This job announcement is scheduled to close on 8/29/24 at 11:59pm PST Are you ready to join a team that is "Building Community Through Fun?" Are you ready to make a difference?
The City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS' latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy
communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity and public life.
The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 209 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and almost 61 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public's trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.
For more information, please visit activatesj.org. We are seeking highly motivated, personable individuals with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to join our dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent service to our diverse community. Bilingual applicants speaking a second language such as Spanish or Vietnamese are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in employment in Park Ranger classifications, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
The total salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience. PRNS is currently recruiting to fill multiple full-time benefited vacancies for the Senior Park Rangers position.
Park Ranger classifications are stewards of the park system, providing public safety services, protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources in parks, and inspiring future generations to love and nurture nature. Park Rangers are often first on scene for medical, fire and other emergencies in the parks they oversee. They teach and enforce park rules so everyone can enjoy their visit, always aiming to resolve situations with the lowest possible level of enforcement by leading with education.
Under direction, the Senior Park Ranger provides lead direction to staff engaged in park patrol, protection, and enforcement of park rules and regulations. Assists park visitors, prepares interpretive and educational programs, and may assist in the coordination of emergency response activities. Participates in the protection, improvement, and maintenance of parks, trails, and facilities, and in the organization of day-to-day operations of the work group. Performs related work e.g. staff planning and scheduling, managing supplies and materials, purchasing materials and equipment as required.
Education: Two (2) years of undergraduate course work from an accredited college or university. This is equivalent to at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units. Veterans and active military personnel may substitute this requirement if they:
- Have served in the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, or Coast Guard AND
- Have completed four (4) years of active military duty AND
- Have received an honorable discharge from the United States Military.
Experience: One (1) year of experience involving public contact and park operations work, performing park patrol, protection, and enforcement duties.
Required Licensing: (such as driver's license, certifications, etc.)
- Possession of a valid State of California driver's license.
- Possession of valid Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificates.
- Deputization as a Peace Officer.
Basic Competencies(Needed at entry into the job in order to perform the essential duties.)
Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, including public safety, day to day park operations, park interpretive education programs, conservation,
nature and wildlife, natural resource management, and providing lead direction; Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills
Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Conflict Management - Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people, by presenting the facts, analysis, and conclusions or solutions that show command of content and perspectives and interests of the audience.
Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
Flexibility - Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.
Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.
Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the
desired outcome.
Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Additional Competencies and/or Desirable Qualifications:- Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
- Course work in park management, biology, forestry, or other sciences is highly desirable.
- Incumbents may be required to have different combinations of the listed qualifications, or more specific job-related qualifications depending on the position. Full-time Ranger classifications are required to be deputized as a Peace Officer and as such, must meet California POST Academy minimum requirements. Applicants are encouraged to verify their qualifications via one of the following tests as soon as possible (proof of passing test scores will be required before a final offer of employment is made):
- 1. PELLETB: Complete the California PO
ST Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB). Pass Point is a T-Score total of 50 or higher. Results are valid for three years. For more information or to register go to: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/
- 2. National Testing Network (NTN): Complete the National Testing Network Test (NTN). Pass Point scores are 65% Video, 70% Reading, and 70% Writing. Nationwide classroom and/or virtual exams available. Results are valid for three years. NTN will forward exam results to the City of San José. For more information or to register go to: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs.
Successful candidates may enter the final selection process and may be given a conditional offer of employment. The final selection process will include the following: written and oral psychological screening for full-time candidates and a medical exam (completed by the City's physician) for all candidates.
If you have questions about the duties of the Senior Park Ranger position, please contact Huy Mac at Huy.Mac@sanjoseca.gov.
If you have questions about the selection or hiring processes, please email Eduardo Gonzalez at Eduardo1.Gonzalez@sanjoseca.gov