Park Ranger

newhavenct.gov; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New Haven is seeking a Park Ranger to promote environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. You will develop and lead nature-based programs, maintain trails and park facilities, and engage volunteers and community partners to create welcoming outdoor experiences.

The role emphasizes programming for diverse ages and abilities, safety compliance, and collaboration with volunteers and agencies to advance park initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years' experience planning, coordinating, and leading outdoor recreation, environmental education, or related activities.
• In lieu of college degree, an additional 4 years of related work experience may be substituted.
• Spanish / English bilingual is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates, and leads environmental education, outdoor recreation, interpretive, team‑building, and adventure programs for community organizations and the general public.
• Recruits, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates volunteers, seasonal staff, and students in participating in recreational and educational activities year‑round.
• Maintains trails, park facilities, natural areas, and related equipment; conducts inspections and addresses safety or environmental concerns.
• Promotes public awareness of park safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible park use through outreach and engagement.
• Prepares reports and educational materials; assists with special events and community outreach.

Skills

Environmental education

Outdoor recreation

Volunteer coordination

Public engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation

Tools

Chainsaws

Weed whackers

Pole pruners

Job description

Introduction

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career serving the community! The City of New Haven is seeking an energetic and knowledgeable Park Ranger to help connect people of all ages and abilities with our parks and natural resources. This hands‑on position combines environmental education, outdoor recreation, conservation, and public engagement—leading activities such as hiking, paddling, archery, bicycling, fishing, and nature‑based programs while helping care for trails, habitats, park facilities, and other natural areas. As a Park Ranger, you’ll serve as an ambassador for New Haven’s park system—creating memorable outdoor experiences, promoting environmental stewardship and responsible park use, working with volunteers and community partners, and helping ensure that our parks remain welcoming, engaging, and well cared for. If you enjoy teaching, working outdoors, connecting with the public, and putting your knowledge of recreation and the natural environment into action, we encourage you to apply. Click the logo to find out more about our Parks Department!

