Washington County is currently seeking candidates for the position of Park Ranger. In collaboration with the Parks Superintendent, the Park Ranger performs and oversees tasks related to the operation, maintenance, repair and protection of Washington County parks, provides services to visitors and park users, and enforces Park ordinances and regulations.
Washington County makes up the western portion of the Portland Metropolitan area. For more information on the three parks our Facilities and Parks Services Division oversees, please use this link: Washington County Parks
Washington County offers employees a collaborative culture, work-life balance, and a comprehensive benefits package. Working within Washington County provides daily opportunities to serve and build communities now and into the future. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Provide customer relations services to visitors of Washington County Parks; provide park information to and respond to inquiries from park visitors and user groups; provide public education and outreach to individuals or groups; monitor public events of various sizes; respond to emergency situations and provide overall public safety for park visitors and residents.
2. Enforce county ordinances and regulations pertaining to the use of Washington County parks; respond to inquiries and complaints from residents and park visitors regarding disturbances or violations; issue citations to people in violation of park ordinances and regulations; coordinate with local law enforcement agencies when needed to respond to situations; complete records and write reports related to violations; provide testimony in court.
3. Perform and oversee the work of staff and volunteers to construct, maintain, and operate, inspect, and repair park facilities, structures and grounds including water systems, restrooms, picnic structures, boat ramps, docks and piers, pathways, trails, trail signage, foot bridges, parking lots and signage; perform minor plumbing repairs on fixtures and systems which includes toilets and sinks, water lines, PVC pipes and water spigots; provide training and direction to staff and volunteers on established procedures and practices related to the daily operation of the park; provide work assignments and techniques to assure safe and proper completion of work. Apply fertilizer and pesticide at scheduled intervals; determine appropriate chemicals and pesticide at scheduled intervals; determine appropriate chemicals for pest control and lawn conditioning.
4. Monitor and oversee the collection of park fees by fee collectors; perform pre-season startup installation of fee collection booths; periodically produce printouts for reconciliation of funds; reconcile fee collector’s check out sheet, deposit slips and deposit bag content; perform periodic maintenance of an automated park pass machine.
5. Provide park information including proactive interpretation of park ordinances to park visitors and user groups; coordinate with and monitor park visitors and user groups to ensure a successful event for both the group and the County by reviewing and posting event on event calendar and communicating appropriate information to park aides and fee collectors; make periodic check-ins with groups using the park facilities to ensure compliance with park ordinances and regulations.
6. Work with and monitor volunteer groups or organizations by designating tasks or projects that need to be completed; make assessments of work performed by volunteer groups; provide periodic updates to Park Superintendent related to progress of work being performed and maintenance and repair issues of park facilities, structures, grounds, or natural areas.
7. Assist and Federal agencies as needed in the implementation of the endangered species monitoring and conservation plan; fishery enhancement plan; and wildlife forage mitigation plan.
8. Operate dump, flat bed, or pickup trucks, mowing equipment, spray equipment, light tractors with attachments, and other light maintenance equipment used in the repair of park facilities and grounds; build and repair signs, shelters, and other park structures; maintain and repair park equipment such as gas powered generators, weed trimmers, water pumps, chainsaws, cut-off saws, and tree trimmers; conduct sampling of potable and non-potable water to monitor quality; operate a motorized ranger patrol boat on occasion for water rescue operations, removal of logs, trash removal and other circumstances that may require the use of the ranger patrol boat.
9. Perform activities in response to emergency situations in the park area including stabilizing accident or incident victim(s), performing crowd control, facilitating organized exit of the park, taking statements from witnesses, and gathering pertinent information; collaborate with emergency response agencies in search and rescue operations in the park by assisting in missing persons search and providing notification to supervisory staff of incident following established incident protocol.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services and meeting quality standards for services
- Methods and techniques of cash handling
- Principles and practices in the coordination of public events of varying sizes
- Principles and practices of park code enforcement
- Principles and techniques of conflict and dispute resolution
- Pesticide regulations and application techniques of sprays and chemicals
- Methods and techniques of basic carpentry, masonry construction, and repair
- Principles and techniques of landscape maintenance and gardening typical to parks
- Principles and practices of natural area management typical to parks.
