Salary : $51,022.00 – $82,784.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-00117
Department: Recreation & Parks
Division: R&P REC11F – Gen Fund
Opening Date: 08/02/2023
Closing Date: 8/16/2023 11:10 AM Eastern
Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute in our continued work towards excellence in government.
What you’ll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We take great pride in offering our workforce the best benefits and compensation packages in County Government, and we think you will too. This includes great medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- Everyone at Howard County Government contributes to the development of programs, regardless of role. Your input will not only be heard; it will be encouraged.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you’ll be helping to drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
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.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
- 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County’s flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician’s certificate.
PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays:
New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Day; President’s Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.
Howard County Police and Fire Employees’ Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee’s direction on a tax deferred basis.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $1500 contingent upon County funding.
LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank’s Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner’s insurance programs.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process.Please check “yes” to show that you have read and understand this statement.
- Yes
- No
02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $51,022 – $53,622
- Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you possess two (2) years of experience in security, law enforcement, park management or a related field; or completion of an associate’s degree program in law enforcement, park management or a related field?
- Yes
- No
05
If you possess two (2) years of experience in security, law enforcement, park management or a related field; or completion of an associate’s degree program in law enforcement, park management or a related field, please explain where you acquired this education/experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
06
Do you possess three (3) years of experience performing ranger duties including enforcement and public outreach?
- Yes
- No
07
If you possess three (3) years of experience performing ranger duties including enforcement and public outreach, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
08
Which of the following best describes your GIS mapping skills?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- None
09
How did you hear about this position?
- NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
- Linked In
- Maryland Association of Counties
- National Association of Counties
- CEAM
- ASCE
- Indeed
- Employee Referral
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
- Handshake
- Career Fair
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
- Other
10
If you indicated “Job Fair” or “Other” in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate “N/A” (Not Applicable).
11
Do you possess a Deer Cooperators License through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources?
- Yes
- No
12
Are you aware that this position requires you to function as “essential personnel” meaning that you are expected to work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis?
13
Do you possess a Maryland Hunter Safety Certification?
- Yes
- No
14
Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?
- None
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
15
Do you possess a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
16
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the “career seekers” link, and follow the prompts.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
17
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
Required Question