Park Ranger (Non-Sworn)

Lancaster County Government; South Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster County Government is seeking a Non-Sworn Park Ranger to maintain safe, welcoming parks and assist with events and rentals. The role emphasizes customer service, park oversight, program delivery, and emergency response assistance.

Rangers will develop and teach outdoor programs while supporting safety protocols, reporting, and basic incident handling. The position requires flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• 1–2 years in parks, recreation, security, customer service or related field preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certification is required; CPR/First Aid training preferred.
• CPRP certification preferred to enhance program delivery.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license required.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Patrol parks and facilities by foot, bike, or vehicle to ensure safety.
• Monitor rental events and assist renters with permits and coordination.
• Develop and deliver nature and environmental education programs.
• Provide first aid/CPR in emergencies and coordinate with responders as needed.
• Assist with alarms, incident reports, and security of park properties.
• Set up and break down events, manage crowd control and parking.
• Promote park programs and serve as a positive department ambassador.
• Maintain accurate reports of incidents and daily activities.
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Conflict resolution

Situational awareness

Emergency response

Report writing

Outdoor work

Safety protocols

Public safety knowledge

Patrol and observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree preferred

First Aid and CPR certification

CPRP certification preferred

Crown Manager certificate within 3 months

Valid South Carolina driver’s license

Tools

Radio equipment

GPS

Microsoft Office

CCTV systems

Facility alarms

Key control procedures

Job description

Position Summary

Under general supervision, the Non-Sworn Park Ranger is responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all patrons of Lancaster County Parks and Recreation facilities. The Park Ranger serves as a visible point of contact across county parks, during facility rentals, and at special events—helping to deter inappropriate behavior, support enforcement of park rules and county ordinances, and provide customer-focused assistance.

A key responsibility of this role is to create and deliver outdoor programs that engage the public and promote outdoor recreation, environmental learning, and community involvement. The Park Ranger also supports public safety by assisting with emergencies as needed and providing guidance to ensure a safe experience for all visitors.

Rangers do not carry weapons and are not certified law enforcement officers. This position emphasizes customer service, security support, park oversight, program delivery, and emergency response assistance. The Park Ranger reports directly to the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrols parks, trails, and recreation facilities by foot, bike, or vehicle to ensure the safety and security of patrons and property.
• Monitors rental events, checks rental permits, and provides support to renters as needed.
• Attends kayaking classes and actively works toward becoming a certified kayaking instructor.
• Provides customer service, answers patron questions, and assists with conflict resolution.
• Plan, develop, and host engaging nature and environmental education programs (e.g., guided hikes, wildlife talks, conservation workshops).
• Issues verbal warnings for ordinance or rule violations and documents incidents.
• Complete training to become a First Aid/CPR instructor.
• Provides presence and support at all department special events and programs.
• Assist with park and facility closures, including clearing and locking parks at designated times.
• Responds to minor emergencies, provides first aid and CPR as needed, and contacts appropriate emergency services.
• Assists with setting, disarming, and monitoring alarm systems on park properties.
• Maintain clear and accurate reports of incidents, daily activities, and patrols.
• Monitor camera systems to ensure that patrons are following the park rules.
• Picks up litter and assists maintenance staff with the cleanliness and appearance of park grounds.
• Helps set up and break down events, including moving equipment, signage, and barricades.
• Provides support with event security, crowd control, and parking as assigned.
• Assists with enforcing facility rules and county ordinances in a professional, non-confrontational manner.
• Serves as a positive ambassador for the department and promotes community awareness of parks and recreation programs.
• Works nights, weekends, and holidays, including coverage during all department events and rentals.
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Develops and teaches archery programs with strict adherence to range safety protocols.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with the general public and maintain positive relationships with patrons.
• Strong verbal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of parks and recreation operations, safety protocols, and customer service practices.
• Ability to remain calm and take appropriate action in emergency or stressful situations.
• Ability to complete incident reports and maintain accurate written records.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and walk or stand for extended periods.
• Familiarity with standard safety and first aid practices.
• Strong situational awareness and good judgment.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with the supervisor and staff.
• Familiarity with security camera systems, facility alarms, and key control procedures.
• Comfortable using radio equipment, smartphones, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite, and recreation software platforms.
• Knowledge of community-based policing or public safety models is a plus.
• Understanding of basic safety codes, OSHA regulations, ADA guidelines, and facility inspection standards.
• Basic knowledge of local and state codes related to public spaces, including noise, loitering, and park hours.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete incident reports clearly and thoroughly.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; coursework or experience in criminal justice, recreation management, or public safety preferred.
• College Degree preferred
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience in parks, recreation, security, customer service, or related field preferred.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Obtain the Crown Manager certificate within 3 months.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license required.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed outdoors in park settings, with some office-based tasks.
• Requires walking, standing, and patrolling for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions and public interaction in diverse situations.
• May involve high-stress or emergency response scenarios requiring physical and emotional stamina.