Urban Park Ranger

General Purpose

This position will help the City ensure our parks are welcoming to all Burlington residents and visitors through the increase of education and enforcement of the rules, regulations, and ordinances related to City Parks. Ultimately, through helping all visitors to our park system understand the spaces they are visiting, we can improve the quality of life of all Burlington residents and visitors. This position will function primarily in all of our city parks, natural areas and beaches.

Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Pay Grade 15: $27.00 - $30.09 Hourly

Essential Job Functions

• Model proactive park user engagement through education and if needed enforcement of Park’s rules and ordinances.
• Complete enforcement plans of park and city ordinance to mitigate violations as guided by Lead Ranger.
• Collaborate with BPD for support with escalated situations.
• Provides removal notices to individuals and tents at unhoused encampments within parks according to City policy
• Coordinate with Community Service Liaisons for the connection of unhoused persons in City parks to available City Resources
• Provide on-site labor to support the unhoused encampment mitigation process. Identify, remove and store savable items from unhoused encampments in accordance with City policy. Provide communication to affected parties to retrieve their items.
• behavioral disturbances in our park spaces. Support plans to de-escalate conflicts with a focus on personal and public safety. Connect with appropriate resources (BPD, Howard Center, First Call, EMS) when the situation requires additional resources to mitigate.
• Provide legal notice of trespass to individuals when necessary.
• Provide assistance, information, & education to visitors in our park and waterfront system
• As available guide interpretive park tours for the community.
• As available, engagement of students in schools and summer programs about our parks and waterfront through programs to educate students on our parks and open spaces
• Conduct routine inspections of grounds, facilities, and recreational areas, including late-night visits to ensure patrons are adhering to the policies and ordinances of the parks.
• Completes required paper work, including but not limited to; Incident Reports, Police report, first report of accident, log of activities, onsite inspections, etc.
• Collect usage data of persons who are unhoused in City parks. Disseminate this information to Lead Ranger or other Social Service groups in Burlington as needed.
• Assist with data gathering in the field using inspection forms, work requests, etc.
• Pick up and dispose of trash in City parks during routine visits as needed
• Remove graffiti within park system
• Maintain working records related to Federal, State and local laws, regulations, guidelines and OSHA/VOSHA safety standards.
• Respond to inquiries regarding facility and park uses, resolve conflicts that arise between users with competing agendas or needs, convey and enforce seasonal facility rules, etc.
• Support seasonal employee training and development; recommends discipline or termination of seasonal positions to supervisor.
• Maintain a preventative maintenance program on assigned equipment.
• Position may require the operation of heavy equipment, such as tractors and skid steers.
• Assist with department-wide projects as available
• Position may require the operation of City vehicles and bicycles in order to conduct City business.
• Assist with opening and closing parks and facilities to ensure operability

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• High School degree with 1 year experience in conflict resolution, remediation, public service, or restorative practices
• Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement on a two-for-one per year basis.
• Valid driver’s license required. Position also requires the ability to be covered under the City’s vehicle insurance policy prior to operation of any City vehicles or non-City vehicles for City business
• Ability to work flexible hours when the position requires to meet the changing demands of activity in the parks. Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.
• Ability to act as an ambassador of Burlington to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all users in line with the Department’s goals and objectives.
• Must be able to have difficult conversations while maintaining compassionate professionalism
• Ability to operate a bicycle required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Ability to provide professional and courteous customer service.
• Ability to manage ever-changing situations quickly and reasonably required.
• Must be first aid certified or have the ability to become so within a reasonable amount of time after being hired
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through ourGovernment Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-3057 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.

• Medical/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave (Sick and Vacation)
• Pension Plan
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• Free Yoga Membership to Sangha Studios (Burlington, Williston & online)
• Tuition Discounts for Champlain College TruEd
• Employee Assistance Program
• Working Bridges Program
• Wellness Bonus Incentives Program
• Local & National Store Discounts
• Subsidized Transportation Options
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness