Parks Ranger

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THE PARKS DIVISION.

Are you passionate about the outdoors, community service, and public safety? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same? Madison Parks Division is seeking dedicated and responsible individuals to serve as Parks Rangers, representing both the City of Madison and its beloved parks. Work is performed independently under the supervision of the Parks Ranger Lead worker and the Ranger Supervisor.

This position involves direct public contact, at times under stressful circumstances, requiring the ability to mitigate conflict tactfully while maintaining personal and public safety.

Anticipated hours of work will vary. Work hours are typically 7.5 hour shifts (5:00 am–12:30 pm), (9:00 am–4:30 pm), (12:30 pm–8:00 pm), or (4:00 pm–11:30 pm). Rangers work seven (7) days a week and must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays, as well as occasional overtime. Work is on a flexible schedule from week to week with hours varying from 0–40 hours per week. Work hours are NOT guaranteed.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non‑traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

• Maintain an accurate log of contacts and actions taken, and complete assigned associated reports.
• Follow established procedures for enforcing Parks Behavioral Policy, and issue citations for parking, permit and ordinance violations.
• Clear and secure park facilities each night as directed.
• Obtain and safeguard personal information of individuals.
• Testify regarding issuance of citations as required.
• Write reports using prescribed methods.

• Provide visitor services to park users; answer questions, including phone calls, and provide routine customer assistance and information to park users.
• Support shelter rentals and Parks reservations with facilities services, shelter cleaning and resolving user conflicts as needed.
• Educate the public to promote a culture of inclusion and public stewardship of Parks.
• Support winter shelter operations, volunteer activities and programmed park events.
• Provide first aid as needed.

• Remove brush, pick up litter, empty trash and perform minor repairs.
• Identify situations requiring corrective action. Report to Lead worker or Supervisor when appropriate.
• Follow pre-established procedures in preparing reports, updating kiosks, general cleaning, and posting of signs as directed.
• Clear snow from dog parks and winter shelter areas.

Perform related work as assigned.

• One (1) year of experience in customer service, security, or code enforcement with diverse public contact
• -OR-
• Associate's degree or 2‑year certificate or higher in a related field such as Criminal Justice, Natural Resources, or Recreation Management or a closely related field
• -OR-
• Two (2) years of experience in applying the following:
• Business practices related to cashiering/sales and customer service
• Facility maintenance principles, equipment and techniques
• Computer software applicable to the duties of the position, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other related software

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, please reference the class specification.

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR or the ability to obtain the certifications within three (3) months of hire. Failure to obtain this certification within the probation/trial period will result in the employee not passing probation/trial period, absent extenuating circumstances.
• Must successfully pass a law enforcement background check including fingerprinting.
• Must meet criteria for Time System basic certification.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and heavier objects with another employee.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor, maintenance, custodial and repair tasks.
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to walk great distances including over varied and uneven terrain.
• Ability to bend, twist, squat, climb and reach for extended periods of time.