Park Ranger

Position Description

About the Department:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens, and swimming pools. Our mission is to provide welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate, and build community and promote responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities. Delivering excellent customer service to each visitor and participant is a core value.

SPR commits to City of Seattle Workplace Values and Expectations , and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by striving to eliminate barriers to access and provide employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

About the Position:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is a premier employer in a vibrant, fast-growing, and exciting city. The Park Ranger program is part of a high-profile initiative, involving multiple City and community partners, to create welcoming, safe, and lively public spaces in the downtown core. Keeping parks positive and welcoming in an urban environment requires strong community partnerships, positive activation, and a focused effort to displace illegal and negative activities with legal and positive ones.
Job Responsibilities
Education

• Provide excellent customer service, anticipate and solve problems, and educate visitors on park safety rules, codes of conduct, and permissible/impermissible park uses.
• Educate visitors about our parks, monuments, and memorials by interpreting the role of important people and events or cultural experiences that shaped our park system.
• Serve as a liaison between the City and park users by answering questions and handing out informational literature about the park system and City resources.
• Provide wayfinding and general park information to the public.
• Support visitors in having a safe and enjoyable park experience.

Engagement

• Support SPR's stewardship of Seattle's parks, facilities, natural areas, and other assets.
• Provide knowledge and information about park features and the surrounding environments to park patrons and community groups as needed.
• Monitor park areas for damage to grounds, equipment, and/or facilities.
• Report malfunctioning equipment and buildings or grounds in need of maintenance or repair.
• Notify SPR Dispatchers of work order needs in parks and/or facilities.
• Collaborate and communicate daily with Park Dispatchers.
• Maintain routine records and prepare written reports.
• Administer first aid to visitors who require medical attention as needed and depending upon the degree of training.
• Call 911 for medical assistance as needed.
• Complete corresponding first aid reports.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Enforcement

• Oversee City parks and designated areas on foot, by bicycle, and/or vehicle to monitor park activity and to inform the public and enforce rules, regulations, laws, ordinances, and municipal codes pertaining to the use of parks and facilities.
• Mitigate and deter inappropriate activity in City parks by conducting regular patrols and establishing a routine and meaningful presence.
• Engage with rule violators by providing education about SPR rules and municipal codes to foster compliance.
• Assist with seasonal beach fire and coastal programs.
• Secure doors, gates, and parks at closing time.
• Respond and assist with park emergency situations occurring on park properties or in response to citywide activations.
• Complete incident reports and document appropriate intakes and referrals to other agencies.
• Work with the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, SPR maintenance, and Citywide event scheduling to ensure special events are managed within permit conditions.
• Monitor activities to ensure permits are obtained and activities align with permitted uses.
• Enforce Park Code (SMC 18.12) through voluntary compliance and issue Civil Infractions, Trespass Warnings, and Park Exclusions when necessary.
• Engage police or EMS assistance as needed for public safety.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of one year of experience in parks and recreation, security, or a related field (or a combination of education and/or training experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

You will be successful in this role if you have the following:

• Additional parks and recreation, security, and/or public safety experience.
• Community relations, programming, or engagement experience.
• Experience with report writing and strong communication skills.
• Comfort with an education-first approach with an emphasis on social equity.
• Experience through a relevant training program (e.g., Skagit Valley College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy).
• Ability to pass a police-level background check.
• Delivery of services in a manner that reflects positivity, emotional intelligence, and excellent communication skills and which reflect and advance SPR's mission and values.

Licensing/Certifications:

• Current Washington State driver's license.
• Successful candidates will need to complete a criminal background check.

Additional Information
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Supplemental questionnaire responses.
• Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
• Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicate as a part of the application process, which may include reference checks.

SPR's Core Competencies are:

• Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high-quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

The full salary range for this position is $ 26.52 - $ 30.72 per hour.

Benefits - The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Background Checks:

• This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 11/28/2023 4:00 PM Pacific