JOB SUMMARY
Under the limited supervision of the Director, the Senior Park Ranger is responsible for training, outfitting, scheduling and supervising part-time Park Ranger staff to ensure safe and appropriate use of park and recreation facilities. This role acts as a field customer service officer, monitors unmanned and undeveloped properties, assigns patrol areas, enforces policies, assists emergency agencies responding to park incidents and occasionally acts as manager on duty at parks with onsite staff. Additionally, the position supports environmental interpretation, leisure programs, and events that promote environmental awareness, wellness, and physical activity for citizens of all ages and abilities. The Senior Park Ranger ensures a safe environment for park visitors and staff and performs related duties as required. This position requires late nights, weekends, and holiday work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Hire, train, outfit, schedule and supervise all Dorchester County Parks and Recreation part-time Park Rangers. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending employee discipline; and recommending discharge as appropriate.

Reviews the work of staff members for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; and offers advice and assistance as needed.

Ensure all parks, boat landings, undeveloped properties, trails and greenways are secure, safe, and maintain a ranger presence.

Assist with environmental interpretation and leisure programs that promote environmental awareness, educating the public on proper wildlife and environmental interactions.

Patrol County Parks to investigate and address violations of rules and ordinances such as illegal trash disposal, hunting, camping, abandoned vehicles, and wildlife feeding.

Occasionally acts as manager on duty at parks with on-site part time staff.

Prepare inspection reports, issue corrective notices or citations, maintain enforcement logs and records, and provide court testimony as necessary.

Educate, interpret, and guide staff and the public on applicable codes and compliance requirements.

Request assistance from the Sheriff’s Office in cases involving unruly or hostile citizens.

Open, close, and patrol unmanned parks, kayak launches and multi-use trails during operational hours addressing misuse and remedying maintenance issues.

Maintain a presence on trails to ensure a clean and safe experience for patrons.

Inspect and maintain county trails by performing tasks such as ditching, grading, sloping, shaping, and spreading dirt and/or aggregate.

Perform lawn maintenance, vegetation control, and brush clearing to maintain unmanned parks, trails, greenways and boat landing grounds.

Submit detailed written reports including, activity Logs, training Logs and incident reports.

Notify the appropriate personnel or agencies upon discovering unusual or unauthorized activities and assist law enforcement as needed.

Act as a County representative by providing information about park amenities, rules, events, and programming to patrons.

Responds courteously to visitor complaints and suggestions, relaying them to the Director or designated staff.

Work closely with park management to ensure proper Ranger coverage for programs, high traffic dates, and special park events.

Respond to emergencies or unusual situations, taking appropriate action and completing required incident reports while notifying proper authorities.

Conduct periodic nighttime patrols to prevent unauthorized use of the park facilities.

Operate computers and general office equipment as necessary.

Adhere to all departmental administrative procedures outlined in the operations and procedures manual.

Attend departmental meetings, training sessions, driver safety courses and other required sessions.

Participate in County-sponsored special events, ensuring patron compliance with Parks and Recreation rules and regulations.

Comply with County policies and departmental regulations and procedures.

Maintains certifications by attending required training sessions.

Assist with litter collection and trash removal as needed.

Be available to assist the County and EMA team during declared emergencies or weather-related events.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, closely related field supplemented by three (3) years related experience with some supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

SCCJA Class III Advanced Law Enforcement Certification within one year of hire date is required.

Completion and maintenance of CPR, AED and 1st Aide certifications.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position; typical work hours and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Nights and rotating weekends are also required. Employees must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays and during emergencies or as requested.


E.O.E. Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.