Lead Park Ranger

Overview

Home to vast parkland and attractions including Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge, the District of North Vancouver is inspired by nature, and enriched by people. Recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for six years, the District offers professional development opportunities, a competitive total compensation package, a nine‑day fortnight, and hybrid work arrangements.

Join our team as Lead Park Ranger and become the face of the District’s Parks Department. This is lead hand, regulatory, enforcement and public relations work to ensure public compliance with regulations and bylaws within District parks. The incumbent will be responsible for scheduling, assigning and reviewing work and providing day‑to‑day direction to a group of seasonal park rangers.

As a Lead Park Ranger, you will be responsible for providing a visible authority presence, enforcing bylaws, ensuring public safety, and maintaining order within District parks. You will inspect park facilities and report damage, monitor park usage to prevent overcrowding, inform users of park regulations, patrol park areas to prevent and/or stop inappropriate behaviour, and contact appropriate authorities when necessary. You will also be part of a marine patrol unit in Deep Cove, conducting proactive enforcement related to boating safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance for all visitors.

In this role, you will serve as a visible and approachable presence in the parks, sharing information about facilities, permitted uses, and regulations. You will ensure parks are used safely and responsibly by monitoring activity, providing education on regulations, and conducting patrols to address non‑compliance and apply bylaw enforcement measures, including warnings, tickets, and written documentation, as required.

Duties also include interacting, coordinating, and supporting work to engage with the homeless population, requiring strong situational awareness, de‑escalation skills, and the ability to manage conflict in complex circumstances. Knowledge of the Park Regulation, Wharf and Anchor, Dog Tax and Regulation, and Environmental Protection and Preservation Bylaws is essential. You will also have sound knowledge of court procedures and the legality of various types of evidence;

the ability to investigate complaints and enforce bylaws and regulations with tact, impartiality, firmness and use of sound judgement.

Your commitment to enforcement, completion of Bylaw Investigative Courses, and adaptability to varying weather conditions make you a standout candidate. The work involves considerable public relations contact and requires the ability to communicate clearly, assertively, and professionally while obtaining compliance in order to respond and problem‑solve in complex situations. You will exercise independent judgment and perform the duties within policy and regulation limits.

You will also prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports as required.

• Sound knowledge of assigned park areas and facilities and hazards found therein.
• Some knowledge of natural history and ecology of assigned area.
• Some knowledge of first aid practices and procedures.
• Ability to assess risk, respond appropriately to unusual or escalating situations, and manage conflict.
• Willingness and ability to participate in mandatory and ongoing training related to conflict resolution, de‑escalation, personal safety, and enforcement practices.
• Experience with or knowledge of rope rescue and/or swift water rescue, particularly in support of first‑responder duties in high‑risk park environments, is considered an asset. Willingness and ability to participate in required rescue‑related training is expected.
• Ability to prepare routine records and to perform routine repair and maintenance tasks related to the park operations including, but not limited to, litter collection, supporting caretakers, encampment clearing, brushing, etc.
• Ability to swim, walk long distances and work independently in outdoor environments, patrol uneven terrain, and respond to enforcement and emergency situations…