Job Description

Provides public outreach and education, regulation enforcement and program assistance within the park system including active recreation facilities and Natural Resource areas. As ambassadors of the parks, Park Rangers strive to serve the public through education and conservation, while fostering a safe and welcoming recreational experience. Assists in a variety of essential county services that include, but are not limited to; customer service, enforcing all relevant codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations in accordance with Title 19. Park Rangers provide event management, host educational events, conduct outreach, conserving forestry, wildlife, and open space; assist with deer management; conducts investigative work related to damage to the environment, wildlife poaching, and unpermitted activities.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$24.53 - $25.78
$51,022 - $53,622

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This is specialized park safety and security work which typically involves routine patrol of county park lands and facilities ensuring compliance with park rules and ordinances. Work activities also include assisting the public in the use of park assets and maintaining a cooperative liaison with county police other law enforcement agencies. An employee in this class operates vehicles on a variety of terrain and uses specialized police laptop computer and radio communication systems equipment to maintain contact and coordination with county police. Work is performed with general supervision from an administrative superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted law enforcement standards and applicable regulations. Work activities may involve limited intervention in critical and emergency incidents. May be required to work special or non-routine hours as a result of assignment or special event. Contacts with others are sensitive and important and include park visitors, homeowners, representatives of community groups and county police and other law enforcement agencies. Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Participates in day and night patrols of park system including facilities and Natural Resource areas. Patrols county parks, open space, and facilities by foot, bike, or vehicle between the hours of 06:30 and 23:00 to ensure public safety and compliance with rules and regulations.
• Issue citations for infractions against parkland rules and regulations and local ordinances.
• Processes incident reports with accurate detail and factual information.
• Assists and cooperates with other agencies such as Howard County Police, Howard County Fire & Rescue, and the Department of Natural Resources in crime prevention, investigations, medical emergencies, public hazards, search and rescue operations, and parking and traffic mitigation.
• Acts as a first responder and if necessary, renders CPR and first aid until the arrival of Emergency Medical Services.
• Resolves permit disputes for facility spaces, athletic fields, courts, and picnic pavilions.
• Responsible for the tracking and reporting of their duties and activities.
• Provides education to park patrons on issues related to park amenities, wildlife, programs, and rules and regulations.
• Responsible for security at special events and other programs.
• Provides assistance to other park staff in areas such as crowd control and traffic control.
• This position will assist with Deer Management tasks, including but not limited to: providing security for managed hunts and sharp shooting operations, constructing and installing elevated hunting stands and feeders, installing signage, evisceration, handling of firearms, collection of biological data, spotter for sharpshooters, and teaching Hunter Education classes. Park Rangers may be selected to become Sharpshooters upon successfully completing required training.
• Organizes and oversees volunteer and community service groups in enhancements and clean-up projects.
• Develops, markets, and implements inclusive programs and public outreach that welcome a diverse audience.
• Assists with field training and monitors the performance of newly hired staff. Ensures that newly hired staff maintain performance standards during the initial training and field evaluation component and provide updates to Park Ranger supervisors for performance evaluation.
• Participates in court proceeding including, testimony and evidence presentation.
• Park Rangers are required to utilize the issued Body Armor, according to the Body Armor Policy.
• Responsible for utilizing their 800 MHZ radio and Mobile Data Computer (MDC) to log in to Central Communications at the start of a shift and out at the end of their shift.
• This position is considered essential and will be required to work emergency situations to include staffing the Department Operations Center.
• Serves on committees as assigned.
• Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no formal supervisory responsibilities.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade and two (2) years of experience in security, law enforcement, park management or a related field, or completion of an Associate\'s Degree in law enforcement, park management or a related field.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum of three (3) years of ranger duties including enforcement and public outreach.
• Basic computer skills plus proficiency in MS applications & GIS mapping.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision. Employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and working at night, in low light. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasional exposure to firearm discharge may occur.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

• Maryland Class C Driver\' License or equivalent issued by state of residence. License must remain valid, as long as individual is employed in this class.
• Requires training and certification in various law enforcement practices and techniques, including Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C) chemical spray exposure.
• May be required to be licensed or the ability to obtain a Deer Cooperators License through Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
• Obtain Maryland Hunter Safety Certification or equivalent within one year.
• FEMA ICS-100/700 obtained within 6 months.
• Obtain SAR-Tech III (Search and Rescue) Certification within one year.
• Obtain Maryland Boater Safety or equivalent within six months.
• Obtain ATV Safety Institute within six months.
• Additional trainings and certifications as required.

Howard County