Park Ranger

Description

Park Ranger
City of Covington, KY
Parks and Recreation Department
Location: Devou Park
Part-Time, 24 hours a week
Hours: Varying schedule, including weekends and holidays
Salary Range: $24,000 - $26,000

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river. Covington, Kentucky, is where history and progress meet—and as a Park Ranger, your work will play a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and safety of our beloved parks. We’re looking for passionate individuals ready to protect our public spaces, engage with our community, and make a lasting impact on the future of Covington’s green spaces.

Our city is home to a rich variety of parks, trails, and recreational areas, and your role will directly contribute to preserving these spaces for current and future generations. Covington celebrates its unique charm—from our rainbow crosswalks to the locally owned businesses that give us character—and as a Park Ranger, you will be part of a team that values the people and places that make our city truly special.

If you’re someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about community service, Covington could be the perfect place for you to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

Role Overview

The Park Ranger enforces City Ordinances, regulations, and policies in Devou Park by providing professional law enforcement and public service. Reporting to the Parks and Recreation Department, you will ensure the safety and enjoyment of park visitors by patrolling the park areas, responding to emergencies, and enforcing laws and regulations. Your role will be key in maintaining the security of the park while ensuring a welcoming environment for all who visit.

This is a dynamic, hands-on position that involves a combination of law enforcement duties, public interaction, and emergency response. A successful Park Ranger will be calm under pressure, skilled in communication, and passionate about preserving our natural spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Law Enforcement and Public Safety: Patrol park areas in a cruiser and on foot to enforce City Ordinances, park rules, and regulations. Respond to criminal activity, ensuring public safety and compliance with laws.
• Emergency Response: Respond to medical emergencies, fire alarms, and traffic accidents. Provide support to first responders and assist with investigations.
• Public Relations and Visitor Support: Maintain positive public relations by offering information, assistance, and directions to park visitors. Communicate effectively with the public and handle violators in a professional manner.
• Security and Building Maintenance: Monitor park facilities, conduct security checks, and secure gates and doors. Ensure the safety and security of park buildings and grounds.
• Traffic Flow Management: Direct and manage traffic flow within park areas during busy times or special events.
• Reporting and Documentation: Complete accurate reports of incidents, including witness statements, evidence, and other necessary documentation. Provide testimony in court, as needed.
• Continuous Learning: Stay current on law enforcement practices, emergency response techniques, and park safety regulations by attending required training and professional development courses.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of law enforcement practices, including criminal procedures and park regulations.
• Familiarity with general park operations and safety measures.

Skills:

• Strong communication and public relations skills.
• Proficient in operating law enforcement equipment and vehicles safely.
• Skilled in observing and responding to emergencies and potentially hazardous situations.

Abilities:

• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Ability to effectively work with the public and fellow officers, showing sound judgment.
• Capable of identifying unusual or emergency situations and responding appropriately.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant law enforcement training or coursework preferred.
• Valid Operator’s License.
• Ability to pass physical fitness tests, psychological exams, and polygraph tests as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in law enforcement or park management.
• Certification in first aid, CPR, or emergency response.
• Ability to work effectively in all weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.

Language, Math, and Reasoning Skills

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, procedures, and reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in handling incidents and reports.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to perform basic calculations and interpret data such as times, measurements, and incidents.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and respond to situations involving multiple variables. Ability to interpret instructions and take appropriate action during emergencies.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with arms, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and perform tasks that require physical strength and stamina. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of Covington’s public parks and recreation areas.
• Supportive Work Environment: Work alongside a dedicated team that values communication, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the Parks and Recreation Department.

EEO Statement

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Qualifications

Salary : $24,000 - $26,000