Park Ranger

Statement of Duties

Under general to little supervision, performs a wide variety of duties involved with the enforcement of Zion Park District administrative rules and ordnances, the prevention of crimes, and provides customer service to the community.

Position Reports to:

Reports to their direct supervisor (Sergeant, Chief of Rangers) as his/her first contact within the Chain of Command.

Position Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration 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 work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Supervision Received /Exercised:

• Employee works under the general supervision of the Sergeant and the Chief of Rangers.
• Employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently with specific instruction. The supervisor provides instruction for new or unusual assignments. Unusual situations are referred to the supervisor for advice and further instructions. Supervisor reviews work to remain aware of progress, work methods, and technical accuracy.
• Employee does not exercise any supervisory responsibilities.
• Employee has access to confidential records and investigations containing client and evidence information.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as a “good will ambassador” for the Zion Park District Park Ranger Department, by providing friendly, helpful customer service to the general public.
• Enforce Park District codes/ordinances. Convey information and explain the violation, be understanding and courteous by listening to the other party, and use tact to defuse a situation.
• Conduct special traffic and patrol detail, as requested.
• Respond to and/or provide assistance to law enforcement on calls for service when requested. The park ranger responds to calls for service which include parking enforcement, lock-outs, animal complaints, motorist assists, lost persons and article reports, and other non-criminal calls for service and reports.
• Maintain cordial public relations with the residential and business communities, as well as other governmental entities, such as the fire department, township, library and school district in order to share valuable information, better resolve a problem and provide enhanced customer service to the general public.
• Maintain the assigned department vehicle(s) and report any concerns to the immediate supervisor without delay.
• Performs other relevant duties as required by the Zion Park District Ranger Department.

Human Relations:

The Park Ranger is responsible for providing the best possible service to the patrons of the Zion Park District and must possess knowledge of techniques for effectively communicating with and handling a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person, by electronic means, and over the telephone to include the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the Chain of Command.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A candidate for this position should have knowledge of the following:

• Park District codes and ordinances which require enforcement
• Safe driving skills and general State of Illinois traffic laws
• General public safety related work

Skills in:

• Applying knowledge of local governmental codes and ordinances
• Operating necessary tools for responding to vehicle lock-out and other similar calls
• Use of computers and proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Radio communications

And the ability to:

• Read and understand codes and ordinances related to parking and non-criminal enforcement.
• Retain information such as radio communication codes, park locations and routes.
• Enforce codes firmly and impartially.
• Establish and maintain courteous interpersonal relations with other employees and the general public.
• Work well under pressure and calmly in emergency situations.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone and in writing. English and grammar for report writing and departmental correspondence are required. Spanish is beneficial.

Typical Examples of Work:

• Patrol

A. Operate various equipment in accordance with state standards and departmental policy. Operate the department computers being knowledgeable with operating the department's current computer programs and records management system.

B. Patrol assigned area for general purpose of ordinance and property maintenance enforcement. Patrol includes: Enforcement of ordinance violations and property maintenance enforcement notices and participate in subsequent court proceedings; locating fires; reporting street hazards and other safety problems; checks of buildings, parks and playgrounds. Also, be alert for all conditions that might endanger or hinder the safety, health or convenience of the public within his/her patrol area.

C. Assist at traffic accidents within Park District property including administering first aid and directing traffic.

D. Respond to all calls for service with the ability to discern priorities and remain flexible in the face of ever changing circumstances.

E. If assigned to operate a motor vehicle, see that it is well maintained mechanically and aesthetically and, operated in a safe and legal manner. Vehicles are to be kept clean both inside and out. Immediately report all defects and damages sustained to a supervisor completing all reports and forms that are required. Be able to effectively and coherently communicate over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications. Maintain vehicle equipment and supplies. Additionally, operate the vehicle with due regard for the safety of yourself and others in addition to a manner that facilitates your duties while obeying all traffic laws.

F. Be prepared for every shift and all tasks that may be asked of the ranger by being physically and mentally fit for duty. This includes maintaining all duty gear, carrying necessary equipment, and being mentally prepared for work. Ensure there are no outside influences or situations that will hinder ability to perform duties.

G. Devote the maximum possible time to the performance of his/her responsibilities and assigned duties demonstrating time management skills during a shift to ensure maximum success, the promotion of accountability for the completion of assigned goals and objectives and exceptional service to the patrons of the Zion Park District.

H. Investigate abandoned vehicles, properly document and remove as necessary per established procedures.

I. Enforce Zion Park District Codes both through complaints and proactively and issue Park District citations as needed.

J. Respond to and assist with animal complaints, such as animals running at large, barking, not leashed etc. Transport animals to the kennels as assigned.

Service to Public

A. Answer questions asked by the public, and when necessary, refer them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance demonstrating the ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes regulations and ordinances.

B. Exert every effort to satisfy the needs of citizens requesting service, assistance or information, and courteously explain any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the ranger department and suggest other procedures to be followed.

C. Endure mental and verbal abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered.

D. Handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect to the rights of others.

Report Writing

A. Be accountable for the securing, receipting, transportation and documentation of all animals and/or property coming into his/her custody, according to established departmental procedures.

B. Complete reports of incidents in conformity with the procedures outlined in current directives for their accurate and complete preparation, using appropriate grammar.

C. The ability to work independently and record all activity during his/her tour of duty in the manner prescribed by established procedures.

D. Complete all reports by the end of their scheduled shift.

Miscellaneous Activities

A. Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by his/her oath of office and be accountable to his/her superiors, promptly obeying legitimate orders. Be an effective team member to ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of objectives. Communicate to his/her superiors and co-workers all information he/she may obtain, which is pertinent to the achievement of objectives.

B. In accordance with all current policies, be available to report for duty in case of special needs or emergencies and respond punctually to duty.

C. Maintain equipment in a functional, presentable condition, promptly correcting defects and report any serious defects to superior.

D. Accomplish all duties assigned by the Park Ranger’s Chain of Command.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A. Citizen of the United States and shall have graduated from an accredited high school or have an equivalent education acceptable to the State of Illinois.

• Shall be 18 years of age upon date of application.
• Must not have any felony convictions.
• Must not have any domestic battery convictions