The Highlands Ranch Metro District is accepting applications for a full-time Urban Park Ranger for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space department. This position enforces District rules, parking infractions, and dog off leash ordinances as a limited commission Code Enforcement Officer through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The Urban Park Ranger performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties including rules enforcement, assisting with weekly trail station maintenance, trash removal, providing outdoor education programs, assisting with special events, and park and recreation reservation compliance.
If you are hard-working, prompt, responsible, able to work independently and with a team, and have a willingness to learn, w e strongly encourage you to apply. We welcome and highly encourage veterans to submit their applications.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs long hours monitoring and patrolling on foot and by vehicle to enforce District rules and regulations within parks, trails, and open spaces.
- Present and report to District staff, the public, and other agencies regarding any issues concerns, needs, or requests.
- Communicates with emergency responder agencies via multi-channel two-way radio and maintain regular communications with ranger staff and supervisors regarding daily activities and locations.
- Operates a vehicle safely and in compliance with all traffic laws.
- Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails, and open spaces.
- Accountable for all patrol functions, inspection of District permits, and enforcement of all park rules and regulations through visitor contact including ensuring compliance with reservations and field usage.
- Inspect, monitor, and enforce rules and regulations as it pertains to District user permits involving special events and temporary access permits.
- Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property and following up through contact and removal evaluation.
- Prepares a variety of written reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports and interoffice emails.
- Exercise good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices.
- Report and maintain regular communications with ranger staff and supervisor regarding daily activities and locations.
- Weekly trail station trash receptacle removal and other duties as assigned.
- Promote environmental stewardship by developing and presenting outdoor education and interpretive programs to adult and youth groups at special events, schools, and in parks and open spaces for both public and private events.
- Participate in/manage the booth for special community events as the representative for the Ranger Program.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and orientations.
- Recognize emergency and dangerous situations by reacting quickly and calmly; administer first aid as needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general guidance and direction of the Open Space and Park Ranger Supervisor.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
- Serves as a member of various employee committees and planning teams as assigned. Identifies analyses and implements actions as necessary to ensure a safe experience for open space visitors and protecting natural resources and facilities.
- Identifies, analyses, and implements actions as necessary in protecting Districts resources and facilities, and ensures a safe recreational experience for the public.
- Meets with other local field related professionals to develop procedures and review industry trends and legislation.
- Ensure communication and coordination of park activities, events, and uses. Attends weekly staff meetings with park services and reservations staff.
PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Urban Park Ranger I – pays up to $29.04/hour.
Education And Experience:
- Associates degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space
- Two (2) years’ experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations in a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs.
- Or a combination of education and experience
Urban Park Ranger II – pays up to $33.61/hour.
Education And Experience:
- Associates degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space.
- Four (4) years’ experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations in a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs.
- Or a combination of education and experience.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (I/II):
- Effectively communicate with the public and other agencies and represent the District professionally.
- Work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
- Lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time.
- Use equipment and tools properly and safely.
- Establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards, first aid and safety precautions related to work.
- Maintain records and prepare concise reports using PC, Microsoft 365 programs and a variety of web-based software.
- Present educational programs to the public.
- Highly motivated, with the ability to receive direction and feedback including excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Reliable and punctual for regular shifts as well as community events.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess a valid Colorado, Class “R” driver's license.
- Maintain annual CPR/First aid certifications.
- Obtain a limited commission as a Code Enforcement Officer through Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, within 90 days of employment.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Pickup truck and various animal and wildlife control devices and retrieving implements, 800 MHz radio, office equipment, smart phone, desk phone, tablet, laptop, and computer.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions, and frequently is required to drive, stand, walk, or ride a bike. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear and smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable Job accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a variety of settings to include office work and field work in a variety of locations and weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderate.
WORK SCHEDULE
Works a flexible 40-hour week schedule. The work schedule will vary from Monday through Sunday with the daily workday varying between 6:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Work schedules will vary depending on weather conditions, projects, events and programs, meeting and/or staffing levels and will include evenings, early mornings, and weekend hours.
May be required to work holidays as staffing needs dictate. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application or resume, rating of education and experience, interview, reference check, and job-related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific states of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the District and requirements of the job change.
Pre-employment screening includes a background check (18+), motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
ABOUT US
This is a special district serving the thriving, active community of Highlands Ranch with approximately 103,000 residents. We employ a variety of professionals in fields including public works, parks, forestry, finance, and recreation.
The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more.
Highlands Ranch Metro District Is a Great Place To Work! We Prioritize Your Well-being And Recognize The Importance Of a Work/life Balance By Offering Outstanding Benefits:
Health & Retirement!
- 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
- 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
- 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
- 100% contribution match for the pension plan
- Up to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement plan
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.
Work/life Balance!
- Earn 2 weeks’ vacation accrual per year (3 weeks after 5 years)
- On the date of hire receive 80 hours of sick leave (and each year on work anniversary)
- 10 paid holidays in 2025
- 200 hours of medical leave
Wellness & Improvement!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
- Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
- Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee
Saving & Planning!
- Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
- Group discounts for employees on everything from legal assistance to cell phone bills.
Applications will be accepted through our virtual career center at highlandsranch.org/apply for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.
