PARK RANGER RECRUIT

DEFINITION

This is trainee-level professional law enforcement work with the Missouri Division of State Parks which includes the power of arrest.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Attends formal classroom training to learn the principles and practices of law enforcement; completes required courses sanctioned by the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission.

Participates in training related to physical law enforcement tasks such as defensive tactics, firearm usage, law enforcement drivers training, and police radio procedures.

Attends classroom training exercises in development of effective interpersonal relations.

Participates in technical training related to police patrol procedures, traffic accident investigations, offense investigations, criminal investigations, search and seizure, use of force, juvenile justice procedures, courtroom testimony, etc.

Reads and studies classroom materials, law books, lecture notes and other related materials; prepares for class lectures, and written examinations.

Observes and identifies suspects, vehicles/license plates and other objects from varied distances while training to perform police responsibilities.

Operates police radios; responds to radio communications for assistance.

Performs bicycle patrol in state parks and/or historic sites.

Learns to recognize and respond to health and safety hazards and violations.

Accompanies and observes Park Rangers in the performance of duties.

Performs responsibilities in accordance with established rules and regulations; receives close administrative direction and instruction.

Attends agency orientation program and training.

Promotes public relations by giving educational programs concerning the state park system, law enforcement, and security to schools, civic groups, and state park and historic site visitors.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Ability to graduate from a certified law enforcement academy.

Ability to operate and maintain ranger vehicle and equipment.

Ability to read and comprehend written materials.

Ability to communicate thoughts and concepts effectively; to perceive color differences; to hear verbal and radio communications; to interact with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.

Ability to establish and maintain working relations with other employees, government officials, and the general public.

Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Missouri vehicle operator's license.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle during normal and high speed driving conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to pass a physical fitness evaluation administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Ability to pass a background investigation administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Ability to pass a medical examination, a visual examination with eyesight corrected to 20/40 and a psychological evaluation as prescribed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources after a conditional offer of appointment is made.

Ability to be commissioned as a peace officer, in accordance with the requirements established by the State of Missouri, within six (6) months from commencement of training.

Ability to be certified as a police bicyclist in accordance with the criteria prescribed by the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association.

Possession of a valid Missouri operator's license appropriate for vehicle assignment.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

An Associate degree or completion of 60 or more earned credit hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Police Science, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Sociology, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Park Management, Park and Outdoor Recreation, Wildlife Management, Biological Studies, Forestry, Education, Communication, or a closely related field; and, eligible to be commissioned as a peace officer (must be 21 years of age to be commissioned).

(Minor Revision 8/20/08)