Job Description

Level Entry Job Location Hayward Area Recreation District - Hayward, CA 94541 Position Type Hourly

Salary Range $25.55 - $32.61 Hourly

Job Category Public Safety

Are you an aspiring public safety professional? Are you searching for a pathway position to gain experience in the field of public safety? The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is currently hiring Park Rangers to join our team!

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, known locally as “H.A.R.D.," is an independent special purpose district created to provide park and recreation services for over 309,000 residents. Our boundaries encompass a 100 square-mile area, which includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.

A Park Ranger follows a leadership model that practices value-based principles when responding to the needs of the community and District. In following this model, a Park Ranger practices leadership that is collaborative, creative, adaptive, is multi-directional, and non-coercive. A Park Ranger provides services with the understanding that leaders, followers, and participants develop a common purpose to achieve mutual goals.

This position will regularly patrol our parks and facilities to ensure they are safe and secure. As a front-facing member of our team, you will be an ambassador of our organization for the general public, enforcing all District rules, issuing citations and building good community relationships with our park attendees.

We will provide you all the support you need to succeed in this role. Training will include PC 832 Laws of Arrest, CORI/CLETS training for the use of hand-held radios, De-escalation training, First Aid, CPR/AED, Narcan, Pepper Spray, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course and Blood Borne Pathogens training.

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Work schedules include evening and weekend shifts and will require holiday coverage. This role is fully benefitted, offering medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as sick leave, vacation pay, and holiday compensation.

The ideal candidate for this position is observant, tactful, firm and has an aptitude for customer service. This person thrives while working independently. Some experience in public safety and/or security/loss prevention is desired but not required. Students working on a degree in Criminology, Fire Science or Public Safety are highly encouraged to apply!

We will be establishing an eligibility list at the end of this interview process for selected candidates. Applications will be reviewed as they are recieved. This posting may close at any time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities for the entire shift. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. The need to lift, drag and push equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. When in the field, this position is required to walk and stand during emergency situations, including on uneven and slippery surfaces.

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Application screening
2. Initial Interview to evaluate candidate's education, training, experience and personal fitness for the position. The initial interview may consist of the following:
   • Written Exam
   • Oral Interview
3. Candidates who successfully pass 1 and 2 will be invited to a Ride-Along with the Public Safety Manager, Public Safety Supervisor or their designee and upon their discretion, will be forwarded to Part (4)
4. Candidates who successfully pass Parts I-III will be invited to a Second Panel Interview
5. Candidates who are forwarded to this stage will proceed to a screening process which may consist of the following:
   • Review of DMV driving record
   • Review of work history through previous employers
   • Review of character references
   • Review of Criminal Conviction record

Under the oversight of the Public Safety Manager, general supervision is provided by the Park Ranger Supervisor. Park Rangers are tasked with the protection of property and maintenance of order, dissemination of information, and enforcement of the rules and regulations of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. Schedules will vary depending upon the needs of HARD and agreed upon availability of personnel. However, Ranger hours will not exceed forty (40) hours per week, and may be adjusted seasonally. Although scheduling is flexible, personnel must be available for consistent day shifts, evenings/nights shifts, weekend shifts and holidays, with most shifts between 6:00 a.m. and midnight. A Park Ranger does not have police officer responsibilities but does assist local law enforcement agencies through the use of radio communications and in the enforcement of HARD rules and regulations. This position contributes to PARS (Public Agency Retirement Services).

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Patrol parks and secure facilities
• Enforce rules and regulations
• Strengthen public relations through community engagement
• Issue citations and parking tickets for violations of H.A.R.D. regulations
• Appear and testify in court pursuant to issuance of citations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must be 18 years of age
• Applicants must have high school diploma or GED
• Applicants must possess a valid California Vehicle Operations License and have a good driving record.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of modern methods of patrolling and preserving order.
• Knowledge of First Aid and CPR.
• Possess a keen sense of awareness and ability to report observations.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend reports.
• Ability to be firm, but tactful in stressful situations. Ability to react effectively in emergencies and maintain order.
• Ability to operate a pickup truck and passenger car safely.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the rules, regulations, and ordinances of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District and local, county, and state laws applicable to the District.
• Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to complete a formalized field training program, along with FEMA on-line courses IS-00100.c and IS-00700.a, CPR, Pepper Spray training, CORI, and Blood Borne Pathogens training within 6 months of hire date.

EXPERIENCE

Prior experience as a Park Ranger, Security Officer, Loss Prevention Specialist, or Criminal Justice Education is desirable.

Note: Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory fingerprint clearance and/or background check with the Department of Justice (DOJ) via LiveScan.