Park Ranger

Are you a self-motivated individual with a passion for preserving public spaces and facilitating positive park experiences?  Then this is the job for you. Waukesha County Parks is seeking Park Rangers to play a key role in independently managing crowds, as well as effectively communicating and enforcing County policies and regulations within our parks.   Best part? The office views are beautiful and there's plenty of fresh air in the Parks!   A Park Ranger... * Independently monitors and manages crowds within the park, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons. * Proactively addresses potential conflicts and diffuse situations to maintain a harmonious park environment. * Effectively communicates Waukesha County policies, rules, and regulations to park patrons. * Provides clear and courteous guidance to visitors, promoting compliance with park guidelines. * Works collaboratively with Waukesha County Sheriff Deputies when needed to address conflicts or enforce park rules. * Serves as a liaison between park visitors and law enforcement to ensure a cooperative and supportive atmosphere. * Fosters a positive and educational atmosphere through engagement and communication.  NOTE:  Training is provided on Park policies, conflict resolution, and effective communication. Work Schedule: Positions can work from early April to mid-October with hours varying from 20 to 40 hours per week, including weekends, evenings and holidays. Limited year-round shifts will be available for weekends/special events, and/or during the off season. Rangers may be assigned to multiple parks to fill shifts.  Shift schedules: * Weeknights (5pm - 11pm) * Weekends (11am - 5pm; 5pm - midnight +) * Beaches (11am - 7pm weekdays and weekends * Holidays (same as weekends) * Special events (could be on 6 or 12-hour shifts for a 24 hour/day coverage) Scheduling for shifts: * Park Rangers are required to submit an overview of their availability for the entire season by April 15; details will be provided during your new employee orientation. * Depending on the Park or the activity level you may be required to work alone. Uniform * All Uniforms are at the employee's expense; average first year investment of $200.  At the end of the season, if you fulfilled your requirements, Waukesha County will reimburse up to $100.00 of your uniform purchase with proof of purchase (i.e., receipts).   * Park Ranger Badges are issued by the County and requires a $75.00 deposit (Badge is required to be on Uniform).  You will be refunded your deposit when you return your Badge at the end of your employment. ======================== Prior to hiring, the final candidate is required to pass work/education/certification reference(s) and where applicable, a criminal background and driver's license check. * Provide crowd control and assist with directing traffic during special events. * Report any hazards to park maintenance staff. * Assist with all missing persons at beach and any other emergencies at beaches * Respond to and de-escalate park patron disagreements. * Patrol of campgrounds on foot and by vehicle to watch for unsafe behavior. * Advise patrons of the leashed dog requirement. * Watch for underage drinking or excessive drinking. * Direct boat and vehicle traffic at busy boat ramps. * Inform patrons of weather alerts. * Monitor campground areas to ensure patrons are adhering to the rules.  * Sell firewood. * Remain alert and observant of your surroundings within the park system at all times. * Complete a daily report of your observations during each shift. * As needed, fill out Incident, Accident, Employee Report of Injury and Waukesha County Park System Accident / Injury Reports. * As needed, perform basic janitorial tasks when maintenance staff is not on duty. * CPR/ AED and First Aid certification will be provided.  * Performs other duties as assigned. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including providing excellent customer service. * Ability to explain County policies to park patrons. * Ability to work closely with local law enforcement, other Rangers, their supervisors and with park maintenance staff (in person and over a two-way radio). * Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional, and respectful working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public. * Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles  * Ability to analyze and resolve problems (conflict resolution). * Ability to manage crowds. * Ability to work independently and as a member of a team and deal with people in an effective and timely manner. * Ability to provide, and follow, oral and written instructions. * Ability to safely operate equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position. * Ability to write legibly. * Ability to accurately count and handle money. * Ability to withstand exposure to variable and unfavorable weather conditions. * Knowledge of park regulations and policies.  * Skill in computer basic computer applications.  You must meeting the following minimum requirements: * 18 years of age. * High School Diploma or GED. * A valid Wisconsin driver's license. * Some recent cash handling and customer service experience.  Preferred: * CPR/AED and First Aid certification. About Us Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations, and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County. For further information visit:  ======================== The County does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Created: 2025-01-21