Park Ranger

Plainsboro; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid leave

Group life insurance

Deferred compensation program

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Township of Plainsboro is seeking a dedicated Parks and Recreation staff member to patrol parks, assist visitors, and support environmental education programs at the Plainsboro Preserve and related sites. The role requires flexibility, weekend work, and strong public interaction skills.

Responsibilities include safety monitoring, incident reporting, event support, and collaboration with recreation staff to deliver programs and maintain facilities.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in parks, recreation, environmental education, or related field.
• Background check clearance required.
• Willingness to work irregular hours (including weekends).
• Valid driver''s license and reliable transportation.
• Current first aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain (Wilderness First Aid preferred).

Responsibilities

• Patrol municipal parks, preserves, and recreation facilities to ensure safety and compliance.
• Provide visitor assistance across sites, including information and registrations.
• Support environmental education programs, guided hikes, and school activities.
• Respond to emergencies and administer basic first aid/CPR/AED.
• Maintain logs and incident reports to support operations and planning.
• Coordinate with other departments for programs and events.

Skills

Public safety

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Job description

TOWNSHIP OF PLAINSBORO NOTICE OF VACANCY

DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Community ServicesSALARY RANGE: $35,088 -$52,500 (based on education and experience)UNION: CWAFLSA Non-ExemptWORK HOURS: Flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays as requiredEFFECTIVE: ImmediatelyBENEFITS: The Township provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, paid leave, group life insurance, deferred compensation program, and retirement benefits through the State of NJ Division of Pension and Benefits.OVERVIEW:Employees work under the general supervision of the Preserve Operations Manager and the Director of Recreation and are responsible for the general security of Township parks and preserves, patrolling for damage to property or equipment, monitoring use and enforcing township park ordinances, ensuring safety and on-going maintenance of equipment, providing visitor information services, and providing for the general safety and well-being of the public.Position is responsible for conducting routine maintenance of trails. Position is responsible for providing environmental programming for the Recreation Department. Employees are required to work flexible work scheduling including holidays, weekends.The position has constant contact with the public, in person and on the telephone, to patrol recreational facilities / parks / preserves / trails, enforce regulations and ordinances, and respond to inquiries regarding programs. Position must be able to coordinate with other divisions of the Recreation Department to implement Township programs and special events.

• Patrol and monitor municipal parks, preserves, and recreation facilities to ensure public safety, resource protection, and compliance with local ordinances.
• Provide visitor assistance across multiple sites, including trail guidance, facility information, program registration support, and permit verification.
• Protect and manage natural resources within the Plainsboro Preserve and Bulk Farm Nature preserve, including monitoring wildlife, sensitive habitats, and conservation areas.
• Support and deliver environmental education programs, guided hikes, workshops, and school group activities in coordination with the Environmental Education Center.
• Respond to emergencies such as medical incidents, search and rescue situations, wildlife concerns, and severe weather events; administer first aid/CPR/AED as required.
• Enforce park rules, municipal codes, and recreation center policies, document incidents and issue warnings or summons when necessary. May attend court hearings to provide testimony regarding summonses or violations.
• Conduct routine inspections of trails, signage, playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreation center facilities, report and address maintenance or safety concerns.
• Conducts routine trail maintenance and other miscellaneous park maintenance duties
• Assist with special events, recreational programming, seasonal activities, and community outreach initiatives hosted by the department.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, incident reports, wildlife observations, and usage data to support operational planning and resource management.
• Monitors facility use and checks permits; assists with park facility reservations, as needed.
• Compiles data and prepare reports regarding use of parks, as required.
• Collaborate with recreation staff, environmental educators, public works, law enforcement, volunteers, and community partners to ensure cohesive park and facility operations.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS:

• HS Diploma or GED.
• Experience in parks, recreation, environmental education, or related field including security, military or law enforcement background.
• Experience in community relations and/or working with the public
• Must successfully complete background check prior to appointment
• Willingness to work irregular hours (including weekends and occasional evenings)
• Valid Driver's license and personal transportation.
• Current first aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification (Wilderness First Aid is preferred).

THE TOWNSHIP OF PLAINSBORO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER