Park Ranger

Job Description:

Park Ranger

Description

Description

JOB FLYER UPDATED 07/01/2024

SALARY:

• Current:$64,620 - $86,604 annually

There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy.

THE POSITION:

Under minimal supervision, perform a variety of complex non-sworn support duties in the Police Department; patrols land, monitors city facilities and community parks and other designated areas in order to promote and maintain order and security; to enforce state, local laws and municipal codes within parks; and to perform related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

An incumbent in this class proactively patrols, monitors and oversees community parks, facilities and other designated areas to promote safe and enjoyable visitations by the public and to maintain order and security. Incumbents must exercise considerable judgment, tact and responsiveness in distinguishing between circumstances in which counseling and warning will serve to maintain order and those in which the powers of ejection, detention or arrest must be applied. Incumbents are assigned shift responsibility and may include weekends, evenings and holidays. Work may be on an on-call basis. An incumbent works under the supervision of a Police Sergeant and work is reviewed through conferences and results obtained.

For more information about the Costa Mesa Police Department, click here .

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Please click here to review a list of automatic background disqualifiers for this position. You must review this information before submitting an application.

Applications must be completed and submitted on-line. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete . Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include, but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower-level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your on-line application.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

Essential Functions

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Conducts proactive patrols of city parks, recreation facilities and designated areas on foot, bicycle and/or by city vehicle to protect property against vandalism, illegal entry, theft, fire and other dangers; observes activity and determines if correction or intervention is required

Operates portable communication devices such as a mobile personal computer and a two-way radio while conducting patrols to communicate with dispatchers and other police personnel.

Performs enforcement of municipal codes regarding the use of parks, recreation facilities and designated areas to maintain order for the protection and safety of visitors, patrons and employees.

Maintains order and enforces park rules and other laws by taking actions ranging from mediating, counseling, warning, issuing citations, or detaining persons whose behavior harasses or endangers others, disturbs the peace, or threatens damage to property.

Maintains a high visibility rate at community parks, recreation facilities and other designated areas.

Provides information and assistance to the public regarding park use and permit requirements, resolves customer and/or park use disputes, answers questions, directs persons to specific facilities and events, and searches for lost children.

Impounds abandoned bicycles, property, evidence, and drug related paraphernalia.

Responds to calls for services from the Police Dispatch unit not requiring a sworn officer.

Arrests individuals whose behavior harasses, or endangers others, disturbs the peace, or threatens damage to property; detains individuals until suspect can be transported by a police officer.

Utilizes physical restraints such as handcuffs, pepper spray or telescopic impact weapons (baton) when necessary.

Maintains logs, activities and written reports of incidents, accidents or other occurrences. Reports hazardous or unusual conditions or malfunctions observed.

Serves as a liaison between the Police, other Departments and the public; performs community relations duties and public education assignments as assigned.

Calls sworn law enforcement officials whenever arrests should be made or assistance is needed.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff and volunteers. Assist in training new employees.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

May provide emergency first-aid or CPR as necessary.

May direct and reroute vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to accidents, special events, and signal outages.

May search detainees in the field for contraband and weapons; female Park Rangers may be requested to search female arrestees in the jail.

Qualification Guidelines

A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Two years of law enforcement, code enforcement or police support oriented public contact experience.

Two years of college coursework including coursework in criminal justice, criminology or related field, or any combination of education and experience that provides the required job specific knowledge, skills and abilities.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform essential functions may also be considered.

Successful completion of California Penal Code 832 training is required by the end of the probationary period.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Valid Class C California Driver's License. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

Possession of or ability to obtain the following: First Aid and CPR certification; certification of chemical weaponry training and a current (less than two years) tuberculosis clearance certificate by date of hire.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

Knowledge of City goals and objectives for promoting and maintaining positive public relations;

Knowledge of municipal codes pertaining to community parks and facilities.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and cordial relationships with those contacted during the course of work;

Ability to work with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds;

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively; deter undesirable activities by personal presence and persuasion;

Ability to cope with negative and abusive situations and attitudes;

Ability to enforce municipal codes pertaining to community parks and facilities;

Ability to patrol and check parks effectively, work safely, react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions;

Ability to follow written and oral directions; maintain records and write required reports clearly and concisely; and properly and safely use two-way radio;

Ability to work on evenings, weekends and holidays for long periods of time and/or on rotating shifts.

Supplemental Information

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.

Employee accommodations for physical and mental abilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To view 2024 benefit information for all groups, Click Here
To view 2025 benefit information for all groups, Click Here

New Full-Time employees contribute 9% of their salary on a pre-tax basis towards the 2%@60 or 2%@62 CalPERS retirement formula depending on eligibility.

Full-Time employeesreceive the following health insurance flexible benefits contribution:

• Current: $1,600monthly
• Effective January 2025: $1,650monthly

New Part-Time employees are appointed by and serve at the will of the Department Director. They are reviewed for merit salary advancement on a periodic basis. Generally, part-time employees are limited to no more than 1,000 hours of work per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Certain part-time employees, however, are permitted to exceed this limit.Part-time employees participate in either the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) or the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) depending on eligibility. Employees enrolled in PARS contribute 3.75% of salary with a matching City contribution. Employees enrolled in CalPERS contribute 7% - 9% of salary depending on eligibility. Part-time positions are eligible to receive general leave benefits. General leave can be used for sick, vacation, or holiday time.

The City does not participate in the Social Security system; however, federal mandate requires all new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare. As a condition of employment, all new employees are required to enroll and participate in the direct deposit program.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

See Position Description