Ranger (Full-Time/Year-Round)

Under general supervision, the Ranger performs patrols of Open Space and Trails (OST) properties throughout the County to enforce codes and regulations and protect visitors and cultural and natural resources. Coordinates interagency law enforcement and first responder incidents. Performs public education, outreach, compliance, and enforcement. Duties may vary according to job assignment.

• Patrols OST properties and trails; educates the public on local habitats, history, and recreation opportunities; fields questions from trail users on a wide variety of topics; acts as a public representative of OST.

• Contacts individuals in violation of Pitkin County OST codes; informs the public of OST related regulations; enforces codes with verbal and written warnings; issues penalty assessments as appropriate.

• Coordinates with local law enforcement, USFS law enforcement, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers when necessary to address enforcement and public safety issues; documents code violations for incident reports and appears in court as required.

• Responds to medical emergencies and accidents on OST properties and trails; provides emergency care; coordinates with local EMS agencies in emergency responses; investigates cases.

• Coordinates interagency parks law enforcement issues, including liaison with the Sheriff's Office, Police Departments, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, and USFS law enforcement.

• Provides public education and ticketing where appropriate, minor maintenance, complaint investigations, closure monitoring, annual property checks, agricultural land patrol, dumping/encroachment mitigation, hunter patrol and court testimony.

• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Level III (in addition to Level I and II):

• Plans, develops and implements specific parks resource protection projects, record keeping systems and programs.

• Performs crew lead responsibilities.

• Assists with directing patrol zones and daily responsibilities to the ranger crew.

• Answers and directs questions from the public and staff in regards to Open Space management plans, County Title 12, Open Space easements, and Open Space Ranger SOPs .

This positions follows a sequence:

Level I:

• Up to 1 year of experience in code enforcement or law enforcement.

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

• CPR and First Aid certified.

• Wilderness First Responder preferred.

• New Ranger Training within the first 6 months.

• OC-Spray Certification within the first 6 months.

• Verbal Judo/Conflict de-escalation within the first 6 months.

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Level II (in addition to Level I):

• 1-3 years of experience in code enforcement or law enforcement. 

• Wilderness First Responder certified.

• Mental Health First Aid certified.

• Traffic Incident Management (TIM).

• Proficient in locating properties and trails throughout the County and familiar with their characteristics.

• Chainsaw certification required.

Level III (in addition to Level II):

• 3 years of experience.

• Wilderness First Responder certified.

• Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) preferred.

• Proficient in property management plans.

• Performs crew lead responsibilities.

Knowledge Of:

• County policies and procedures.

• State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.

• Record keeping and records management rules and standards. Safety policies, procedures, and practices for basic construction industry standards.

Skill In:

• Applying governing rules and regulations.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies.
• Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.
  
  

• Work is performed outdoors and requires moderate physical exertion. May be exposed to inclement weather conditions, dangerous tools, equipment, and wildlife, hazardous chemicals, and possible exposure to bodily fluids.
• Mountain bikes up to 15 miles in a day.
• Hikes up to 10 miles in a day. 
• Frequently lifts up to 30 lbs. and carries up to 50 feet; occasionally lifts up to 30 lbs. from floor to knuckle; frequently lifts up to 20 lbs. from shoulder to overhead; occasionally pushes and pulls items weighing up to 100 lbs.; occasionally performs bi-lateral lift of 30 lbs. and carries up to 50 ft.; frequently lifts up to 35 lbs. from waist level and lowers to floor. 
• Frequently bends at waist, squats, kneels, shovels, and rakes. 
• Occasionally climbs ladder; must be able to stand and balance on ladder.
• Occasionally walks over uneven terrain.
• May be required to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays.  

Salary : $25 - $43