Park Ranger (Temporary/Part-Time)

City-of-Downey,-Ca; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Downey is seeking a part-time patrol officer to monitor parks, facilities, and events, enforcing city rules and resolving disputes among park patrons.

Incumbents work an average of 24 hours per week with evening and weekend shifts. A high school diploma is required; college coursework is desirable. Temporary/part-time appointments may not include city benefits, and CalPERS considerations may apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college-level coursework desirable.
• Experience in enforcement, compliance, or security is helpful but not required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public and park patrons.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enforce City rules, regulations, ordinances and codes; issue notices of violation and citations.
• Respond to inquiries and resolve compliance issues at community centers, parks, and athletic facilities.
• Promote compliance through education while patrolling and in the field; inform patrons of policies.

Skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Public relations

Time management

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

College level work desirable

Job description

Patrols and monitors parks, fields, and recreation facilities to enforce City rules, regulations, codes and ordinances; and resolves disputes or conflicts among park patrons.

Working Hours

Incumbents must be able to work an average of twenty-four (24) hours per week. Work schedules vary and include evening and weekend hours.

NOTE

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enforce City rules, regulations, ordinances and codes; counsel, warn, and issue notices of violation and administrative citations;
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve compliance issues regarding permits at community centers, parks, and athletic facilities;
• Enforce City codes and ordinances regarding unpermitted vendors and businesses at parks, prohibited use of Barbeques, tents, dogs off leash, alcohol and smoking;
• Promote compliance through education while on patrol and in the field; inform patrons of City policies, procedures, and ordinances;
• Provide information and assistance to the public regarding City services, programs, and special activities;
• Ensure visitors abide by conditions within their Special Event Permits and on-going permits;
• Closely supervise visitor activities at City parks and facilities to reduce vandalism and damage to City property; Assist in issuing citations for no parking in red zone, handicap spaces, fire hydrant blocking, and related parking violations at City facilities;
• Identify maintenance issues and report work requests to appropriate party; assist in providing basic maintenance; Maintain logs of patrol activities and prepare written reports of incidents, accidents, or other occurrences;
• Assist the Parks and Recreation and Police Department with enforcement of codes and ordinances during special events; provide support as requested;
• May attend and testify in court or administrative hearings as necessary;
• Report criminal activity and/or vandalism to the Police Department; and perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

Age

At least 18 years of age upon appointment.

Education

High School graduate or equivalent.

College level work in Police Science or related field is desirable.

Experience

General office experience including experience in enforcement, compliance, conflict management, or security highly desirable, but not required.

Knowledge of

Regulations, codes, and ordinances as they relate to park usage; Principles and practices of sound business communication, oral and written; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; principles and practices of public relations, customer service, and conflict resolution; and elements of effective time management and organizational skills.

Ability to

Interpret and enforce City codes, policies, and procedures; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines; work independently, reason and react effectively and maturely; comprehend and comply with verbal and written instructions; learn in a changing work environment; evaluate situations and determine appropriate action to be taken, and anticipate situations and problems and initiate effective strategies; communicate with a variety of people in various situations, using diplomacy, persuasion, patience, courtesy, tact, self-restraint, common sense, judgment and strategy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations; read and interpret complex documents; collect, organize and analyze a variety of information and apply results to police activities; maintain confidentiality of documents and records; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; learn and operate telephone, teletype and police radio equipment.

Bilingual in Spanish or Asian languages is desirable.

License/Certificate

First aid, CPR certificate, and PC 832 training must be completed within six months of employment.

Driving Requirements

Due to the performance of field duties which will require operation of a motor vehicle, a valid California Class C Driver's License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and through employment is required.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks, Abilities, and Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in an office and outdoor environments. Office environment duties and responsibilities involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and finger dexterity to operate general office equipment, including the operation of a personal computer and keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time; which requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.

Outdoor environment may involve exposure to loud noise levels, police radio and traffic noise; cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, non-hazardous physical substances, and fumes. Operation of a motor vehicle which involves driving for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, standing and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, standing and walking on uneven surfaces when performing duties; pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting and climbing; and safely lifting and carrying object up to 50 pounds in weight.

Selection/Testing Process

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.