Park Ranger

Overview

The purpose of this position is to support the Senior Park Ranger, provide park security, and enforcement of laws and ordinances relating to Parks and Recreation facilities and spaces. This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

• Enforces all state and local laws, ordinances, and park regulations within the Louisville Parks and Recreation purview. Issues uniform citations and makes physical arrests, when necessary.
• Patrols parks to assess safety issues and violations of the law, including but not limited to issuing citations for violations of traffic and parking laws, local city ordinances and state laws.
• Patrols parks to address and manage noted concerns, maintains high visibility with park visitors, and ensures all park safety and security measures are met.
• Investigates complaints from citizens, suspicious behaviors, and alleged criminal or illegal activities within the park setting or Parks and Recreation assets.
• Enforces laws and ordinances by searching and seizing property, making arrests, and pursuing, apprehending, and transporting prisoners to jail.
• Patrols an assigned geographic area on an assigned shift.
• Recommends creation or amendment of policies and procedures relating to the Park Ranger program, security and enforcement to the Senior Park Ranger.
• Engages park visitors through face-to-face interactions while patrolling parks and open spaces to ensure a positive park experience.
• Monitors radio channels and communicates with central dispatch and other officers via two-way radio.
• Serves as liaison with LMPD to control criminal activity and collaborates with LMPD.
• Coordinates security operations with contract security agencies, emergency first responders, and disaster response agencies.
• Investigates and documents disturbances and significant occurrences and prepares incident reports.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent; three (3) years of experience as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Other

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must currently possess a valid Kentucky Peace Officer Certification and/or be able to bring certification back to current status. If out of state, must obtain reciprocity through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) per Title 503 KAR 1:140.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Kentucky Police Officer Professional Certification.
• Applicants with certain controlled substance or marijuana-related history within specified periods will be disqualified as described in the original posting.
• Must not be a current user of illegal drugs.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have any criminal action pending against them.
• Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis.
• Must have no DUI convictions within the last seven (7) years.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug/alcohol screening, polygraph, and fingerprinting.
• Must not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.
• Must not have had Peace Officer certification permanently revoked in another state.
• Must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions if having served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces.
• Must be First Aid/CPR/AED certified or able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment.
• Must be able to work at least one weekend day and be willing to rotate schedules to accommodate organizational needs (days, evenings, and some overnight hours).

Physical demands refer to requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Regular and punctual attendance; ability to meet special needs of the position as determined by management.
• Prolonged walking, standing, and movement.
• Lift and carry items weighing up to 70 pounds; ability to lift and carry items over 70 pounds in a team setting.
• Prolonged exposure to the elements.

Typical job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards, even with precautions, include:

• Br…