- Methods and techniques in the repair and maintenance of sanitation facilities such as restrooms, sewerage pumping stations, leach fields, and distribution systems
Skill to:
- Use a personal computer
- Use and train others in the use of hand tools typically used to construct and repair park buildings, hiking and bicycle trails, benches, signage, and handrails
- Operate and maintain light motorized equipment, tractors and trucks
- Operate a motorized patrol boat
- Give direction and guidance related to tasks and work procedures to individuals or teams composed of seasonal staff and volunteers
- Communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing to convey information
- Provide factual information based on observation, knowledge and understanding
- Maintain composure and take appropriate action during emergency or emotionally charged situations
Ability to:
- Provide direction to staff, volunteers, and park users during routine operations and emergency situations
- Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words
- Apply laws, ordinances, and policies to situations and take appropriate action
- Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
- Evaluate the effectiveness of work plans and activities and recommend changes
- Perform general physical activities that require use of arms, legs, and movement such as lifting, walking, stooping and handling of materials
- Establish cooperative working relationships with individuals and maintain them over time
- Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
- Apply basic arithmetic to count and reconcile money and make change
- Maintain records of work performed and citations issued and prepare reports
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration or related field and one (1) year of experience in code and ordinance enforcement, visitor services or maintenance experience; OR
2. An Associate’s Degree in Park and Recreation Administration or related field and three (3) years of experience in visitor services or maintenance experience, which includes one (1) year of code and ordinance enforcement; OR
3. Graduation from high school or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in visitor services or maintenance experience, which includes two (2) years of code and ordinance enforcement.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Possession of a driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record
2. Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License may be required for some positions
3. Possession of an Oregon Drinking Water Operator Certification within six months of hire.
4. Possession of a Pesticide Applicators License within one year of hire.
5. Possession of First Aid/AED/CPR Certification
6. Successful completion of mandatory boater education program and possession of a boater education card issued by the Oregon State Marine Board within one year of hire.
7. Successful completion of a background check required to become a Limited Duty Sworn Officer.
Please note: Washington County Parks are open to the public on weekends and holidays and our Park Rangers are required to be scheduled to accommodate working on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES RECORDS REQUIREMENT:
Driving a motorized vehicle is an essential function of this position. Successful applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Washington County will review Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) records on candidates prior to the interviewing phase of the selection process. Candidates that do not possess an acceptable driving record will be disqualified from this particular recruitment. Please ensure driver’s license information is correct and complete on your employment application.
Washington County has the ability to check Oregon DMV records electronically. We do not possess this ability for out-of-state applicants. If you reside or have resided outside the State of Oregon within the last 3 years, you will need to submit a DMV record(s) for the last three years within two (2) weeks after the position close date. Please forward the DMV record(s) to: hr@co.washington.or.us; or (fax) 503-846-3777, or Washington County Human Resources, ATTN: Recruitment Unit, 155 N First Avenue, Ste. 270, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
To review the Driver’s License and Record Policy for Washington County use the following link. Additionally, if you would like to know what constitutes an unacceptable record, please review the Driving Records Requirement Form attached to the policy for more detail: Click Here
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Washington County is committed to using a Merit Based System in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities.
SELECTION PROCESS:
1. An evaluation of training and experience of will be performed by Human Resources.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel in the division will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials and your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire.
3. A Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records check will be performed on the applicants that pass the SME step. Applicants that do not possess an acceptable driving record or have not submitted their records or Oregon Driver’s License number will not pass this step and may be disqualified from this particular recruitment.
4. Applicants that pass the DMV records check will be placed on a list of eligible candidates who may be referred to the hiring department for an interview to fill vacancies during the next 6 – 12 month period.
APPLICANTS RESIDING OUTSIDE OF THE PORTLAND METRO AREA:
We appreciate your interest in our current vacancy. Please note: Washington County does not reimburse new hires for relocation costs should you reside outside of the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION:
You will be advised by e-mail or regular mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition.
Interested applicants must submit a completed Washington County employment application, with complete responses to the “Supplemental Questionnaire.”
Veterans’ Preference : If you are a veteran and have been discharged, you may qualify for veterans’ preference points. If you believe that you qualify, please submit a copy of your DD214 for 5 points and your DD214 and a Veterans’ Administration letter confirming your disabled status for 10 points. Please submit by the closing date of the position you are applying for. Veterans’ preference points cannot be honored without supporting documentation. You must email a copy of your DD214 and other supporting documentation to hr@co.washington.or.us or mail it to the Human Resources Division before the closing date of the position you are applying for .
Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through the Human Resources Division, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying.
- Washington County is a drug-free workplace *
EmoticonEmoticon