Park Ranger

The role of the Park Ranger is to provide customer service to park patrons to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience while using Kirkland’s parks. The Park Ranger will monitor parks with the goal of deterring non-compliant activity while acting as an ambassador for the Parks and Community Services Department and the City. The Park Ranger communicates with citizens, builds relationships, educates park users of park rules, provides information, answers questions, and performs basic parks maintenance tasks.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Quickly and effectively responds to emergency situations in the Parks system.
• Performs park walk-throughs and inspections, looking for environmental dumping and defacement, encroachments, homeless encampments, areas showing signs of illicit behavior (e.g., parties, substance use) and other unsafe conditions.
• Enhances safety & security in parks by showing a presence in high use sites during high use times (e.g., beaches during lifeguarded hours of operation).
• Collaborates with the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) to deter non-compliant activity, share information, and strategize about best practices.
• Collaborates with KPD on off leash dog enforcement.
• Provides pet license information to park users.
• Serves as an ambassador for Parks and Community Services and the City of Kirkland by engaging and interacting with park users; provides information about available services, special events, and other general park information.
• Informs and educates rule violators to seek behavior compatible with rules and other users.
• Provides support to Seasonal Rangers and perform duties at public docks and piers with regards to compliance, education, and enforcement.
• Documents and records work, reports/shares information with KPD with regards to issues and concerns within the Parks system.
• Must maintain flexible schedule and willingness to work various shifts throughout the year depending upon business need. Saturdays & Sundays will be part of the normal schedule.
• Performs basic park maintenance tasks including, but not limited to: opening/closing gates, cleaning restrooms, litter and trash collection, and janitorial services.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Why Kirkland?

• Ability to operate a City vehicle, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer for reporting, communication, and documentation.
• Ability to establish positive communication while enforcing park rules. Knows and understands Park rules and City ordinances.
• Must be able to generate accurate documentation and reports.
• First-aid / CPR and ability to respond to emergencies.
• Knowledge of Parks & Community Services business and best management practices.
• Must have excellent communication skills and demeanor.
• Excellent situational awareness and ability to discern difficult situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proven track record in providing excellent customer service.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and keep management informed of potentially controversial issues.
• Demonstrated ability to bring a solutions-oriented approach to conflict resolution.
• Ability to remain flexible to changing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Graduation from High School or GED equivalent.
• Experience: 1 year relevant work experience related to customer service and education, park maintenance and operations.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s license and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Must have excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills.
• Applicant must undergo a criminal background clearance, which includes a state and national fingerprint-based record check. Additionally, the applicant must successfully complete web-based CJIS Awareness Training.
• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED certification.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Duties may be performed in a variety of settings and conditions, both in a typical office setting, in a vehicle, and in field situations (i.e., in buildings, outside, sitting, or standing, walking, hiking, etc.).
• Duties may include working outside in natural areas (streams, hillsides) with uneven terrain under varying weather conditions.
• Position may require climbing ladders and lifting of up to 20 pounds.
• Must be available to work weekends and evenings.

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of Application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Job is open until filled with first review by 15th day of original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.