Park Ranger; Temporary​/Part-Time

Patrols and monitors parks, fields, and recreation facilities to enforce City rules, regulations, codes and ordinances; and resolves disputes or conflicts among park patrons.

Incumbents must be able to work an average of twenty-four (24) hours per week. Work schedules vary and include evening and weekend hours.

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

• Monitor and enforce City rules, regulations, ordinances and codes; counsel, warn, and issue notices of violation and administrative citations;
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve compliance issues regarding permits at community centers, parks, and athletic facilities;
• Enforce City codes and ordinances regarding unpermitted vendors and businesses at parks, prohibited use of Barbeques, tents, dogs off leash, alcohol and smoking;
• Promote compliance through education while on patrol and in the field; inform patrons of City policies, procedures, and ordinances;
• Provide information and assistance to the public regarding City services, programs, and special activities;
• Ensure visitors abide by conditions within their Special Event Permits and on-going permits;
• Closely supervise visitor activities at City parks and facilities to reduce vandalism and damage to City property;
  Assist in issuing citations for no parking in red zone, handicap spaces, fire hydrant blocking, and related parking violations at City facilities;
• Identify maintenance issues and report work requests to appropriate party; assist in providing basic maintenance;
  Maintain logs of patrol activities and prepare written reports of incidents, accidents, or other occurrences;
• Assist the Parks and Recreation and Police Department with enforcement of codes and ordinances during special events; provide support as requested;
• May attend and testify in court or administrative hearings as necessary;
• Report criminal activity and/or vandalism to the Police Department; and perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

At least 18 years of age upon appointment.

High School graduate or equivalent.

College level work in Police Science or related field is desirable.

General office experience including experience in enforcement, compliance, conflict management, or security highly desirable, but not required.

Regulations, codes, and ordinances as they relate to park usage;
Principles and practices of sound business communication, oral and written; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; principles and practices of public relations, customer service, and conflict resolution; and elements of effective time management and organizational skills.

Interpret and enforce City codes, policies, and procedures;
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines; work independently, reason and react effectively and maturely; comprehend and comply with verbal and written instructions; learn in a changing work environment; evaluate situations and determine appropriate action to be taken, and anticipate situations and problems and initiate effective strategies; communicate with a variety of people in various situations, using diplomacy, persuasion, patience, courtesy, tact, self-restraint, common sense, judgment and strategy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations;

read and interpret complex documents; collect, organize and analyze a variety of information and apply results to police…