PARK RANGER

DEFINITION

This is entry-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

Enforces Missouri state laws and state park rules and regulations by use of citations, warnings, and custodial arrests.

Prepares criminal cases for prosecution; makes court appearances; reports final case dispositions.

Patrols state parks and/or historic sites by emergency equipped vehicle, bicycle, on foot, and/or by use of specialized vehicles (motorcycle, boat, ATV, etc.).

Provides protection and security for state park and/or historic site visitors and their property.

Provides first aid treatment to injured state park and/or historic site visitors and/or employees.

Coordinates and conducts search and rescue/recovery operations.

Organizes, investigates, and makes reports related to thefts, homicides, suicides, drownings, motor vehicle collisions, personal injuries, and other accidents.

Conducts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in narcotic drug investigations.

Seizes, collects, and processes evidence while maintaining a proper chain of custody for use in criminal prosecution.

Participates in and/or coordinates law enforcement services at special events.

Controls and removes dangerous, injured or diseased animals from areas where they could harm themselves and/or state park visitors.

Assists state park and/or historic site visitors by providing information, directions, and answering questions.

Prepares and submits financial reports and purchase orders.

Maintains accurate, up-to-date records and files for facilities.

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.

Conducts annual physical inventories of division property.

Participates in regular and special in-service law enforcement training schools.

Performs safety and security inspections at facilities.

Provides security for collected fees and funds; makes bank deposits.

Exercises independence in planning and implementing daily work assignments; receives general administrative direction.

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)

Introductory knowledge of the procedures, techniques and practices used in law enforcement work.

Introductory knowledge of Missouri Statutes relating to state parks and criminal law.

Introductory knowledge of the policies, programs, and procedures of state park and/or historic site operations.

Introductory knowledge of the fundamental principles of safety practices and methods.

Ability to administer first aid and CPR.

Ability to communicate 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 relationships with other employees, government officials, and the general public.

Ability to develop and maintain clear and concise records, files and reports.

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

Ability to operate specialized vehicles skillfully after prescribed training.

Ability to display a proficiency in physical arrest tactics and firearms usage after prescribed training period.

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 at the time of appointment.

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.)

Completion of a training program from a certified law enforcement training academy; and, eligible to be commissioned as a peace officer (must be 21 years of age to be commissioned).

(Minor Revision 8/20/08)