Park Ranger Supervisor (Parks and Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Park Ranger Supervisor (Parks and Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job plus three (3) years of related experience, two (2) of which must have been in a lead, supervisory, or managing capacity.
• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• May require certification in CPR , First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other certifications as specified for the assignment.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The City of Austin Park Ranger Program was created to provide educational services, safety and security in Austin’s parks and recreational facilities. Equally important is our aim to protect and foster stewardship of the natural world. To accomplish this, the Park Rangers have been trained with a focus on emergency situations, education, and public safety. As the Parks and Recreation Department’s ambassadors to the community, Park Ranger’s provide services that promote safety and security, park land preservation, and enhance the community’s environmental stewardship of Austin’s natural spaces.

The purpose of this Park Ranger Supervisor position is to provide comprehensive administrative skill for special operations while providing oversight and supervision to Park Ranger I and Park Ranger II’s working in the field on education programming, patrol operations, and emergency responses.

Other relevant duties include:

• Supervising and scheduling day-to-day operations.
• Supervising on-the-spot programming and scheduled programs.
• Supervision during emergency sheltering or disaster relief operations.
• Provide detailed and structured training and educational curriculums.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Class C Texas Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other:

• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$25.74 - $30.50 per hour.
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Wednesday - Saturday; 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; variable summer hours.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 04/07/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 2200 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, Texas 78741 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience as a Park Ranger or other similar position.
• Experience in leading and coordinating projects, including interpretive and recreational programming.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational or interpretive programming.
• Experience working with volunteer groups and coordinating volunteer projects in Parks.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities, including public speaking and interacting with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.
• Experience with basic/minor equipment maintenance and repair.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook.
• Proficiency with Esri/ArcGIS software.
• Proficiency leading administrative projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely deliverables.
• Ability to communicate fluently (reading, writing, speaking) in Spanish.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Supervises, directs, and performs daily ranger patrol activities, conservation assignments, education, and outreach assignments that promote safety and responsible recreation. Serves to protect and conserve parkland and facilities. Resolves difficult situations involving citizen complaints. Provides education to diverse Austin communities about park laws, safety rules, and regulations. Issues and monitors equipment for assigned staff. Provides first aid and emergency response, as well as requests Emergency Medical Services when appropriate. Leads contact with first responder agencies regarding individuals needing assistance. Assists in monitoring budget and ensures assigned areas operate within the appropriate budget. Performs bid processing and prepares purchase orders for supplies and/or equipment. Prepares technical and activity reports. Develops, organizes, and/or administers educational and interpretive trainings for the public, inter/intra department, or community group focused on responsible recreation. Coordinates Ranger conservation assignments by assisting Resource staff with prescribed burns and by providing fire monitoring and control measures, invasive species removals, and revegetation projects. Completes, edits, and ensures accuracy of incident, activity and training reporting. Oversees daily park patrol activity and metrics using GIS and mobile tools. Assists in development and implementation of mitigation strategies and determines application of established protocols for illegal activities.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure, statutes and ordinances pertaining to municipal parks.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques used in park maintenance.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions applicable to park environment.
• Knowledge of native flora and fauna and relevant Texas history.
• Knowledge of geography, geology, climate, and natural history.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to swim at a basic skill level in open water environment.
• Ability to undergo self-defense training to include various standard techniques and methods.
• Ability to complete a one (1) - three (3) mile bike assessment in twenty (20) minutes or less.
• Ability to hike five (5) miles on uneven terrain over long distances in hot, cold, hazardous, and inclement conditions.
• Ability to ride a bicycle or hike long distances daily with a backpack on uneven terrain over long distances in hot, cold, or inclement weather and adverse conditions.
• Ability to apply supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job plus three (3) years of related experience, two (2) of which must have been in a lead, supervisory, or managing capacity. Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years. Do you meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience providing comprehensive administrative support in a fast paced environment.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a Texas Class "C" Driver's License. Do you have a Texas Class "C" Driver's License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Texas Class "C" Driver's License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that external new hires meet the City's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three (3) moving violations or a total of six (6) Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* Do you have the ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* Are you related to any person employed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department? If yes, please list the relative's name and relationship:
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents