Urban Park Ranger

Colorado Psychiatric; Highlands Ranch, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking two Urban Park Rangers to protect and educate across 2,600+ acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, and 26 parks. Rangers will patrol, engage visitors, and enforce rules with proportional responses, from warnings to summons, while documenting incidents for reports and coordination with partners.

The positions offer competitive pay (up to $30/hour for Ranger I and up to $35/hour for Ranger II) and require CPR/First aid certification, a Colorado Class R

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space preferred.
• Two years’ experience as a park ranger for Ranger II or equivalent education/experience combination.
• CPR/First aid certifications must be maintained; Class “R” driver’s license with acceptable MVR required.

Responsibilities

• Patrol parks, trails, and open spaces and engage with visitors.
• Enforce rules; issue warnings, parking citations, or summons when appropriate.
• Prepare reports and coordinate with partner agencies on public safety and resource protection.

Skills

Outdoor education programs

CPR/First aid certifications

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space

Tools

Colorado Driver's license (Class “R”)

OC Spray Certification

Job description

Highlands Ranch Metro District is hiring two Urban Park Rangers!

Every day brings something different. Rangers proactively patrol parks, trails, and open spaces; connect with visitors; investigate potential violations; and document incidents and cases. Outreach and education come first, with warnings, parking citations, or criminal summons issued when appropriate to address public safety and resource protection concerns.

We offer great benefits and competitive pay based on your education, experience, and certifications. We are hiring for two openings at either Ranger I or Ranger II level.

About the Urban Park Ranger Program

Highlands Ranch Urban Park Rangers are responsible for outreach and education, rules enforcement on more than 2,600 acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, 26 parks, and numerous other recreation facilities. Rangers promote safe and enjoyable public spaces through education, customer service, community engagement, resource stewardship, and consistent enforcement of Metro District rules and regulations.

Rangers conduct proactive patrols, investigate violations, issue warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate, prepare reports and case documentation, work closely with partner agencies, and rely on outreach and education first to resolve public safety and resource protection concerns.

The Urban Park Ranger Program works collaboratively with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners to provide quality services to the Highlands Ranch community.

Minimum Qualifications

Urban Park Ranger I - pay is up to $30 per hour

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Associate’s degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space or related studies.
• Some experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations with a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs.
• Or a combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Colorado, Class “R” driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• Maintain annual CPR/First aid certifications.
• Comfortable around a variety of wildlife.
• Obtain a limited commission as a Code Enforcement Officer through Douglas County Sheriff’s Office within 90 days of employment.

Urban Park Ranger II - pay is up to $35 per hour

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Associate’s degree in Parks, Recreation or Open Space or related studies.
• Two (2) years’ experience as a park ranger enforcing rules and regulations with a parks, recreation, and open space agency presenting outdoor education programs.
• Or a combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Colorado, Class “R” driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• Maintain annual CPR/First aid certifications.
• Comfortable around a variety of wildlife.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray Certification preferred.
• Obtain a limited commission as a Code Enforcement Officer through Douglas County Sheriff’s Office within 90 days of employment.
• Working knowledge of Sheriff's Office dispatch communication protocols, including appropriate emergency and non-emergency response procedures, radio communication etiquette, and coordination with law enforcement personnel.