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is professional work promoting environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and public engagement through the development, coordination, and delivery of nature‑based educational, interpretive, outdoor adventure, and volunteer programs. Responsibilities include planning and leading programs for participants of all ages and abilities; maintaining trails, park grounds, ranger station and nature center facilities, coordinating volunteer initiatives, and providing administrative direction for city‑wide nature programing. The Park Ranger serves as an ambassador for the City's parks by fostering appreciation of natural resources, encouraging responsible use of public lands, promoting environmental and nature awareness, and supporting recreational opportunities throughout the park system. Work requires considerable independence, sound judgment, and frequent interaction with the public, community organizations, volunteers, and partner agencies. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator and reviewed through meetings, reports, and observations of results.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops, coordinates, and leads environmental education, outdoor recreation, interpretive, team‑building, and adventure programs for community organizations and the general public. Examples of programming include but is not limited to: canoeing, kayaking, archery, bicycling, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, geology, environmental sustainability, local flora and fauna education. Recruits, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates volunteers, seasonal staff, and students in participating in recreational and educational activities year‑round. Performs and/or coordinates routine trail maintenance, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and related projects using appropriate tools and equipment. Conducts routine inspections of trails, park facilities, natural areas, signage, and recreation sites to identify maintenance, safety, accessibility, or environmental concerns; document findings and reports issues requiring corrective action. Promotes public awareness of park safety, environmental stewardship, conservation, and responsible use of City parks through educational outreach and community engagement. Monitors parks and recreation areas to encourage compliance with applicable rules and regulations; provides visitor assistance and education while reporting safety concerns, hazards, vandalism, or suspicious activity to appropriate authorities. Maintains necessary records and reports of program participation, volunteer hours, equipment inspections, certifications, incidents, maintenance activities, and other operational data. Writes instructional memoranda, bulletins, and directives on matters regarding recreation department policies, standards, and procedures. Aids in the development of new programs and departmental policies. Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, educational materials, and promotional content related to programs and park initiatives. Assists with planning, organizing, and staffing special events, community outreach initiatives, volunteer workdays, and public engagement activities. Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings, and facilities. Maintains and cares for live animal exhibits and educational displays within the City's nature facilities, ensuring proper habitat maintenance, and visitor safety. Inspects, maintains, inventories, and prepares programming materials, equipment, safety equipment, and ranger facilities to ensure safe and reliable operation. Follows all safety guidelines and regulations. Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, environmental regulations, departmental policies, and certification requirements during all programs and activities. Remains current on best practices, environmental education techniques, outdoor recreation trends, risk management practices, and applicable technologies to enhance program quality and operational effectiveness. Perform related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Parks & Recreation Management, Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Outdoor Recreation, Recreation Administration, or a closely related field.A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience planning, coordinating, and leading outdoor recreation, environmental education, interpretive programming, adventure recreation, park operations, conservation initiatives, or closely related activities.In lieu of college degree, an additional 4 years of demonstrated related work experience may be substituted.Spanish / English bilingual is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of several disciplines collectively referred to as Field Natural History.Thorough knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of organized recreation.Knowledge of environmental conservation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and stewardship practices.Knowledge of live animal behavior, health assessment, habitat maintenance, and appropriate care practices for animals used in environmental education programs.Ability to organize, supervise and deliver nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or cognitive challenges.Knowledge of group psychology and leadership techniques especially as they relate to outdoor and recreation activities.Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others, including volunteers and assigned part time staff.Ability to work with diverse groups interested in the advocacy of parks programs; Ability to foster an inclusive environment and adapt programs to participants of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds.Knowledge of customer service principles and public engagement techniques.Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with a wide variety of service and civic organizations, city officials, city department and agency heads, and the general public.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information to diverse audiences, including employees, community members, and other stakeholders. Ability to present information in a clear and understandable manner.Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to groups of varying ages and backgrounds.Knowledge of park management practices and ability to program and implement park maintenance projects, and to use the necessary tools of the trade including but not limited to power cutting equipment such as chain saws, weed whackers and pole pruners.Skill in the use and care of tools, machines and equipment used for park and trail maintenance.Working knowledge in the use of park maintenance and safety equipment.Ability to drive vehicles, small trucks, and to operate light equipment while adhering to necessary safety precautions.Ability to quickly assess and address maintenance issues, troubleshoot equipment problems, and propose effective solutions.Knowledge of safety precautions which are necessary when using chemicals and equipment.Knowledge of risk management principles and safe operation of outdoor recreation programs.Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices related to parks, recreation, environmental protection, boating, and public safety.Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies or changing field conditions.Ability to exercise sound independent judgment while working with limited supervision in outdoor environments.Familiarity with Microsoft Office for maintaining records and creating items such as documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.Knowledge of industry standard recreation management software is preferred.Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail), calendar applications, and collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, Zoom) for scheduling, managing correspondence, and participating in remote meetings.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate operational, program, volunteer, incident, and inventory records.Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.Knowledge of mapping applications or similar technologies is desirable.Experience working with schools, community organizations, nonprofit partners, or public agencies to develop educational or recreational programming is desirable.Must possess strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.Ability to remain current on developments, trends, technologies, and best practices in parks and recreation, environmental education, conservation, outdoor recreation, and public engagement, and to incorporate those practices into assigned responsibilities.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut Driver’s License.Must obtain all of the following within 1 year of hire:Public Service License with Passenger EndorsementConnecticut Boating CertificateFirst Aid / CPR / AED CertificationsAmerican Canoe Association (ACA) L1 Instructor CertificateAbility to work occasional evening or weekend hours for meetings, programming, and related assignments.Must obtain and maintain all necessary licenses and certifications for program delivery which may include but are not limited to: American Canoe Association (ACA) Adaptive Paddling endorsements, ACA L2 in Costal Kayaking, ACA L2 in Canoe Touring, ACA L1 in Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Level 1 Archery Instructor form USA Archery, League of American Bicyclists League Certified Instructor, successful completion of ropes course training including belaying certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical RequirementsAmount of TimeWorking EnvironmentAmount of TimeNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3NoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3StandXWet / humid conditions (non-weather)XWalkXWork near moving mechanical partsXSitXWork in high, precarious placesXTouch, handle, or feelXFumes / airborne particlesXReach with hands & armsXToxic / caustic chemicalsXClimb or balanceXOutdoor weather conditionsXStoop, kneel, crouch, orcrawlXExtreme cold (non-weather)XTalk or hearXRisk of electrical shockXTaste or smellXWork with explosivesXRisk of radiationXLifting or force to be exerted?VibrationXHow much andhow often?Amount of TimeDrives to various facilities to perform assignmentsXNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3Outdoor terrain, including uneven and/or untendedgroundXUp to 10 poundsXOther: May encounter outdoor flora & faunahazards (i.e., poison ivy, insects, wildlife)XUp to 25 poundsXAdditional InformationUp to 50 poundsXYESNOUp to 75 poundsXSafety-sensitiveXUp to 100 poundsXMore than 100 poundsX

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a 'General Fund,' tested position.This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.General Funded hires into this class shall not be covered by Social Security but rather the City pension, contributing 10% of salary.The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.