Starting Compensation:

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Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

• A Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation Ranger performs a wide variety of duties with a focus on visitor service and protection. 
• These include assisting pavilion rental customers, answering visitor questions, enforcing the Park Rules and Regulations on County Park property and managing and protecting Park resources and facilities. 
• The Certified Park Ranger position is classified as an "Essential Employee" in the County system.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports directly to the Chief Ranger and works as a team with the other Rangers in the Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Patrols Park grounds and boundaries to address visitor issues and identify problem areas.  (50%)
• Establishes and maintains efficient, friendly and courteous service to park visitors including unlocking facilities, checking-in rental customers, answering visitor questions, etc. (20%)
• Enforces Park Rules and Regulations on County Park Property according to the Park Ranger Policy and Standard Operating Procedures and utilizing tools of education, written and verbal warnings and citations. (20%)
• Maintains accurate and complete written records including daily patrol logs, incident reports, etc. as determined essential to the division’s operation. (10%)

 OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Receives, documents and addresses public complaints, inquiries and questions.
• Advises Chief Ranger on Rules and Regulations enforcement and safety and security matters within the County Park system.
• Attends judicial hearings and proceedings; maintains current files on outstanding violations and repeat offenders.
• Uses offensive and defensive weapons as necessary to ensure the safety of self and others.
• Performs other duties and acquires additional trainings as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associate’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Resource/Wildlife Management, Environmental or Earth Science, Social Sciences, Criminal Justice or similar field with 1 year experience as a Park Ranger; OR any equivalent amount of relevant training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Operation of automotive, communicative, emergency, weapons, rescue and other types of equipment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

Upon employment:

•  Must successfully complete required Act 57 pre-employment checks and background investigation
•  Must have current Act 235 Lethal Weapons certification
•  Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen
•  Must possess a valid PA driver’s license
•  Must successfully complete a background check including state and federal criminal history, PA Childline clearance and driving history

Within 3 months of hire:

• Must complete and maintain PPCT certification (includes training in defensive tactics, baton and handcuffing)
• Must complete training and maintain certification in use of OC spray (i.e. pepper spray)
• Must complete and maintain certification in American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• Must complete and maintain certification in American Red Cross First Aid
• Must qualify annually with a department-issued handgun as administered by a certified County firearms instructor
• Must qualify annually with a 12-gauge shotgun as administered by a certified County firearms instructor
• Must complete and maintain Conducted Electrical Weapon (Taser) training and certification as administered by a certified County firearms instructor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Sitting    50%-75%
• Standing/walking   25%-50%
• Bending at knees and waist
• Lifting up to 30 lbs overhead and up to 50 lbs to waist level
• Reaching greater than 6 feet
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather
• This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B.

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees.  Read more about our benefits here.

Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.