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Park Ranger (Full-Time Commissioned)

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
7 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Multiple Locations throughout Park District, Ohio, United States
$21 - $33 USD hourly

Purpose

Serves as a commissioned law enforcement officer responsible for protecting natural, historical, and cultural resources, ensuring the safety and security of park visitors and staff, enforcing district rules, regulations, and laws, and maintaining clean, high-quality park facilities and environments.

Examples of Duties


  • Patrol & Security:
    • Patrols assigned parks regularly via vehicle, bicycle, or foot to maintain high visibility and deter violations.
    • Enforces Metro Parks Rules and Regulations in alignment with organizational philosophy, policies, procedures, and work rules.
    • Secures park buildings, facilities, and grounds; initiates appropriate security responses when necessary.
    • Carries and maintains all required defensive equipment in full operational readiness.
    • Reviews preceding shift activity logs to remain informed of park occurrences and ongoing operational needs.

  • Visitor Services & Community Relations:
    • Maintains safe, clean, and inviting park environments for visitors and staff.
    • Welcomes park visitors, provides general information and assistance, and answers questions promptly and professionally.
    • Assesses visitor needs and provides effective directions, options, or solutions.
    • Represents Metro Parks at community fairs, festivals, parades, and career events to promote public outreach and engagement.
    • May educate visitors on natural, historical, and cultural resources.

  • Operations, Maintenance & Readiness:
    • Performs general maintenance and light janitorial duties, including trash pickup, facility cleaning, vehicle care, and trail clearing.
    • Assists with special events by directing parking, managing traffic, and assisting with crowd control.
    • Inspects personal uniform, duty equipment, and assigned vehicles prior to shift to ensure full operational readiness.
    • Participates in required training, maintains active certifications, and stays current on District policies and operational procedures.
    • Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

  • Emergency Response & Incident Management:
    • Responds to incidents, conflicts, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and weather-related events; administers First Aid and CPR within certification levels.
    • Serves as a first responder during emergency situations; manages evacuations, directs traffic, and utilizes protective equipment in environments with potential hazardous materials.
    • Activates appropriate emergency response protocols through internal systems or external law enforcement and public safety agencies.

  • Administration & Reporting:
    • Accurately completes and maintains daily activity logs, incident reports, and official documentation in accordance with established procedures.
    • Prepares and submits official reports to supervisors for review and action.
    • Performs duties under the direction of supervisors, or assumes operational guidance in the absence of the Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager.

Additional Responsibilities (As Assigned)
  • Serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) for newly hired personnel.
  • Investigates accidents, incidents, and employee issues, preparing comprehensive reports as required.
  • Responds to mutual aid requests from neighboring jurisdictions in accordance with agency policy.
  • Plans, organizes, and executes special projects under the direction of the Park Manager.
  • Obtains and maintains certification as a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) operator.
  • Participates in planning, implementing, and reviewing traffic, parking, and security plans for major events.
  • Serves as a certified instructor through OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) or other approved accrediting agencies (e.g., NIMS, ASAR, CART, Homeland Security, SCAN).

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Education/Experience:  Associate's degree Natural Resources, Ranger Services, Wildlife Conservation, Parks and Recreation, or related field, or any equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Experience working with the public in a park-like setting desired.  Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills required.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and courteously through speech and in writing with coworkers, supervisors, local law enforcement agencies, and the general public on a daily basis.

Team-Oriented:  Works on a team. Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.

Attendance:  Being present at work is an essential function of the position. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to recognize and assess conditions/situations and take appropriate actions; define problems, collect data and draw valid conclusions; ability to make sound decisions quickly, and logically approach a situation.

Technology Skills: Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, email, internet, intranet, Microsoft Office products, Adobe, scanners, office and personal printers, multi-line phone systems, radios, and basic office equipment. 

Licenses, Registrations: Possession of a valid Ohio Driver License, insurable by Metro Parks' insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy. Possession of a valid Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate or successful completion of OPOTA (basic training and passing all required tests) within twelve (12) months of employment/appointment to the position. (If necessary, classes that are not available or if management delays training, time will be extended.)  Possession of valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification and completion of Armament Systems and Procedures (asp) baton and oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray class within twelve (12) months of employment.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms, etc.; talk and hear, operate two-way radio and light motorized equipment, sit, work with hands, drive park vehicles, ride bicycles, operate off-road vehicles, golf carts, etc. The employee is frequently required to use hands to complete reports, use personal computers, etc. lift supplies of approximately 50 pounds without assistance. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Work Environment: While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee spends a portion of the time working in the maintenance facility or ranger station. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Hours: Employee must be prepared to work flexibles schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required. Majority of weekly shifts are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. between October 1 through March 31 and 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. between April 1 to September 30.

Additional Information: Knowledge of natural resources and environmental interpretation, safety practices and procedures, park maintenance, departmental policies and procedures, supervision, and public relations. Ability to complete routine forms; establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and general public. 

Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, a job-related physical fitness assessment, and any additional pre-employment screenings required for commissioned officers.

Other Information

The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

In addition to the job description, further information in performing duties is found in the Agreement Between the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District and the FOP/OLC, Metro Parks' Rules & Regulations, Employee Handbook, Ranger Manual, Field Training Manual, Maintenance Manual, and Emergency Response Guidelines.

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks' employees and to the security of the organization's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment.