DEFINITION

Under general supervision, incumbents patrol on foot or by vehicle, park facilities and land areas under the jurisdiction of Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services (POSCS), to provide visitor services, preserve natural resources, and to insure that a safe recreational environment is maintained; exercise judgment and initiative within established policies, procedures and guidelines; enforce County ordinances and POSCS policies, rules and regulations; collect fees; assist the public in the use of recreation facilities; and perform other duties as required. These positions have enforcement authority over Santa Cruz County codes and ordinances related to POSCS. In the event of any other violation discovered, the appropriate law enforcement agency would be called.

TYPICAL TASKS

Tasks may include, but are not limited to the following: Patrols park facilities and land areas under the jurisdiction of POSCS, to provide visitor services, preserve natural resources, and to insure that a safe recreational environment is maintained; reports law violations and injuries to the appropriate authorities; enforces County park rules and ordinances by issuing verbal warnings or notifying the appropriate authorities; issues parking citations in authorized areas; directly or indirectly participates in, and/or resolves emergency situations; administers first-aid and CPR; interprets the natural and historical features of the park to park visitors; answers questions and explains park policies and regulations; responds to public inquiries, complaints and suggestions, and refers information to the appropriate sources; collects fees, issues receipts and accounts for the fees collected; gathers park census figures; prepares written work logs, schedules, and incident reports; inspects and maintains the cleanliness of facilities; may assist in the rescue of animals; acts as a lead worker over seasonal employees; may assist in the training of seasonal and new employees.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Some knowledge of first aid, rescue, and resuscitation techniques.
• Some knowledge of effective public relations.
• Some knowledge of the principals and practices of natural resource conservation, park operations, or park visitor management.

• Communicate effectively with park staff, visitors, law enforcement agencies, and a variety of community groups.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with uncooperative or angry individuals.
• Understand, apply, explain and enforce park ordinances, rules and policies.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Perform calmly and effectively in stressful or emergency situations.
• Perform first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Work Independently.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Handle money and make arithmetic calculations.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Operate motor vehicles and drive defensively.
• Use equipment required to perform the job.
• Work in an outdoor environment, subject to extreme weather conditions, fumes, dirt and noise.
• Climb and walk on uneven surfaces for long periods of time.
• Lift 60 pounds; push, pull, or drag 145 pounds.
• Ability to swim may be required for some assignments.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the knowledges and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities would be: One year of work experience which has involved interacting with the public in explaining rules or regulations, and tactfully dealing with hostile or angry attitudes; or two years of college level course work in park administration, forestry, public recreation, natural resource management, or a related discipline. License and Certificate Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license is required at the time of appointment. Possession of valid Basic First Aid and CPR certificates within the first six months of employment.

Other Requirements: Fingerprint and records check will be performed for all incumbents in this classification. Park Services Officers will be required to wear a prescribed uniform and conform to personal grooming standards. Park Services Officers will be assigned to various park locations, and will be required to work rotating or irregular shifts.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES:

Bargaining Unit: 98
EEOC Job Category: 08
Occupational Grouping: 90
Workers' Comp Code: 0285