Park Ranger

Works under moderate supervision to provide day-to-day patrol within the Travis County parks and preserves system. Responsible for visitor and resource protection, with emphasis on law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency management, and search and rescue. Ensures a safe park experience for visitors through intensive public interaction. Detects, documents and corrects safety hazards. Protects natural and cultural resources in the park and preserve system through the enforcement of rules and regulations and state and federal environmental laws.

Functions as a Peace Officer Certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and as an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Non-Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Peace Officer Pay Scale job family. Operates a motorized vehicle. Operates radio equipment. Administers CPR and first aid. Maintains physical endurance and agility. Act decisively, rapidly, and knowledgeably in emergency and life threatening situations. This job works various shifts and may require working extended hours during emergency management operations.

This position requires a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the department, including frequent evenings and weekends, and incumbents must be available for emergency response at all times when in geographic area.

• Conducts daily patrols of Travis County parks and preserves.
• Performs routine patrols of waters off park boundaries and along park shorelines; patrols park areas by foot, bicycle, vehicle, horse, motor vehicle and patrol boat to contact park visitors and neighbors to ensure compliance with park rules
• Enforces Federal and State laws and educates the public on park rules.
• Disseminates park, preserve, and area information to the public; ensures that information is accurate, professional and timely; interfaces with visitors, neighbors, user and volunteer organizations and other agencies to promote Travis County parks and preserves in a positive and professional manner; responds to visitor complaints and concerns; directs corrective action as required.
• Makes felony and misdemeanor arrests, issues citations, conducts investigations, and prepares appropriate reports. Transports prisoners, testifies in court and completes follow-up investigations as needed.
• Ensures compliance with regulations and policies within Travis County parks and preserves.
• Provides visitor and resource protection in Travis County parks and preserves.
• Responds to incidents inside parks as dispatched, reported, or as detected by the officer.
• Responds to, or is dispatched to, medical incidents and situations within parks and preserves and provides patient care according to established protocols. Provides emergency medical services as part of a First Responder Organization. Treats patients in the field and prepares appropriate reports. Packages patient(s) awaiting transport and determines category of patient(s).
• Assists or is dispatched to assist other agencies to law enforcement incidents or in hear parks.
• Recognizes, responds, coordinates and/or participates in search and rescue situations.
• Performs inspections of facilities, grounds, and equipment to ensure visitor and employee safety, facility integrity, and aesthetic appearance. Monitors endangered species habitat and patrols boundaries to deter and detect encroachment and destruction of resources. Completes park and preserve inspections and reports hazards to park supervisors and tract managers and/or performs corrective action. Safeguards departmental equipment and facilities; prepares reports of activities and presents programs concerning department activities and programs to the public.
• Performs administrative duties, and interfaces and coordinates with private and public entities including, but not limited to:
  Travis County Constable 5, Star Flight, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), local volunteer agencies and other agencies on public safety planning, training, and mutual aid. Recommends staffing needs and special needs for special events; prepares…