Park Ranger - Parks and Recreation in Tacoma, Washington at Parks Tacoma

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $29.59
To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $29.59- $40.51. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increase

Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.

Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.

Why You’ll Love it Here
Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Position Information
Under the direction of the assigned Manager or Supervisor, the Park Guide creates meaningful engagement with our community in the places they play, learn and grow. The Park Guide promotes and supports visitors' positive park use and voluntary compliance with all laws (specifically the TMC Park Code 8.27) through education and visitor service assistance throughout the district. Guides are the "eyes and ears" of the park and will serve dual but complementary roles: in the Guest Engagement role, the Guide enhances the visitor experiences as a uniformed representative of Parks Tacoma, builds relationships, creates community, and assists in the operations of their assigned area. In the Compliance and Patrol role, the Guide, serving in an unarmed position, seeks voluntary compliance with park code within park boundaries; patrols park areas by vehicle, bike or on foot, responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints; prepares and completes reports and may be required to appear in court. It is stressed that in both roles, the Guide will serve as a friendly and respectful ambassador for Parks Tacoma.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

• Advises visitors and answers questions or concerns about safety, fire prevention, and proper and authorized uses of facilities; inspects facilities and checks for compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to parking, noise level, and safety; brings problems or violations to the attention of visitors and, if appropriate, alerts proper public safety authorities for enforcement.
• Seeks voluntary park code compliance through tact, diplomacy and visitor education; will patrol park areas by vehicle, bike or on foot, responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints; completes reports and may be required to appear in court;
• Assists with emergency calls and takes action where necessary to preserve the peace and to protect visitors and resources; provides limited emergency first aid and other appropriate assistance, and identifies, protects, and obtains evidence.
• Deters negative activity through a uniformed, diplomatic, and authoritative presence by communicating laws and regulations regarding park and facility use; directs pedestrian traffic, and maintains crowd control, when needed; investigates accidents, complaints, disturbances, and other problems.
• Works cooperatively with law enforcement, Tacoma Public Schools Security, and contracted security providers on site regarding public safety issues and/or developing deterrent programs and strategies, awareness of park code violations, etc.
• Patrol parks and natural areas for evidence of illegal camping. Unhoused individuals will be offered services and asked to remove tents and other belongings, and to notify of park closure hours. If necessary, Rangers will post illegal camp sites and arrange for removal and cleanup with maintenance staff or contractor. Will require coordination with Community Liaison Officers, City of Tacoma Outreach workers and other agencies as needed.
• Encourage, inspire, and motivate guests to take on conservation actions in their daily lives and support personnel and/or volunteers engaged in interpretive programs.
• Learn applicable emergency response procedures and protocols in order to assist with or lead the response to incidents on site.
• Operate a motorized vehicle to travel to multiple locations to carry out essential duties. Adhere to all driving laws and safety rules.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• A minimum of two (2) years of customer service required.
• Two years of college-level study or training directly relating to Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, Criminal Justice, Social Services, or other applicable field required. Two additional years of customer service may substitute for the college level education requirement
• Ability to effectively and respectfully engage with community members from diverse backgrounds and experiences in order to resolve potentially contentious or difficult situations;
• Must be at least 21 years of age;
• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (a current driving abstract will be requested during the reference process at applicant's expense.)
• Must have or be able to attain a valid First Aid, CPR (adult and child) and AED certification;
• Must be willing and able to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays;
• Must attend and successfully complete required training within specified time lines;
• The Ranger is required to attend public meetings, training sessions, events and conferences and professionally represent Parks Tacoma.

ENVIRONMENT:

• High comfort level in dealing with the public and media.
• Emergency medical situations with visitors of all ages.
• Indoor and outdoor conditions with exposure to fluctuating temperatures seasonally which can routinely be hot, cold, humid, windy, rainy, and/or damp.
• Noise, dust, pollen, and insects.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Operate and/or use computer keyboard, other office equipment, and a motor vehicle.
• Stationary positioning for extended periods of time.
• Position self to perform tasks and/or essential duties of role.
• Communicate effectively to exchange and/or present accurate information and convey safety instructions to others.
• Observe, assess, determine, identify, and/or perceive details at distances including safety situational awareness and/or motor vehicle operation.
• Assess, detect, identify, and/or perceive details at close range while following and/or preparing records and reports.
• Move throughout facilities and/or properties for extended periods of time or distances including on uneven terrain, narrow and/or slippery surfaces at a consistent pace.
• Exerting force to move and/or position objects weighing up to 40 pounds to shoulder height.
• Assist individuals with mobility limitations including, but not limited, in and out of vehicles and up and down stairs.
• Ascend and descend several levels of stairs at a steady pace on a routine basis.

HAZARDS:

• Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Knowledge of permissible and impermissible activities within park areas and facilities.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and security of park facilities.
• Knowledge of safety awareness, first-aid practices, and ability to handle emergencies of all kinds.
• Knowledge of area natural, recreational, and operational amenities.
• Bilingual preferred.

ABILITY TO:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations with the general public, law enforcement agencies, and park supervisors.
• Ability to monitor and patrol assigned park facilities to educate, discourage and report park code violations.
• Ability to employ basic customer service skills in explaining and tactfully enforcing park rules and regulations.
• Strong customer service and written and oral communication skills essential.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and make decisions independently.
• Previous experience working in the public sector is beneficial.
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous, diplomatic, and professional manner essential.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively, and apply solutions based on good judgment.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Balance conflicting priorities.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

.PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@parkstacoma.gov.

Employment is subject to a national background check.

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.