Lead Park Ranger

South Suburban Parks and Recreation; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

401(a) employer contribution/match

Job summary

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is seeking a Park Ranger lead to enforce park rules and manage wildlife and resources. You will supervise seasonal staff, assist with user permits and events, and help maintain parks and open spaces while upholding organizational values.

The role emphasizes safety, staff training, community relations, and collaboration with partner agencies to deliver high‑quality recreation and environmental programs.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in natural resources or related field; bachelor’s preferred.
• Minimum one year of park ranger experience or related field.
• Experience in staff supervision and emergency response is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, and evaluate daily work of seasonal ranger staff.
• Recruit and hire seasonal staff in partnership with lead rangers.
• Train staff on safety, rules, and park programs; provide on‑the‑job coaching.
• Schedule part‑time staff and volunteers; ensure adequate staffing.
• Develop and coordinate ecological safety and education strategies.
• Inspect permits, enforce rules, and manage park operations and reports.
• Interact with the public to provide helpful information and safe usage of parks.

Skills

Ecological principles

Resource management

Public safety

Team supervision

Communication

Education

Associate's Degree in Natural Resources

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Hiring Range is $52,364 to $60,555 annually based onqualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations aswell as working in wildlife and resource management, environmentaleducation, public relations, property inspections, and routine patrol.Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Supervising seasonal staff, assisting with District user permits andspecial events, and South Platte Park maintenance and resourceprojects. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the statedvalues of the organization.

• Plans, assigns, directs, supervises, and evaluates the daily workactivities of seasonal park ranger staff as assigned.
• Partners with the other Lead Ranger on the recruitment and hiringof seasonal staff.
• Together with the other Lead Ranger, provides or coordinatesseasonal ranger staff training. Trains and orients new staff membersto the District's ranger programs and parks environment(s) includingan emphasis on safety and general park rules. Provides timely andcontinual on-the-job training to staff as needed or assigned.
• Assists the Senior Park Ranger in scheduling part time staffmembers and volunteers. Ensures assigned areas of operations areadequately staffed at all times and coordinates replacement coverageor provides backup support as needed. Reviews and approves employeebiweekly timesheets. Works with Payroll Department to resolve anypay issues.
• Reviews, develops, and/or modifies work plans, methods, andprocedures for staff within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Supervises District volunteers, seasonal crews, and youth workprojects. Plans and organizes any work pertaining to those groups asneeded by the Senior Park Ranger.
• Develops and manages program needs within area(s) ofresponsibility or as assigned. May develop District-wide programs.
• Develops and coordinates strategies for rule compliance andeducation in areas of responsibility.
• Establishes relationships and formal means for communication withpartnering agencies essential to the operations in assigned areas.
• Administers and adheres to District policies.
• Applies knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.
• Performs patrol in District parks, trails, open spaces.
• Skillfully operates a vehicle and/or bicycle for patrol purposes.
• Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting parkvisitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails andopen spaces.
• Accountable for inspection of district permits and enforcement ofrules and regulations pertaining to them.
• Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property andfollowing up through contact and removal evaluation.
• Assists with managing full time park rangers as directed when theSenior Ranger is unavailable.
• Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions andpractices at all times.
• Participates in field work in district parks, including butnotlimited to vegetation removal, wildlife management, playground andpark inspections, trail maintenance, traffic control, and general maintenance.
• Recognizes emergency and dangerous situations by reacting quicklyand calmly; administers first aid as needed.
• Prepares a variety of reports including but not limited to dailylogs, incident reports, graffiti reports, chemical data forms, andweekly and monthly ranger operation reports according to Districtprocedures in a timely manner.
• Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely manner toinquiries and problems in person, through email, phone and mail byproviding helpful information and explanations in-line with Districtpolicies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational orstressful interactions.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with Districtemployees, vendors, various outside user groups and agencies tocoordinate their programs, needs, requests, and special events.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; staysabreast of new trends and innovations in the field of park ranger services.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.
• May be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, andsome holidays.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations. Workswith employees to correct deficiencies.

This job description should not be construed to imply that theserequirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbentsmay be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform anyother related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Natural Resources or related field.Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• One (1) year of Park Ranger experience.
• Previous experience in a natural resource related field preferred.
• Any combination of experience, training and education thatdemonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to performthe essential functions of the position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• First Aid/CPR certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification or the ability toobtain upon hire.
• OC spray certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Collapsible baton certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability toobtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.
• General knowledge in law enforcement as it pertains to park andresource management.
• The ability to maintain personal and public safety while on duty.
• Ability to effectively manage employees and volunteers.
• General knowledge of and ability to perform safety and emergencyfirst aid procedures and CPR.
• Ability to resolve customer complaints and escalated problems.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Excel,Word, Outlook and Publisher.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-pacedenvironment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provideoutstanding customer service, establish and maintain effectiveworking relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner.
• Ability to work a varied schedule which may include some earlymornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Material and Equipment Used

• Regularly uses standard office equipment including a personalcomputer, phone, printer, and copier.
• Regularly uses a police radio, collapsible baton, and OC spray.
• Other equipment may include mule work cart with dump bed, ATV,backpack sprayers, power tools, pesticides, hand-held datacollection, GPS tools and software, trailers, and live animal traps.
• Also uses, operates, and instructs on first-aid supplies and equipment.
• This position requires the use of various district vehiclesincluding trucks and vans. May be required to drive a personaland/or District motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.
• Performs work indoors in a busy nature center/office environmentsubject to continuous interruptions.
• Performs work outdoors subject to variable weather conditions,ecosystems, and landscapes. Outdoor working environments can be wet,humid, extreme in temperature variations, and with loud background noises.
• May also require biking, canoeing, wading, or swimming in movingwater, and handling small animals.
• Works in a variety of settings including daytime and night-timeand with wildlife.
• Works with pesticide chemicals, power equipment with movingmechanical parts, and animal traps.
• This position will be subject to the inherent stresses of parkrule enforcement and riding extended hours in a patrol vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk/hike long distances, and sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects,equipment, tools or controls; reach with hands and arm.
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer andoffice equipment.
• Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, ATV, UTV and E-bike.
• Must be comfortable with picking up small plants and animals.
• May occasionally climb, crawl, squat, kneel, stoop, crouchy, andlift up to 100 lbs.
• Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Visionacuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjustfocus allowing a broad field of vision.
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effectivecommunication. Must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the workenvironment and physical demands.

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no costthat includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, andmuch more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability toreduce their medical premium by $390 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

• Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3years of service
• Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staffgatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, ChiliCook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, EmployeeAppreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, icerinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overviewplease view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of theenvironment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreationalservices and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west ofI-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions ofDouglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-servicerecreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, twoice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden eventcenter, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainmentcenter, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles oftrails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre SouthPlatte Park.