Park Ranger

Westminster, Colorado
Westminster, Colorado United States  View Map
Posted: Jul 07, 2025
  • Salary: $59,592.00 - $76,273.60 Annually USD
  • Full Time
  • Forestry
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Job Description

    CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
    The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job-someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.

    Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

    We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

    POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

    The Park Ranger position is responsible for providing public safety and natural resource protection through education and enforcement at Standley Lake Regional Park and Wildlife Refuge and the City of Westminster Open Space, within the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department. This position assists with the supervision of the seasonal and hourly employees and coordinates and delivers seasonal staff training, responds to the emergency medical and law enforcement situations, assists with projects and performs routine park maintenance. Additional responsibilities include providing visitor services, patrolling park areas in vehicles, by boat, bicycle and on foot, enforcing park rules and guidelines, ensuring compliance with the Aquatic Nuisance Species program (ANS), providing information and education to the public, and supporting nature and outreach events or efforts.

    The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.

    ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

    The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork).

    This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational, and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing, and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space, and trails.

    Every employee is accountable to:
    • Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
    • Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
    • Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
    • Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
    • Demonstrate integrity, and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
    • Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
    • Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
    • Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
    • Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
    • Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
    • Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences


    GENERAL COMPETENCIES

    Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:
    • Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
    • Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self-development
    • Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
    • Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
    • Achieve goals, and handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
    • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
    • Demonstrate accountability for work, and take ownership in job performance
    • Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

    Job Specific - Every employee in this position must be able to:
    • Work independently as well as with others
    • Demonstrate knowledge of safe powerboat operation, park maintenance and upkeep as well as general maintenance skills, general park practices and techniques, first aid and rescue practices, wildlife management, and familiarity with local vegetation
    • Provide informal interpretation and orientation for park visitors in the nature center, ranger stations, and while patrolling in the park and open spaces
    • Objectively handle a wide variety of public contact situations
    • Deal with emergency situations with prompt, calm, common sense action and potentially serve as the initial contact for accident reporting and emergency assistance
    • Learn applicable municipal codes and pertinent park regulations
    • Effectively navigate all aspects of RecTrac including POS, reporting and rental functions


    JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

    Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
    Supervises seasonal and hourly park rangers, trainees, park and nature center attendant staffCoordinates and delivers training to hourly and seasonal employeesEnsures compliance with Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) control program, which includes inspecting paddle craft for ANS detection, and instructing seasonal and hourly staffEnforces park rules and regulations, including, but not limited to:
    • Patrols park areas in vehicles, UTV’s, e-bikes, boat and on foot
    • Provides excellent customer service and handles difficult customer interactions
    • Issues citations and summonses as needed
    • Monitors and secures park boundaries, maintains and repairs fences, and keeps maintenance reports on park facilities
    • Maintains records, prepares daily reports, and performs other administrative tasks
    Performs routine general maintenance on park vehicles, patrol boat, bicycles and other equipmentMust possess a valid driver’s license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employmentAbility to effectively utilize computer applications and technology related to the workMaintains regular and punctual attendance
    Other Duties and Responsibilities
    Provides information to the publicCollects feesPerforms general park maintenance including winterization/summerization of park facilities and equipmentParticipates in rescue and first aid activitiesProtects the park ecosystem, including vegetation and wildlifeActively promotes the safety of park visitors and stewardship of park resources in all interactionsPerforms snow removal when necessaryAssists with nature education programming and interpretive programs
    Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.

    POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

    Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications

    Required :
    • Must be at least 21 years of age
    • An accredited two (2) or four- (4) year college or university degree in Parks, Recreation, Natural Resources or related field
    • A minimum of one (1) year of Park Ranger or equivalent combination of Park Ranger experience and education in Parks, Recreation, Natural Resources or related field
    • Ability to obtain State of Colorado Stage II Inspector and Decontaminator Certification for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) within six (6) months of hire
    • Ability to obtain Taser Training and Certification within six (6) months of hire
    • Valid driver’s license and maintenance of safe driving record

    Preferred :
    • Supervisory experience
    • Law enforcement experience
    • Experience with vehicle plowing and boat operation
    • Experience in rescue or emergency medical field
    • CIG (Certified Interpretive Guide) certification
    • Volunteer Coordination experience

    Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

    Physical Requirements

    Due to the nature of work, the ability to swim and sufficient physical stamina and strength are needed for:
    • Frequent sitting to perform designated office tasks and to survey park for hazards and potential problems from a vehicle; constant standing and walking over uneven terrain in all weather conditions to address hazards and potential park violations with public; occasional running to address emergency situations
    • Frequent squatting, bending, kneeling, balancing on a patrol boat, reaching overhead and below shoulder, and twisting to perform park maintenance and other related duties; occasional crawling and climbing to perform various park duties
    • Frequent light and firm grasp to safely use tools and equipment; constant fine manipulation and handling to perform maintenance and other duties
    • Occasional stepping up and/or down from vehicles and stairs; constantly actuate mechanisms to safely operate vehicles and heavy equipment; normal near and far acuity to observe park for potential hazards and maintenance issues, and hearing to communicate with public, groups, and staff
    • Frequent lifting and carrying of up to fifty (50) pounds to move and place water buoys and other equipment and supplies; constant pushing and/or pulling of up to twenty-five (25) pounds, frequent pushing and/or pulling of fifty (50) pounds


    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Work is constantly performed indoors and outdoors with constant exposure to extreme temperatures. Position performs related duties and maintenance year-round at a highly public, municipal park. This is a highly active, visible position within a multi-use municipal park, where periods of high activity and stress may exist.

    Required Materials and Equipment

    Operates a four-wheel drive vehicle, pick-up truck with or without trailer, tractors for mowing operations, 150 HP 19-foot powerboat, two-way radios to communicate by voice to other lake personnel, cash register, telephone, oxygen bottles, other first aid equipment,personal computers, fax machine, and other standard office equipment. Earplugs, face masks, goggles, waders, and bulletproof vests may be used at times.

    PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
    • Background checks will include employment references and criminal history, and when applicable, credit check, driver license record, and education verification
    • Drug screen
    • Physical
    • Must be legally entitled to work in the United States


    The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

    The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:
    • Health and Dental
    • Flexible Spending
    • Pension/Retirement Plans
    • Term Life Insurance
    • Long-term Disability
    • Survivor Benefits
    • Wellness Program
    • Career Development Program
    • Tuition Reimbursement Program
    • Leave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on the job injury


    For a more detailed overview of our General Non Exempt employee benefit package:
    Benefit Package

    The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.

    401(a) Contribution Rates:
    Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.
    Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.

    Employer Contribution Vesting Schedule
    • Less than 3 years - 0%
    • 3 to 4 years - 60%
    • 4 to 5 years - 80%
    • Over 5 years - 100%
    • For employees age 55 and older, the employer contributions are 100% vested

    The City of Westminster provides employees with innovative and practical ways to improve their commute through two key features, EcoPass and Commute Benefits powered by Commutrics. EcoPass provides unlimited trips on RTD's core transit services and Commute Rewards allows you to record your trips and get rewards based on your commute mode.

    Closing Date/Time: 7/21/2025 8:30 AM Mountain
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Westminster, Colorado
    • City of Westminster, Colorado

    Welcome to employment with the City of Westminster, Colorado!

    Centrally located between Denver and Boulder, Colorado, on the US Highway 36 high-tech corridor, Westminster is a beautiful city designed for an exceptional quality of life. The community is a nationally recognized community with a reputation for innovation and progressive management in local government. Over 115,000 residents enjoy superb recreation amenities, beautiful neighborhoods, numerous entertainment and shopping opportunities. Westminster is 80% developed and maintains a goal to preserve 15% (3,300 acres) of its land area for natural open space.

    The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community. The City of Westminster offers a bonus of up to $1,500 per year depending on the employee's level of fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Laotian, and/or American Sign Language (ASL).

    The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: Westminster’s purpose is to provide core services and foster economic resilience to give our community the opportunity to thrive. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – Pride – Integrity – Responsibility – Innovation – Teamwork).

    The City of Westminster is a full-service city employing over 1,600 talented individuals in a variety of jobs. Our employees are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to the local community in areas of: 

    • Law Enforcement
    • Fire, Medical and Emergency Management
    • Parks, Open Space, Golf and Recreation
    • Library Services
    • Community Development, including City Planning and Engineering
    • Economic Development
    • Utilities Operations
    • Street Maintenance
    • Plus internal services including: Human Resources, City Management, City Attorney’s Office, Finance, Facilities Management and Fleet Management 

    The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including: Health and Dental Insurance, General Leave that provides vacation, holidays, and illness leave, Flexible Spending, Pension/ Retirement Plans, Term Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, Survivor Benefits, Wellness Program, and Education and Training Reimbursement.

    You are welcome to apply online for any open City of Westminster position. Click on the appropriate job title for a detailed job announcement. Please note, that unless otherwise indicated, jobs close at 8:30 a.m. on the posted closing date. Applications can take from 20 to 30 minutes to complete, so please allow plenty of time for completion. Applications submitted after the job closing deadline cannot be accepted.

    Current City of Westminster employees may be eligible to apply for internal jobs when they are available.


    Business hours for City Hall, and several administrative offices are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, working schedules may vary depending on the needs of the operation.

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