Position Description

About Seattle Parks And Recreation

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities. #OneSeattle

Park Rangers are a frontline, field-based role within the Park Ranger program. Park Rangers are responsible for performing regular patrols, engaging with park visitors, and educating them on the natural, cultural, and historical significance of park properties, and enforcing parks rules and regulations. This role emphasizes providing excellent customer service, fostering positive relationships with the public, law enforcement, and park staff, and ensuring a safe environment for park visitors. Park Rangers are also tasked with monitoring park conditions, assisting with special events, and providing first aid when necessary. A strong understanding of patrol procedures, park codes, and two-way radio communication is required. Park Rangers report to the Park Ranger Supervisor and are led by the Senior Park Ranger.

Job Responsibilities

Here Is More About What You’ll Be Doing

Education

Provide outstanding customer service by proactively addressing and resolving concerns, while educating visitors on park safety, rules, and regulations regarding permissible and impermissible activities.
Interpret the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of parks, monuments, and memorials, helping visitors understand the role of important people, events, and experiences that shaped the park system.
Serve as a liaison between the City and park users, answering questions and distributing informational literature about the park system and City resources.
Provide wayfinding and general park information to the public.
Foster a positive and safe park experience by supporting visitors and ensuring their safety and enjoyment.

Engagement

Support SPR’s stewardship of Seattle’s parks, facilities, natural areas, and other assets by engaging with park visitors and community groups.
Share knowledge about park features and the surrounding environments, enhancing the public's understanding and appreciation of the spaces.
Monitor park areas for damage to grounds, equipment, and/or facilities and promptly report issues for maintenance or repair.
Maintain accurate patrol records and prepare timely, detailed reports.
Administer first aid when necessary and call 911 for medical assistance as required.
Perform other duties as assigned that align with the responsibilities of the role.

Enforcement

Conduct regular patrols on foot, by bicycle, and/or vehicle to monitor park activities, inform the public, and enforce park rules, regulations, municipal codes, and laws regarding park use.
Proactively address and mitigate inappropriate activity, establishing a meaningful presence and fostering a respectful park environment.
Enforce Park Code (SMC 18.12) through education and voluntary compliance, issuing warnings, Notice of Infractions, Trespass Warnings, and Park Exclusions when necessary.
Assist with the management of seasonal programs, such as beach fire and coastal events, ensuring safety and adherence to guidelines.
Secure park gates, doors, and facilities at closing time, ensuring the safety and integrity of park spaces.
Respond promptly to emergency situations in the park, supporting citywide activations and coordinating with first responders as needed.
Complete incident reports, document necessary referrals to agencies, and maintain thorough records of park-related incidents.
Collaborate with the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, SPR maintenance, and Citywide event planners to ensure that special events meet permit conditions and operate smoothly.
Monitor park activities to ensure compliance with event permits, taking action when necessary to protect the park's integrity.
Engage law enforcement or EMS services to ensure public safety and respond to emergencies, when necessary.

Qualifications

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

A minimum of one year of experience in parks and recreation, security, or a related field (or a combination of education and/or training experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
Valid Washington State Driver’s License

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

Additional parks and recreation, security, and/or public safety experience.
Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Intervention or De-Escalation, and Management of Aggressive Behavior.
Proficiency in using radio communication systems and operating an electric bicycle for park patrols.
Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Suite, GIS applications, and other relevant software.
Proven experience in community relations, program development, or public engagement.
Demonstrated ability to provide services with positivity, emotional intelligence, and clear communication, while advancing the mission and values of SPR.
Strong writing and communication skills, with experience in report writing.
Completion of a relevant training program (e.g., Skagit Valley College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy).
Ability to successfully pass a police-level background check
Successful candidates will need to complete a criminal background check.

Additional Information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $34.36 to $41.69 per hour.

Application Process

Please Submit The Following With Your Online Application

A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies Are

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.

Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

Seattle Parks and Recreation

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