Parks, Lakes & Trails Ranger - Temporary

Dakota County; Minnesota; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Park Ranger with Dakota County Sheriff's Office! This role allows you to engage with the community while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of Dakota County Parks. You'll gain valuable experience in public safety, collaborating with various teams and agencies. Flexibility is offered for students pursuing a law enforcement career, along with the potential for tuition reimbursement. Join a progressive organization that values growth, diversity, and community service. If you're passionate about the outdoors and committed to making a difference, apply today to start your journey in public safety!

Benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible scheduling

Cadet Program eligibility

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.
• Enrolled in or completed an accredited law enforcement program.

Responsibilities

• Patrol parks, lakes, and trails, providing information and assistance.
• Enforce county ordinances and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Strong social skills

Problem-solving abilities

Effective communication

Ability to work under minimum supervision

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Currently enrolled in an accredited law enforcement program

Tools

Motor vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, boats)

Medical backpack

General hand tools

Job description

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff’s Office
HOURS: Various
HIRING RANGE: $21-$23/hour (DOQ)
LOCATION: Various Throughout Dakota County
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 2/18/2025

The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office is seeking individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and are committed to protecting, preserving, and ensuring a safe and respectful experience for visitors in Dakota County Parks. This position offers the opportunity to work for a highly regarded, progressive organization that supports your career development.

As a Park Ranger, you will gain experience across various areas of public safety. You will have exposure to our entire office and special teams, including, but not limited to, Patrol, Detention Services, the Crime Scene Team, Drone Team, Water Patrol, Snowmobile Patrol, ATV Patrol, Dive Team, SWAT Team, and many others within the Office. Additionally, you will collaborate with surrounding agencies to enforce county ordinances and work through complex calls for service throughout the park system.

If you are studying Law Enforcement and need flexibility, we can accommodate your needs. This position provides eligibility for tuition reimbursement and offers flexible scheduling to prioritize your education. If you’re looking for an exciting and fulfilling first step in a career in public safety, we invite you to apply to be a Park Ranger!

Parks, Lakes and Trails Rangers are responsible for assisting County Park visitors and residents by providing information on the rules and regulations for using County waterways and public trails. Rangers also offer security for park visitors and property while enforcing Dakota County Park ordinances related to these areas of responsibility. They report to the Sergeant supervising the unit.

Minimum Requirements:
• High school diploma or G.E.D. within 6 months of hire date and at least 18 years old by the time of appointment AND
• Valid driver's license
• Currently enrolled in an accredited law enforcement program by the fall of 2025;
OR recently completed an accredited law enforcement program.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Patrol county parks, lakes and trails in vehicles, on foot, mountain bike, skis, and UTV.
2. Function as a public relations representative of the Sheriff's Department by providing information and assistance to park, lake, and trail users.
3. Guide users to park, lake and trail facilities and provide access and instructions to users of special use rental facilities. Secures facilities after usage.
4. Monitor shelter reservations and special events; check permits and provide assistance with discrepancies or problems.
5. Enforce county ordinance #107 within the county parks System and other ordinances, rules, state statutes related to the operation of boats, snowmobiles and ATV's.
6. Advise appropriate law enforcement agency of crimes in progress, serious traffic violations or other events requiring a police response.
7. May assist other agencies as directed by a licensed Deputy.
8. Respond to medical emergencies as needed.
9. Comply with county and departmental policies. Wear prescribed uniform.
10. Assist visitors with inmate visitation program.
11. Provide guidance to public and assist with building security at Dakota County Service Centers.
12. Perform other duties as directed.

Essential Job Functions:
Duties 1 through 6, 9 and 10 are essential functions.
• Ability to work effectively under minimum supervision.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and employ effective courses of action.
• Ability to communicate positively and effectively with the general public.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs, boats, and snowmobiles safely under a variety of climatic conditions.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to pass a physical examination.

Work Environment:
This position works within Dakota County Park System, on Dakota County Trails, within Dakota County Service Centers and on Dakota County waterways. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an environment with a variety of climatic conditions and uneven geography. Work is performed on foot, by mountain bike, or with motorized conveyance; occasionally hiking long distances, or performing other vigorous outdoor activities. Duties involve lengthy periods of sitting while operating or driving equipment, lengthy periods of sitting at a desk, standing, walking, twisting, balancing, pushing, pulling, and reaching in all directions. Duties performed require bending, stooping, crouching, climbing stairs and ladders, bending and twisting of the arm, simple grasping, firm grasping, and fine finger dexterity. Work involves lifting up to 25 pounds frequently and over 25 pound objects occasionally when hooking up trailers, and lifting and moving supplies and equipment.

Exposures may include, but are not limited to changing weather conditions, uneven and/or slippery surfaces, working at heights, noise, working with moving machinery, sharp edges, vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; and hazardous materials such as chemicals, blood and other body fluids.

Selection Process:
The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

Dakota County Human Resources
www.dakotacounty.us
Main Number 651.438.4435
(contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)