Park Police 2-Lateral

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County is seeking Park Police Trainee to protect park users and enforce laws within Davidson County’s parks and facilities. The role involves patrolling parks, playgrounds, greenways, and related areas in vehicles or on foot, with optional bike/ATV/mounted units after training.

Responsibilities include enforcing park regulations, responding to incidents, preparing reports, making arrests or warnings, and assisting with crowd control.

Qualifications

• Must meet requirements for Park Police Trainee: High School diploma or equivalent plus one of the following: two years active military duty or two years as a certified law enforcement officer or 5 years of work experience.
• At least 21 years of age with valid driver’s license.
• Vision requirements including color and acuity; medical examination clearance.
• Possession of Special Police Commission prior to probation.
• Able to complete Metro Nashville Police Academy if needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform crime prevention and law enforcement duties across the Metro Park System.
• Patrol assigned areas by car or on foot; bike, ATV, or mounted options after training.
• Enforce park regulations and state/local laws; respond to incidents and prepare reports.
• Make arrests or issue warnings; direct traffic and assist with crowd control as needed.
• Complete training programs and assist with court appearances; maintain activity logs.

Skills

Law enforcement

Patrol

Report writing

Crisis management

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

P.O.S.T Certification or State Equivalent

Tools

Police Equipment Knowledge

Job description

This position is with the Parks & Recreation Department. Park Police Officers assist citizens to ensure the use of parks is safe and enjoyable and to resolve any disputes occurring in parks. The chosen candidate will be responsible for the enforcement of all state and local laws, ordinances, and Park Board regulations. This position requires the candidate to be able to patrol in patrol car or on foot to monitor parks, playgrounds, greenways and other park property for illegal activities and to ensure visitors are safe. ATVs, Bikes, and Mounted are specialized units that are available if the officer chooses, however, are not mandatory. Candidates may be exposed to unknown and potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress that require a range of safety and other precautions.

All Officers must be able to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Pre-academy hiring opportunities may be available.

“Metro’s Parks and Recreation Department offers something for everyone through a wide range of facilities, programs, and natural spaces across Davidson County. Today, Metro Parks manages nearly 16,000 acres of parkland, including 189 parks, more than 110 miles of greenways, and 27 community centers. The system features cultural arts facilities, nature centers, historic sites, dog parks, playgrounds, golf courses, sports leagues, fitness programs, and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. From ice hockey and art classes to swimming pools, basketball courts, and community events that draw hundreds of thousands of participants each year, Metro Parks remains a vibrant, active part of life in Nashville where there is always something happening for residents and visitors alike.”

Leads and performs crime prevention and law enforcement duties throughout the Metropolitan Park System.

Patrols an assigned area in an automobile or on foot. Bike, ATV, and mounted are available options after specialized training goals are achieved.

Enforces all park regulations and all state and local laws and ordinances.

Responds to messages or instructions and appears at scenes of disorder or crime.

Investigates and prepares reports on accidents, damage to property, or other offenses.

Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order.

Makes arrests, issues citations, gives verbal warnings, directs traffic, and assists with crowd control, as needed.

Notes and reports traffic hazards.

Assists other law enforcement personnel as needed.

Appears in court as required.

Writes accurate case reports and maintains a log of activities.

May train Park Police 1.

Complete a 14 week training program that consists of courses in criminal law, firearms training, first aid, traffic accident investigation, traffic law enforcement, human relations, crime scene research, patrol procedures, departmental policies, report writing, and other related areas. Physical training will be optional for this program.

The following required documents MUST be submitted at the time of application:

• Birth Certificate
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• College Transcripts (if applicable)
• Copy of P.O.S.T. Certification or State Equivalent
• Copy of DD214 Long Form (if applicable)

All supporting documents must be attached to your online application at the time of application. Each document should be saved individually in a PDF format. Do not include resumes, cover letters, driver's license, social security cards, or various training certificates.

Must meet requirements to qualify for Park Police Trainee position AND High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of experience as a Park Police 1

OR

Must meet requirements to qualify for Park Police Trainee position AND High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of P.O.S.T (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Commission certified law enforcement experience. Certified officers who have had more than a three (3) year break, but less than a seven (7) year break in full-time law enforcement service shall enroll in the Commission-approved three (3) week Transition School within six (6) months of returning to full-time employment before their certification is reactivated. Officers with a seven (7) year or longer break in full-time law enforcement service shall be required to re-attend a Basic Law Enforcement Course.

**Park Police Trainee requirements**:

• At least sixty (60) semester hours of course work from an accredited college or university with an overall Grade Point Average of 2.0 ("C" Average) or above
• High school diploma or equivalent plus one of the following:
  • at least two (2) years active military duty (Honorable Discharge)
  • at least two (2) years as a full-time, certified (Tennessee P.O.S.T. Certification or equivalent State certification) active law enforcement officer *
  • 5 years responsible work experience

See Additional Requirements listed below.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR TARGETING:

• 1 year experience as a Park Police 1
• Performance evaluation of 2.0 or better in previous year (12 months)

LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid Driver License
• Special Police Commission*

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
• 2. Far visual acuity must be at least 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the other eye binocular corrected with contact lenses or spectacles. Far visual acuity uncorrected must be at least 20/100 binocular for wearers of hard contacts or spectacles. Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers shall not be subject to the uncorrected criterion. Applicants must have worn soft contacts for at least six months prior to the employment physical.
• 3. Must have normal color vision.
• 4. Must pass a medical examination with standards set by the Civil Service Medical Examiner and approved by the Civil Service Commission.
• 5. Those transferring with a P.O.S.T. certification must attend and complete the Metro Nashville Police Academy prior to completion of the probationary period.
• 6. Must obtain Special Police commission to carry a firearm prior to completion of the probationary period.
• 7. Employees in this classification must meet and maintain the standards set by the Metropolitan Police Department for carrying a firearm. Failure to meet or maintain these standards shall result in disciplinary action.

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.