the dates and duties of their past and present experience for evaluation purposes.

Additional Information

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid driver’s license equivalent to a Non-Commercial Class C Maryland driver’s license is required at the time of application

• May require training and certification in various relevant practices and skills

• Current CPR and Basic First Aid Certification

Physical and Environmental Conditions

• Employees in this classification may be required to travel to recreation and parks sites, facilities, and meetings throughout the County.
• Will be required to walk on uneven surfaces, lift heavy objects, bend, stoop, climb ladders, and operate maintenance equipment.
• Some work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as adverse weather.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening, and employment investigation, including, but not limited to, criminal background, education certification, and fingerprinting checks.