Description

Lead Park Ranger 

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. September 16, 2026

Hiring Range is $52,364 to $60,555 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations as well as working in wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections, and routine patrol. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Supervising seasonal staff, assisting with District user permits and special events, and South Platte Park maintenance and resource projects.

Essential Duties:

• Directs and supervises the daily work activities of seasonal park ranger staff as assigned.
• Partners with the other lead ranger on the recruitment, hiring and training of seasonal staff.
• Develops and manages program needs within area(s) of responsibility or as assigned. May develop District wide programs.
• Reviews, develops, and/or modifies work plans, methods, and procedures for staff within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Assists the Senior Park Ranger in scheduling part time staff members and volunteers. Ensures assigned areas of operations are adequately staffed at all times and coordinates replacement coverage as needed.
• Develops and coordinates strategies for rule compliance and education in areas of responsibility.
• Plans, assigns, and evaluates the work of seasonal staff members and provides timely and continual on the job training to staff as needed or assigned.
• Generates weekly and monthly ranger operation reports.
• Establishes relationships and formal means for communication with partnering agencies essential to the operations in assigned areas.
• Administers and adheres to District policies.
• Is knowledgeable in law enforcement as it pertains to park and resource management.
• Applies knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.
• Supervises District volunteers, seasonal crews, youth work projects, and plans and organizes any work pertaining to those groups as needed by the Senior Park Ranger.
• Performs patrol in District parks, trails, open spaces.
• Communicates effectively with District staff, the public and other agencies regarding any issues, concerns, needs or requests that are present.
• Skillfully operates a vehicle and/or bicycle for patrol purposes.
• Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails and open spaces.
• Accountable for inspection of district permits and enforcement of rules and regulations pertaining to them.
• Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property and following up through contact and removal evaluation.
• Prepares a variety of written reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports and chemical data forms.
• Assists with managing full time park rangers as directed when the Senior Ranger is unavailable.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.
• Participates in field work in district parks, including but not limited to vegetation removal, wildlife management, playground and park inspections, trail maintenance, traffic control, and general maintenance.
• This position is required to work shifts ranging from morning to evening hours, weekends and holidays.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Requires an Associate's Degree in natural resources or related field. Relevant work experience or past ranger experience may be substituted for some education. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) year of experience in a natural resource related field with at least one year of park ranger experience.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• CPR/ First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• OC spray certification or the ability to obtain upon hire
• Collapsible baton certification or the ability to obtain upon hire
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license or obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A general knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques is necessary.
• Must be able to communicate effectively to the public and other agencies.
• Knowledge of safety and emergency first-aid procedures and the ability to perform First Aid and/or CPR.
• The ability to maintain personal and public safety while on duty.
• Ability to resolve customer complaints and escalated problems.
• Ability to effectively manage employees and volunteers.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and with a team, in a fast-paced and high volume environment with an emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.

Material and Equipment Used :

To successfully perform the required job duties, this position regularly uses a phone, computer, and other common office equipment. Use of a police radio, collapsible baton, OC spray, and various first aid equipment. Other equipment may include mule work cart with dump bed, ATV, backpack sprayers, power tools, pesticides, hand-held data collection, GPS tools and software, trailers, and live animal traps. This position also uses, operates, and instructs on first-aid supplies and equipment. This position requires the use of various district vehicles including trucks and vans. This position may need to drive a personal vehicle to various District facilities.

Working Environment :

This position requires work in a variety of settings including indoors and outdoors, daytime and night-time, variable weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes, and with wildlife. This position will be working with pesticide chemicals (when needed), power equipment with moving mechanical parts and animal traps. This position will be subject to the inherent stresses of law enforcement and riding extended hours in a patrol vehicle. Outdoor working environments can be wet, humid, extreme in temperature variations, and loud background noises and may also require biking, canoeing, wading, or swimming in moving water, and handling small animals. Indoor work takes place in a busy nature center/office environment subject to continuous interruptions.

Physical Requirements :

The ability to stand, walk/hike long distances, and sit for extended periods. Must be able to handle and operate objects and equipment, as well as reach outward and above the shoulder to carry, pull, push or lift up to 50 lbs. Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, ATV, UTV and E-bike . Must be comfortable with picking up small plants and animals. May occasionally climb, crawl, squat, kneel and lift up to 100 lbs. Must be able to see close up and at a distance with vision acuity and the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision. Must communicate clearly and effectively, must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
Disability and life insurance
Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $390 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

10 paid holidays per year
4 personal days per year
Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
$5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

 SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.