Ranger Cadet - Central Region

Application Deadline: 2/15/2025
Salary Rate: $20.00 per hour
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Safety Sensitive: Yes
Schedule: 40 hours per week

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under supervision of the Chief Ranger, an employee holding the Ranger Cadet position must attend an MWCD-approved Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). The Academy is typically a three (3) to six (6) month Law Enforcement academy, depending on attendance at either day or night classes. This position is a trainee entry level position. In addition to attendance and participation at the Academy, the Ranger Cadet may be scheduled to perform other office and field support duties as directed by the Chief Ranger in order to gain exposure to MWCD park and marina operations until successful completion of the OPOTA academy. The Ranger Cadet must demonstrate adequate progress towards obtaining the Ohio Basic Peace Officer Certification within the designated time frame set at time of hire in order to retain the Ranger Cadet position. This position will remain in probationary status for the duration of the position.

EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE OPERATED/USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Patrol vehicle, patrol watercraft, computer, laptop, taser, impact weapon, firearms, radio, traffic radar, Microsoft Office Suite, Paycom, Lexipol, OHLEG.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; works in the vicinity of dockboards (bridge plates); works in an area in which the means of egress is or can be obstructed; is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from extremely noisy conditions above 85db (e.g., firearms, patrol watercraft); is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous waste; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; is exposed to possible injury as a result of electrical shock; is exposed to possible injury as a result of working with moving mechanical parts of equipment or machines (e.g., patrol watercraft); is exposed to possible injury as a result of falling from high places; uses or works in proximity to the use of firearms; works in or around crowds; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; has exposure to potentially vicious animals; has exposure to life threatening situations; has exposure to fire; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions; works second shift / third shift; works rotating shift; has exposure to shaking objects or surfaces; has exposure to second-hand smoke.

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered heavy work.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

80% (1)

Attends approved OPOTA Academy training and evaluation sessions and obtains Ohio Basic Peace Officer Certification within specified time period in order to continue employment as a Ranger Cadet. May work rotating shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends in assigned park or marina while not attending the OPOTA Academy. Performs related non-law enforcement duties, including but not limited to: disseminates park, marina, and area information to the public; ensures information is accurate, professional, and timely; interfaces with visitors, neighbors, user groups, and volunteer organizations, and other agencies to promote MWCD in a positive and professional manner; responds to visitor complaints and concerns. Duties may include answering visitor questions about park/marina features, educating visitors about park/marina regulations, assisting with park gate and registration duties, marina retail sales, marina dock assistance, general maintenance duties as assigned. Performs clerical support in park or marina offices or Recreation headquarters in New Philadelphia. Performs other related non-law enforcement duties as assigned. The primary focus in the field is learning fundamental skills and knowledge about recreation and marina operations that will assist in becoming a full-time ranger. This position requires a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department and the class schedule of the Peace Officer Training Academy. Schedules varies, to include some holidays, nights and weekends.

10% (2)

Spend time learning MWCD parks, lands, roads, and outlying areas.

5% (3)

Performs routine maintenance checks on equipment; performs vehicle maintenance; performs utility checks; checks for mechanical and safety issues.

Maintains required licensures and certification, if any.

Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5% (4)

Performs other non-law enforcement related duties as assigned.

Attends meetings, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS: (*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of: Agency policies and procedures*, government structure and process*; Microsoft Office Suite.

Skilled in: Public relations; computer operation; organization; analysis; writing.

Ability to: Communicate effectively; develop, solve practical problems; deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; pay attention to detail.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

None.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Completion of high school (12th school grade) or possession of a GED certificate or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. Must meet all prerequisite Minimum Standards for Enrollment and Initial Certification as required by OPOTA. Must pass all MWCD Law enforcement selection requirements including a background investigation.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid State of Ohio drivers license and must be insurable by MWCD fleet insurance.