Park Ranger

Responsible for protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the safety and quality City of Las Cruces parks and recreational facilities through a program of patrols, enforcement, and education. Works to create a welcoming and secure environment for citizens and visitors in accordance with all City of Las Cruces rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Work is performed primarily outdoors with travel to various locations and facilities with exposure to all weather, traffic conditions, and related hazards; exposure to hazardous chemicals, fluids, and contaminants, dirt, dust, fumes, and noise, and electrical/mechanical equipment, may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public. Protective clothing and equipment is available and required.

Light physical demands involving standing, sitting, walking, balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, squatting, pushing and pulling, and reaching from all levels; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to forty-five  (45) pounds; sufficient communication capabilities, powers of observation, manual dexterity, tactile senses, and mobility and physical reflexes necessary to effectively and safely perform the essential job functions to include operation of a two-way communication device and handcuffs. Visual acuity and hearing abilities are critical. 

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues including interacting with irate or intoxicated citizens. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.  Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. 

• Performs visual surveillance to ensure proper use of facilities and assist in the prevention of vandalism, facility abuse, and other unacceptable behavior by foot patrol, walking, bicycle, or City vehicle to various parks and assigned locations.
• Updates, maintains, and completes records and reports in various mediums and formats in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards. Report safety concerns, vandalism, or other significant issues to supervisors.
• Writes and issues non-criminal citations where necessary and appropriate in accordance with established policies and procedures; testifies in court regarding various situations and investigations.
• Serves as a resource for park visitors by providing information about parks and recreational facilities; responds to inquiries and provides information as appropriate and within delegated authority; relays information and issues of concern to appropriate staff for research and/or response.
• Maintains appropriate and productive relationships and communication with law enforcement personnel, other agencies, and the public. 
• Participates in educational outreach to provide education to park users on proper park use, rules, and ordinances; develops and conducts recreational and educational programs for the community to support the department’s community partnership philosophy and initiatives.

High School Diploma or GED. Previous experience in security or law enforcement is desirable but not required A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

• Individuals must be eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of hire;
• No felony convictions; felony arrests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
• No misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years, excluding minor traffic violations; misdemeanor arrests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; 
• No conviction of a domestic violence crime as defined in the 1968 Gun Control Act and subsequent amendments codified at 18 U.S.C. 921 et seq.;
• No use of marijuana within the last six (6) months;
• No use of any illegal drug (excluding marijuana) within the last three (3) years.  

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.  

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective customer service and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, bicycles and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in:   reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately with respect and courtesy, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working   independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.