Park Ranger

Salary: $17.97 Hourly

Location : Parks & Recreation Division – Frederick, MD

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Job Number: FY24-00215

Department: Parks and Recreation Division

Division: Parks Rec

Opening Date: 10/17/2023

Closing Date: 11/6/2023 4:00 PM Eastern

JOB INFORMATION
The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation is committed to the highest level of care of our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks & recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County.

The Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life of county residents by providing innovative activities and programs that meet the recreational needs of Frederick County communities. We encourage participation in a variety of recreational opportunities that foster enjoyment and lifelong learning. http://www.recreater.com/

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Non-exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week (varied schedule, Sunday-Saturday, including holidays); full-benefits

This position will perform a wide variety of duties providing park security presence, monitoring visitor activities, and securing multiple County parks. Work is performed at times when needed to assure patrol coverage, facility protection and to enhance visitor safety on Frederick County Park property and must be completed in all types of weather conditions. The position will assume operational responsibilities in the absence of the Ranger Supervisor. Supervision is received from the Ranger Supervisor.

Frederick County Government recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 10 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Communicate with park patrons on matters of park rules and regulations
Enforce all park rules, regulations and Frederick County Code of Ordinances in a tactful manner
Assist in the supervision of the part-time Ranger staff
Participate in court hearing including testimony and evidence presentation
Patrol and inspect assigned park areas (on foot, bicycle or vehicle) to provide visible security for park users
Secure parks at closing time by ensuring that all visitors have left, all buildings are secured and gates are locked
Conduct routine checks or facility conditions, lighting, cleanliness and safety/emergency equipment
Assist with crowd control and parking at Division events and provide emergency assistance to park patrons
Operate the skating pond and sled run when open
Provide park patrons with information regarding facility reservations, events and other activities
Assist with obtaining quarterly drinking water samples
Assist with reservation and permit conflicts, maintenance issues, safety issues and facility rental concerns
Operate Division owned drone
Submit daily activity tasks in Cartegraph
Write incident reports, vandalism reports and other paperwork
Coordinate administrative and organizational duties in conjunctions with and in the absence of the Park Ranger Supervisor
Monitor sport field use for compliance to regulations as well as approved schedule and permits
Maintain assigned vehicle and uniforms in presentable appearance and condition
Identify problems, hazards and safety concerns related to visitor usage
Plan, design, prepare and present interpretive, educational, informational and community outreach programs
Manage traffic counters and track park attendance
Respond to alarm calls and emergency situations at Frederick County parks
Assist in training part-time staff
Perform other related duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions 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.

High school graduation or the equivalency
Minimum 6 months of closely related park ranger, natural resource conservation, or law enforcement work experience OR 1 year of customer service work experience
Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license
Current certifications in First Aid and CPR or ability to become certified within 90 days of hire
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certification in ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 or ability to become certified within 6 months of hire
Current Maryland Special Police Officer license, or ability to become so licensed within 12 months of hire
NOTE: Closely related education may substitute for a portion of the closely related park ranger, natural resource conservation, or law enforcement work experience

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Ability to obtain and maintain a Frederick County Employee Driving Permit
Ability and willingness to participate in law enforcement, park management and other job-related trainings
Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized scheduling and e-mail systems
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, park neighbors, co-workers and the general public
Ability to effectively project a strong positive image of the division and Frederick County
Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
Demonstrate independent judgment with the ability to recognize and approach potentially dangerous situations and utilize conflict resolution skills
Effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to accurately maintain schedules and complete forms and reposts, and to provide information and direction to park users

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

College degree in Parks, Conservation/Natural Resources Management, Recreation, Forestry, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice or a related field
Experience and/or training related to park ranger, natural resource conservation, or law enforcement
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certification in ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800
Current Maryland Special Police Officer license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, perform repetitive motions and drive; occasionally climb, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds, push and pull up to and over 40 pounds and reach; rarely crawl
While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and cold temperatures below 32 degrees
Sound physical condition in other to effectively respond to the spontaneous physical demands of security/law enforcement duties (e.g. foot pursuit in open and wooded areas, search and rescue, etc.); ability to lift, move and carry gear weighing up to approximately 50 pounds; and to work outside for extended periods of time in all weather conditions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays
A uniform is the required dress for security and safety patrols, some special events, public relation assignments or when deemed appropriate by the Park Ranger Supervisor
Stated licenses and/or certifications must be maintain valid throughout employment
The position is subject to random drug testing
This position is defined as essential personnel
This position is designed as security-sensitive, requiring satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

An evaluation of training and experience
One or more interviews
A pre-employment Security-Sensitive background investigation
A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (10 year vesting) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee’s completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors’ services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan – Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee’s direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn’t remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave – Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee’s child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

Do you have possession of a high school diploma or the equivalency?

Have you earned a college degree in Parks, Conservation/Natural Resources Management, Recreation, Forestry, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice or a related field?

If you responded Yes to the question above, please indicate the level of education received and the field in which the degree was earned.

Do you have possession of a valid automobile operator’s license?

Do you have work experience and/or training related to park ranger, natural resource conservation, or law enforcement ?

If you responded “Yes” to the question above, provide those details in the text box below:

Do you have at least 6 months of closely related park ranger, natural resource conservation, or law enforcement work experience?

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

Do you have at least 1 year of customer service work experience?

Do you have current National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certification in ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800?

Do you possess a current Maryland Special Police Officer license?

Required Question

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Job Category

Sports, Fitness and Recreation

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Job Type

Full Time/Permanent

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Salary

USD 17.97 per hour

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Country

United States

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City

Frederick

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Career Level

unspecified

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Company

Frederick County, MD

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JOB SOURCE

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/frederickmd/jobs/4243145