Job Description:
Park Ranger
(Full Time, Non-Exempt)
Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00pm on August 3, 2026
Hiring Range is $46,184 to $ 53,183 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations, working in wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections, maintenance, and routine patrol. Additional responsibilities include assisting with District user permits and special events. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.
Essential Duties:
- Performs all patrol functions, inspects district user permits, and enforces park rules and regulations through visitor contact.
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Inspects, monitors, and enforces rules and regulations pertaining to District user permits including special events and temporary access permits.
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Patrols in a variety of outdoor landscapes including parks, trails, and open spaces.
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Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails and open spaces.
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Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property.
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Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.
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Participates in field work in district parks, including but not limited to vegetation removal, wildlife management, park inspections, trail maintenance, traffic control, equipment maintenance, and general maintenance.
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Assists Lead Rangers with the daily work activities of seasonal staff and volunteers as assigned.
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Administers and adheres to District policies.
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Operates a vehicle and/or bicycle safely and in compliance with all traffic laws.
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Recognizes emergency and dangerous situations by reacting quickly and calmly; administers first aid as needed. Coordinates with public safety personnel to provide direction, access, and closures needed for emergencies.
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Responds to sick or injured animals; removes carcasses of dead animals
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Prepares a variety of reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident/accident reports, graffiti reports, and weekly and monthly ranger operation reports according to District procedures in a timely manner.
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Responds tactfully, respectfully, and in a timely manner to inquiries and problems in person, through email, or phone by providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
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Develops and maintains professional relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside user groups and agencies to coordinate their programs, needs, requests, and special events.
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Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
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Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.
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This position is expected to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and some holidays throughout the year.
This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.
Education and/or Experience:
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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Associate's Degree in Resource Management or related field preferred.
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One (1) year of experience as a Park Ranger or in a related field.
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Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
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First Aid/CPR certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
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Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
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OC spray certification or the ability to obtain upon hire (in-house training available).
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Collapsible baton certification or the ability to obtain upon hire (in-house training available).
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Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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General knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.
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General knowledge in law enforcement as it pertains to park and resource management.
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The ability to enforce park rules with and without the use of municipal citations
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The ability to maintain personal and public safety while on duty.
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Must be able to patrol from a vehicle, on a bicycle, and on foot.
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Ability to effectively work with other employees and volunteers.
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General knowledge of safety, and ability to perform emergency first aid procedures.
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Ability to resolve customer complaints and escalated situations.
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Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, Outlook and Publisher.
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Must be highly motivated and take direction well.
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Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
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Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner.
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Ability to work a varied schedule including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays throughout the year.
Material and Equipment Used:
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Regularly uses standard office equipment including a personal computer, phone, printer, TV projector, and copier.
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Regularly uses a police radio, collapsible baton, and OC spray.
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Other equipment may include mule work cart with dump bed, ATV, line trimmers with saw blades and other hand and power tools, hand-held data collection and GPS tools and software, trailers, and live animal traps.
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Also uses and operates first-aid supplies and equipment.
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May be required to drive a personal and/or District motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.
Working Environment:
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Performs work indoors in a busy nature center/office environment subject to interruptions.
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Performs work outdoors subject to variable weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes. Outdoor working environments can be wet, humid, extreme in temperature variations, and with loud background noises.
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May also require biking, canoeing, wading, or swimming in moving water
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Requires handling small animals, sick and injured wildlife, and removal of wildlife carcasses.
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Works in a variety of settings including daytime, night-time, in dark areas, and with wildlife.
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May work with pesticide chemicals.
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Works with power equipment with moving mechanical parts, and animal traps.
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This position will be subject to the inherent interpersonal and physical stresses of park rule enforcement and riding extended hours in a patrol vehicle, as well as walking or standing for an extended period of time
Physical Requirements:
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Stand, walk/hike long distances, and sit for extended periods.
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Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, equipment, tools or controls; reach with hands and arm.
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Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment.
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Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, ATV, UTV and E-bike.
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Must be comfortable with picking up small plants and animals.
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May occasionally climb, crawl, squat, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift up to 100 lbs.
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Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.
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Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication. Must understand and be understood.
This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.
We've Got You Covered!
South Suburban Offers:
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Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
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Disability and life insurance
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Flexible spending accounts (FSA's)
Happy Employees Are the Best Employees
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South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
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Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $390 annually
Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy
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10 paid holidays per year
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4 personal days per year
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Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
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Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself
We've Got Your Back
- Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
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Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
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Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year
Play Where You Work
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Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
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Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors
We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:
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Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
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50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
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$5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses
SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees
About Us
Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.
We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.
Experience and Skills:
From: South Suburban Parks and Recreation
