Park Ranger presso Louisville Metro Government, KY

About the Department

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to support the Senior Park Ranger, provide park security, and enforcement of laws and ordinances relating to Parks and Recreation facilities and spaces.

This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Enforces all state and local laws, ordinances, and park regulations within the Louisville Parks and Recreation purview. Issues uniform citations and makes physical arrests, when necessary.

• Patrols parks to assess safety issues, violations of the law, including but not limited to, issuing citations for violations of traffic and parking laws, local city ordinances and state laws.

• Patrols parks to address and manage noted concerns, and maintains high visibility with park visitors, while ensuring all park safety and security measures are met.

• Investigates complaints from citizens, suspicious behaviors of persons, and alleged criminal or illegal activities that occur within the park setting or Parks and Recreation assets.

• Enforces laws and ordinances by searching and seizing property, making arrests, and pursuing, apprehending, and transporting prisoners to jail.

• Patrols an assigned geographic area on an assigned shift.

• Recommends any creation or amendment of policies and procedures relating to the Park Ranger program, security and enforcement to the Senior Park Ranger.

• Engages park visitors regularly through face-to-face interactions while patrolling parks and open spaces to ensure positive park experience.

• Monitors radio channels and receives and transmits codes, messages and information by two-way radio in order to communicate with central dispatch and other officers.

• Serves as liaison with LMPD to control criminal activity and will engage in ongoing collaboration with LMPD.

• Coordinates security operations with contract security agencies, emergency first responders, disaster response agencies.

• Investigates and documents disturbances and significant occurrences and prepares and completes reports on incidents.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Three (3) years of experience as Law Enforcement Officer. 

OTHER MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a US Citizen.

• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Must currently possess a valid Kentucky Peace Officer Certification and/or be able to bring certification back to current status. OR, if out of state, must be able to obtain reciprocity through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) per Title 503 Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) 1:140.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

• Kentucky Police Officer Professional Certification.

• Applicants who have illegally bought, sold, or trafficked, as defined in KRS 218-A.010 and KRS 218A.1431 controlled substances, other than marijuana within six years of application will be disqualified.

• Applicants who have illegally bought, possessed, or used marijuana, including medical cannabis within six months of application will be disqualified.

• Applicants who have illegally sold marijuana, including medical cannabis, within six months of application will be disqualified.

• Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription on a single occasion within the last six years of application will be disqualified for one year since the last use without a prescription. 

• Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription more than once within the last year will be disqualified.

• Must not be a current user of illegal drugs.

• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have any criminal action pending against them.

• Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis.

• Must have no DUI convictions within the last seven (7) years.

• Must submit to a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening.

• Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph test.

• Must submit to fingerprinting for criminal history check.

• Must not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.

• Must not have had certification as a Peace Officer permanently revoked in another state.

• Must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions if having served in any branch or the armed forces of the United States.

• Must be First Aid/CPR/AED certified or able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment.

• Must have the ability to work at least one weekend day as a part of a regular schedule and must be willing to rotate schedules periodically to accommodate the needs of the organization, which includes working days, evenings, and some overnight hours.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management.

• Spends prolonged periods walking, standing, and moving.

• Lifts and carries items weighing up to 70 pounds. 

• Lifts and carries items weighing over 70 pounds in a team setting. 

• Spends prolonged periods of time exposed to the elements.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light.

• Dusts and pollen.

• Extreme heat and/or cold.

• Wet or humid conditions.

• Extreme noise levels

• Animals/wildlife.

• Vibration.

• Fumes and/or noxious odors.

• Traffic

• Moving machinery.

• Electrical shock.

• Heights.

• Radiation.

• Disease/pathogens.

• Toxic/caustic chemicals.

• Explosives

• Violence.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.