Park Police -Lateral

Position Description

The Parks & Recreation Department is hiring Park Police Officers. Officers assist citizens to ensure the use of parks is safe and enjoyable and resolve disputes occurring in parks. The chosen candidate will enforce all state and local laws, ordinances, and Park Board regulations. Officers must patrol in a patrol car or on foot to monitor parks, playgrounds, greenways and other park property for illegal activities, ensuring visitor safety.

ATVs, bikes, and mounted units are available for those who choose them, but are not mandatory. Candidates may be exposed to unknown and potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stresses that require safety precautions. All officers must be able to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Lead and perform crime prevention and law enforcement duties throughout the Metropolitan Park System.
• Patrol an assigned area in an automobile or on foot; bike, ATV and mounted units are available after specialized training.
• Enforce all park regulations and all state and local laws and ordinances.
• Respond to messages or instructions and appear at scenes of disorder or crime.
• Investigate and prepare reports on accidents, property damage, or other offenses.
• Intervene in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order.
• Make arrests, issue citations, give verbal warnings, direct traffic, and assist with crowd control as needed.
• Note and report traffic hazards.
• Assist other law‑enforcement personnel as needed.
• Appear in court as required.
• Write accurate case reports and maintain a log of activities.
• May train Park Police 1 officers.

Candidates must complete a 14‑week training program that includes courses in criminal law, firearms training, first aid, traffic accident investigation, traffic law enforcement, human relations, crime scene research, patrol procedures, departmental policies, report writing and related areas. Physical training is optional.

• Birth Certificate
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• College Transcripts (if applicable)
• Copy of P.O.S.T. Certification or State Equivalent
• Copy of DD214 Long Form (if applicable)

All supporting documents must be attached to your online application in PDF format. Do not include resumes, cover letters, driver’s license, social security cards, or training certificates.

Must meet requirements to qualify for the Park Police Trainee position AND have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of experience as a Park Police 1, OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of P.O.S.T certified law‑enforcement experience. (See additional requirements for service breaks.)

Park Police Trainee requirements:

• At least 60 semester hours of accredited college coursework with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, OR
• High School diploma or equivalent plus:
• • At least two years active military duty (Honorable Discharge)
• • At least two years as a full‑time, certified (Tennessee P.O.S.T. or equivalent) active law‑enforcement officer
• • Five years of responsible work experience

• One year experience as a Park Police 1
• Performance evaluation of 2.0 or better in the previous year

Valid Driver’s License and Special Police Commission (required to carry a firearm).

• At least 21 years of age.
• Far visual acuity: 20/20 in better eye and 20/30 in other eye, corrected with contact lenses or spectacles. Uncorrected must be at least 20/100 for hard contact wearers; soft contact wearers exempt after six months use.
• Normal color vision.
• Pass a medical examination set by the Civil Service Medical Examiner and approved by the Civil Service Commission.
• Transferring P.O.S.T. officers must attend and complete the Metro Nashville Police Academy before probationary period ends.
• Must obtain Special Police commission to carry a firearm before probationary period ends.
• Must meet and maintain Metropolitan Police Department standards for carrying a firearm; failure results in disciplinary action.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals,…