Security Officer I - Park Ranger

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 59,237,000 - 62,956,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department seeks a Park Ranger to protect park resources and ensure safety and enjoyment for all visitors. The role emphasizes rule compliance and active community engagement.

You will patrol trails and facilities, assist visitors, support events, respond to emergencies, and help with maintenance. A strong communicator with a valid driver's license and willingness to work outdoors, weekends, and holidays is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check.
• Experience in park, recreation, law enforcement or customer service desirable.

Responsibilities

• Park patrols to monitor conditions and enforce park rules.
• Assist visitors with information, safety protocols and recreational opportunities.
• Support events and educational programs, including setup and teardown.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with emergency services.
• Enforce rules and document incidents with warnings or citations.
• Assist in maintenance of facilities, trails, restrooms, signage, and visitor centers.
• Engage with community groups to promote park programs and environmental stewardship.
• Maintain accurate daily activity and incident reports for management.

Skills

Communication skills

Public interaction

Conservation knowledge

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Parks & Recreation

Park Ranger

Posting Expires: September 25 , 2026

Salary: $21.29 hourly

The City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Park Ranger to join our team. The Park Ranger will be responsible for the protection, management, and enhancement of park resources, providing safety and enjoyment for the public, and ensuring compliance with park rules and regulations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for nature, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Park Patrol: Conduct regular patrols of park facilities, trails, and natural areas to monitor conditions, identify hazards, and ensure compliance with park rules and regulations.
• Visitor Assistance: Provide information and assistance to park visitors, including guidance on park features, safety protocols and recreational opportunities. Foster a welcoming environment for park users.
• Event Support: Facilitate and support park events and educational programs, including setup and breakdown activities. Engage with visitors and promote park resources and initiatives.
• Safety and Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies and incidents within park areas, including medical emergencies, accidents and wildlife encounters. Coordinate with emergency services as needed.
• Enforcement of Rules: Enforce Park rules and regulations to ensure visitor safety and preserve park resources. Issue warnings or citations as necessary and document incidents accurately.
• Maintenance Support: Assist in the maintenance and repair of park facilities, including trails, restrooms, signage and visitor centers. Report larger maintenance issues to the appropriate staff.
• Community Engagement: Work with local community groups and organizations to promote park programs and services. Participate in outreach activities to educate the community about park resources and environmental stewardship.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of daily activities, incidents, safety inspections and visitor interactions. Prepare reports as needed for management review.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact positively with the public and handle conflicts diplomatically.
• Basic knowledge of park operations, conservation practices and outdoor recreational activities.
• Proficiency in using computers and standard office software for reporting and communication.

Independent Judgment

• Established procedures/policies govern many work situations.
• Regular exercise of independent judgment or initiative.
• Recognize problems and choose solutions from among several alternatives that are not necessarily governed by established procedures.
• Work occasionally requires giving others a general orientation to routine procedures and policies.

Working Conditions

• Ongoing possibility of safety risks.
• Workday occasionally includes conflicting demands, time pressures, deadlines or emergencies.
• Work regularly requires sustained concentration.
• Work requires some physical effort and some dexterity.
• Must sit, stand and or walk for extended period of time.
• First Aid and CPR certification required; Wilderness First Responder or equivalent certification preferred.
• This position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required.

Position Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Have a valid Driver's License
• Pass a Criminal background check.
• Available to work different shifts.
• Previous experience in a park or recreational setting, law enforcement or customer service is desirable.

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.