Park Ranger

City of Pittsburgh's; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 33,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pittsburgh is seeking a Park Ranger to manage and operate the City Park Ranger Program. The role focuses on visitor management, safety, and resource management across City parks and facilities, with responsibilities including program development and staff coordination.

The position involves developing educational programming, liaising with community groups, and coordinating with the Park Ranger Supervisor or Director. A strong background in park services and public safety is essential.

Qualifications

• 1 year of full-time experience in program administration and education programming.
• Associate's Degree as specified.
• Equivalency: total 3 years (experience + education) to meet total qualifying requirement.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and participates in comprehensive Park Ranger programs across City parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
• Develops engaging educational programming for the public and fulfills monthly programming requirements.
• Attends department and city meetings and conducts research to stay current with Park Ranger development.
• Acts as liaison with community groups and other agencies to develop cooperative programming.
• Patrols assigned areas to promote safety and engagement with park visitors.
• Documents patrol activities and maintains reports relating to park operations.

Education

Associate's Degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Environmental Education, Criminal Science, Parks & Recreation Administration, or a related field

Job description

Posting number: 26-PARG-01

Department: Parks & Recreation

Job classification: Park Ranger

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Safety, Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Parks

Summary

Provides comprehensive management and operations of the City of Pittsburgh Park Ranger Program. This position is responsible for visitor management and safety, resource management, program development, and related duties, as assigned.

Department: Parks & Recreation.

Posting Type: Announcement/Bid

Salary: $55,702 per year.

Union: This position is included in the Recreation Teacher's Union, Service Employees International Union, Local #668, meet and discuss unit and will be filled in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Union Bid Form: Not required. Your application for this position will serve as your union Bid Form.

Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive.

General Application Requirements

You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified.

Disqualifications based on any of these General Application

Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application, including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable), and completed supplemental questions
• Applicants must be or become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and must remain a resident throughout employment.
• Applicants are required to possess Act 153 clearance at the time of appointment and must maintain throughout employment.
• Attend and complete a two-night “Camping in the Parks” training within the first 6 months of employment, or first available training.
• A current, valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.
• Must obtain CPR Certification within six 6 months of hire date and must maintain the certification throughout employment.

NOTE

The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre‑employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver’s license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

NOTE: Candidates being considered for employment must submit official transcripts verifying post‑secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to hire.

Qualifying Requirements

Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status via email.

• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show one 1 year of full‑time experience in program administration and education programming. Park Ranger experience is preferred. (Less than full‑time experience will be calculated on a pro‑rated basis.)
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show an Associate's Degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Environmental Education, Criminal Science, Parks & Recreation Administration, or a related field. (See NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)
• EQUIVALENCY: Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above). The Total Qualifying Requirement isthree (3) years. (See NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)

Qualifications

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.

• Written: None required for this position.
• Performance: None required for this position.
• Medical: Required.

Supplemental information

• Plans, coordinates, and participates in comprehensive Park Ranger programs, including all City parks, trails, and recreation facilities; ensures adherence to all appropriate laws, codes, policies, and procedures.
• This position will be assisting with the “Camping in the Parks” initiative. Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing, assisting, and staffing the “Camping in the Parks” events as set forth by the Park Ranger Supervisor or Director of Parks and Recreation. This is not limited to overnight stays and/or evening hours.
• Manages Part‑Time Park Rangers and other assigned personnel; evaluates work; recommends and implements approved disciplinary and/or corrective action; provides training and/or technical assistance as requested or required; assists in interviewing and recommending new hires; counsels employees; assists in employee appraisals; maintains payroll and attendance records.
• Develops engaging educational programming for the public. This includes, but is not limited to, park users, community groups, and/or schools and fulfills monthly programming requirements as set forth by the Park Ranger Supervisor.
• Attends Department meetings, appropriate City meetings, and conducts research to stay current with Park Ranger development, management, and City and Parks and Recreation goals and objectives.
• Acts as liaison with community groups and other governmental agencies as required; develops and directs public relations and marketing strategies for the Department's programs and services; acts as liaison with other City Departments to develop cooperative integrated programming.
• Meets with civic groups or other concerned citizens to receive input on the Ranger's programs' receptiveness by the community, and may present programs related to the Park Ranger operations to various groups.
• Assists in the planning, execution, and oversight of special events and assigned volunteers, sponsored or co‑sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation and other designated partners.
• Drives various types of patrol vehicles and operates telecommunication devices.
• Patrols assigned areas by foot, bike, RTV and/or vehicle to engage park visitors/users in order to promote the safety and security of the facility and its visitors.
• Documents daily patrol activities and completes various forms and reports relating to park operations and incidents.
• Manages area of responsibility in strict accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established policy, including union agreements to ensure fair and standardized treatment of employees.
• Investigates and resolves complaints and concerns.
• Responds and/or assists in coordination of responses to emergency situations including but not limited to first aid, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents/breakdowns, etc.
• Issues citations in accordance with park ordinances.
• Performs other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.