Park Ranger / Senior Park Ranger - Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services - job 1 of 2

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  UPDATE! Higher Pay Range effective 6/25/2023: $84,564 - $113,087 + signing / lateral transfer bonuses!

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.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.

PRNS is currently recruiting to fill multiple full-time benefited vacancies for Park Ranger classifications (Senior Park Ranger and Park Ranger/Full Time). 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.

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.

Park Ranger Duties: Specifically, under general supervision, this classification performs duties of moderate difficulty including performing overall work in park operations and visitor services; resource and environmental protection; greeting visitors and explaining/interpreting park features; performing rescue and fire suppression activities; administering emergency medical care as needed; patrolling parks; enforcement of state and local laws; performing conservation programs and projects; providing lead direction to other park personnel; coordinating and leading volunteer and internship programs; providing traffic and parking control; and preparing written and oral reports and other communication.

Senior Park Ranger Duties: Under direction, 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.

Actual salary will be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The Park Ranger classifications consist of a base amount and an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay as follows:

• Senior Park Ranger: $92.776 - $113,087 (includes 5% non-pensionable compensation) annually

• Park Ranger (FT): $84,564 - 102.779 (includes 5% non-pensionable compensation) annually.

WORK SCHEDULES WILL FLUCTUATE TO MEET PARK OPERATIONAL NEEDS AND WILL INCLUDE WORK DURING LATE AFTERNOONS/EVENINGS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS. ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE MADE TO ANY AREA OF THE CITY'S REGIONAL PARKS, TRAILS SYSTEM, OR OTHER PRNS FACILITY. To learn more about City Benefits, click here. Signing bonuses and new benefits apply effective 6/25/2023, learn more here: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/98270/638206031115530000.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all new hires to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical or religious exemption. “Fully vaccinated” means the employee has received two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

SENIOR PARK RANGER

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.

PARK RANGER

Education and Experience:

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

• Completed four (4) years of active military duty; AND

• Received an honorable discharge from the United States Military.

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)

• Possession of a valid State of California driver's license.

• Possession of current Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certificates within the first six (6) months of employment.

• Deputization as a Peace Officer is required for full time positions.

Other Qualifications for All Ranger Positions:

• Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

• 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):

o PELLETB: Complete the California POST 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/

o 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.

COMPETENCIES:

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, including public safety, day to day park operations, park interpretive programs, conservation, nature and wildlife, natural resource management; Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Possession of an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

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.

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.

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 for Senior Park Ranger Only:

Coaching: Provides guidance, opportunities, and motivation to develop and strengthen knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve employee’s capabilities.

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.

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For questions regarding the duties of the positions, contact Supervising Park Ranger Pam.Helmke@sanjoseca.gov. For questions regarding selection or hiring process, contact Recruitment Analyst, Kari.Davisson@sanjoseca.gov.

The selection process consists of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases may consist of one or more interviews.

You will be prompted to answer job-specific questions during the online application process. Note there is a 4,000-character limit, for each text response. You must answer ALL job-specific questions (15 for Ranger, 16 for Senior Ranger) or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Your responses should be consistent with your work history as described in your application and resume. Applicants deemed the most qualified after screening, interviews, and/or practical/written exercise will be required to pass a background investigation, polygraph evaluation, medical and psychological examinations, and fingerprint clearance prior to appointment.

Positions are open until filled, with the first application screening deadline of Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11.59 PM. Be sure to save and submit your application. If your online application is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. Contact Human Resources at (408)535-1285 or via email at Human.Resources@sanjoseca.gov if you have any questions.