Highlands Ranch Metro District is hiring two Urban Park Rangers!

Every day brings something different. Rangers proactively patrol parks, trails, and open spaces; connect with visitors; investigate potential violations; and document incidents and cases. Outreach and education come first, with warnings, parking citations, or criminal summons issued when appropriate to address public safety and resource protection concerns.

We offer great benefits and competitive pay based on your education, experience, and certifications. We are hiring for two openings at either Ranger I or Ranger II level, see below.

About the Urban Park Ranger ProgramHighlands Ranch Urban Park Rangers are responsible for outreach and education, rules enforcement on more than 2,600 acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, 26 parks, and numerous other recreation facilities. Rangers promote safe and enjoyable public spaces through education, customer service, community engagement, resource stewardship, and consistent enforcement of Metro District rules and regulations.

Rangers conduct proactive patrols, investigate violations, issue warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate, prepare reports and case documentation, work closely with partner agencies, and rely on outreach and education first to resolve public safety and resource protection concerns.

The Urban Park Ranger Program works collaboratively with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners to provide quality services to the Highlands Ranch community.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerforms long hours monitoring and patrolling on foot and by vehicle to enforce District rules and regulations within parks, trails, and open spaces.

Present and report to District staff, the public, and other agencies regarding any issues concerns, needs, or requests.

Assists other rangers in the enforcement of park and open space rules adopted by the District's Board of Directors. Utilizes Motorola APX radios, Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, a variety of DCSO and Metro District database / web-based software systems to track, report and log incidents.

Communicate effectively with District staff, the public, and other agencies regarding any issues concerns, needs, or requests that are present.

Operates a vehicle safely and in compliance with all traffic laws.

Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails, and open spaces.

Accountable for all patrol functions, inspection of District use permits, and enforcement of all park rules and regulations through visitor contact.

Inspect, monitor, and enforce rules and regulations as it pertains to District user permits involving special events and temporary access permits.

Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property and following up through contact and removal evaluation.

Prepares a variety of written reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports and interoffice emails.

Exercise good independent judgment and proper safety precautions and practices.

Report and maintain regular communications with ranger staff and supervisor regarding daily activities and locations.

Utilize web-based software systems for asset management, work orders, and code enforcement.

Weekly trail station trash receptacle removal and other duties as assigned. Promote environmental stewardship by creating and presenting outdoor education and interpretive programs to adult and youth groups at special events, schools, and in parks and open spaces.

Participate in/manage the booth for special community events as the representative for the Ranger Program.

Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and orientations, as well as weekly staff meetings with park services and reservations staff.

Recognize emergency and dangerous situations by reacting quickly and calmly; administer first aid as needed.

Serves as a member of various employee committees and planning teams as assigned. Identifies analyses and implements actions as necessary to ensure a safe experience for open space visitors and protecting natural resources and facilities.

Identifies, analyses, and implements actions as necessary in protecting Districts resources and facilities, and ensures a safe recreational experience for the public.

Ensure communication and coordination of park activities, events, and uses.

Meets with other local field related professionals to develop procedures and review industry trends and legislation.

Minimum QualificationsUrban Park Ranger I - pay is up to $30 per hourMust be at least 18 years of age.

High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Associates degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space or related studies.

Some experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations with a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs.

Or a combination of education and experience.

Must possess a valid Colorado, Class R driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Maintain annual CPR/First aid certifications.

Comfortable around a variety of wildlife.

Obtain a limited commission as a Code Enforcement Officer through Douglas County Sheriffs Office within 90 days of employment.

Urban Park Ranger II - pay is up to $35 per hourHigh school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Associates degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space or related studies.

Two (2) years experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations with a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs.

Or a combination of education and experience.

Must possess a valid Colorado, Class R driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Maintain annual CPR/First aid certifications.

Comfortable around a variety of wildlife.

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray Certification preferred.

Obtain a limited commission as a Code Enforcement Officer through Douglas County Sheriffs Office within 90 days of employment.

Working knowledge of Sheriff's Office dispatch communication protocols, including appropriate emergency and non-emergency response procedures, radio communication etiquette, and coordination with law enforcement personnel.

Necessary Knowledge, Experience, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to perform the essential duties listed above.

Physically able to move about on work sites and under adverse field conditions.

Operation of motor vehicles in tight spaces.

Work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.

Lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time.

Skilled in safely operating the listed tools and equipment, demonstrating a strong understanding of their functionality and maintenance requirements.

Reliable and punctual for regular shifts as well as community events.

Knowledge of occupational hazards, first aid and safety precautions related to work.

Maintain records and prepare concise reports using PC, Microsoft 365 programs and web-based software.

Present educational programs to the public.

Must possess exceptional organizational skills.

Must be highly motivated and take direction well, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbally.

Must have superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, enabling clear and effective communication with diverse audiences including the public and other agencies.

Ability to accurately document and issue citations, prepare incident reports, and communicate effectively using standard public safety radio terminology and procedures.

Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other departments, officials of the public and vendors.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials and the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds and points of view as part of a team.

Represent the district professionally with integrity and excellence. Encourage a respectful, collaborative, and accountable work environment while demonstrating ethical conduct in all interactions.

Supervision ReceivedWorks under the general guidance and direction of the Natural Resources Manager.

Supervision ExercisedNo supervisory duties are currently included in this position; however, this position may provide direction and general supervision of volunteers and may be asked to lead staff at special events.

Tools and Equipment UsedPickup trucks and various animal and wildlife control devices and retrieving implements, various small hand tools and equipment.

APX 4000

radio, Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, a variety of DCSO and Metro District database / web-based software systems for dispatch, reporting, tracking and work orders (i.e. Brazos Electronic Citations, CAD Computer-Aided Dispatch, SmartGov, and Asset Essentials). General office and breakroom equipment such as desk phone, smart phone, tablet, PC/laptop, MFP/copier scanner, etc.

Work ScheduleThis is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, with days and hours varying. The work schedule will vary from Monday through Sunday with the daily workday varying between 6:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Due to the nature of this position, work hours are dependent on weather conditions, season, projects, events and programs, meeting and/or staffing levels and will include evenings, early mornings, and weekend hours. May be required to work holidays as staffing needs dictate.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear; use hand to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office type setting and occasionally in outside weather conditions, including inclement weather.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Selection GuidelinesFormal applications, rating of education and experience; panel interview(s) and reference check; job related tests might be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Our BenefitsAt Highlands Ranch Metro District, we prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums100% contribution match for the pension planUp to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement planFlexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expensesWork/life Balance!80 hours of paid sick leave (renewed each year on work anniversary)10 paid (8-hour) holidays200 hours of medical leave, with certification80 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, increasing after five yearsWellness & Improvement!

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their familiesUp to $2,000 a year for education reimbursementHighlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee Saving, Planning & Other!

Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.

District cell phone useDiscounts for employees on over 1,000 products and servicesApplication InformationVisit our career center at highlandsranch.org/apply to submit applications.

Applications will be accepted for two weeks or until filled.

Pre-employment screening includes background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record check. This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, with days and hours varying. The work schedule will vary from Monday through Sunday with the daily workday varying between 6:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m.