Park Ranger, Law Enforcement

Summary: Performs duties as a uniformed law enforcement officer responsible to enforce federal/state/local laws and MetroParks Rules & Regulations within and adjacent to MetroParks property and facilities. Patrols park areas to prevent, deter, and detect criminal offenses, and to conduct public safety related duties. Directs and controls traffic. Assists park visitors, issues motor vehicle and camping permits and provides information about park programs and activities. Serves as a secure courier for funds.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities – Essential Functions:

• Enforces federal, state, and local laws & ordinances and MetroParks Rules & Regulations in a fair and consistent manner in accordance with established MetroParks policies and department procedures.
• Provides for the safety and welfare of the citizens and park visitors throughout all MetroParks areas and facilities by undertaking uniformed patrol of MetroParks owned, managed, and controlled properties, facilities, and the adjacent lands by foot, bicycle, motor vehicle, and/or ATV (APV).
• Properly maintains and employs law enforcement equipment including, but not limited to firearms, impact weapons, chemical irritants, restraint devices, flashlights, and other authorized items.
• Responds to calls for service from citizens, park visitors, and employees of MetroParks and, pursuant to policy and/or statute, surrounding jurisdictions.
• Investigates crimes, accidents, and non-criminal incidents. Takes appropriate actions to isolate crime scenes and accident locations to preserve evidence, protect park visitors, employees and MetroParks property.
• Prepares and submits various reports to document incidents, activities, findings. Uses criminal justice networks and databases. Prepares duty logs and other documents as required for internal organizational use.
• Conducts preliminary investigation of crimes committed within and adjacent to MetroParks properties and facilities. Assists with, or conducts, follow-up investigations as assigned.
• Keeps Public Safety personnel supplied with motor vehicle permits and associated supplies, substitutes for and performs duties of Public Safety Assistant during the absence of such staff. Collects funds and records from Public Safety personnel or other employees for transport and deposit.
• Performs physical security checks of gates and facilities. Arms and disarms alarm systems as necessary.
• Conducts safety inspections of structures, grounds, trails, play equipment and other MetroParks facilities. Reports and documents violations and/or excessive visitor or employee risk. Files safety inspection reports in a timely manner.
• Serves as secure courier to facilitate the movement of interoffice documents and funds, makes bank deposits and accounts for cash, receipts and other property as assigned.
• Performs routine maintenance on vehicles and property assigned to the Division of Public Safety which may include car washes, oil changes, tire changes, and preventive maintenance and care.
• Performs minor maintenance of MetroParks property and equipment such as installation and maintenance of signs, maintaining access roads, repair of gates, and clearing trails/trailheads to ensure public safety and accessibility.
• Makes recommendations to command officers regarding changes or improvements in procedures and operations; testifies in court; performs any other duties necessary and required for the safety and protection of the citizens, employees, natural resources and personal property within the MetroParks.
• Operates numerous types of vehicles and equipment including, but not limited to, sedans, trucks, sport utility vehicles, bicycles, all-purpose vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, utility multi-use vehicles, tractors, skid-steers, chainsaws, and hand tools. Uses all required personal protective equipment.
• Successfully completes the MetroParks Division of Public Safety Field Training and Evaluation Program within the timeframe established by policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Obtain and maintain competent knowledge of MetroParks law enforcement policies and Park Rules and Regulations within 30 days of initial appointment as a Park Ranger.
• Follows all MetroParks policies and public safety & law enforcement procedures. Reports policy violations through the chain of command.
• Must not be prohibited by any law or regulation from possessing a firearm and have the ability to legally carry and periodically qualify pursuant to State and Division standards with assigned and/or authorized firearms continuously while employed by MetroParks as a Park Ranger.

·         Ability to maintain confidentially on sensitive issues and non-public records.

·         Ability to maintain a professional, cooperative working relationship with other staff members, volunteers and the staff of other agencies.

·         Meets and deals with all members of the general public in a professional, helpful, civil and fair manner.