Park Ranger #2308-5261-01

Are you passionate about creating positive opportunities for youth to connect with nature and thrive in a community-oriented environment? The City of New Haven Youth and Recreation Department is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Park Ranger. As a Park Ranger, you will play a crucial role in engaging our residents by providing a variety of nature-based programs throughout the extensive parks system in the City. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of New Haven youth and contribute to their personal growth and development.

• Prepare and present natural history, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages.
• Supervision of volunteers and students in nature recreation activities year-round.
• Implements park improvement projects.
• Prepare a security awareness program for the neighborhood to enhance appreciation for the Park resources.
• Maintain necessary records and reports.
• Writes instructional memoranda, bulletins, and directives on matters regarding recreation department policies, standards, and procedures. Aids in the development of new programs and departmental policies.
• Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings and facilities.
• Perform related work as required.

Graduation from a four-year college, with major course work in natural history/nature interpretation, environmental education or recreation, and one to three years of experience in the nature recreation field, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Knowledge of several disciplines collectively referred to as Field Natural History.
• Knowledge of group psychology and leadership techniques especially as they relate to outdoor and recreation activities.
• Thorough knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of organized recreation.
• Knowledge of park management practices and ability to program and implement park maintenance projects and to use the necessary tools of the trade including but not limited to power cutting equipment such as chain saws, weed whackers and pole pruners.
• Knowledge of the suite of programs referred to as Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Rec Trac or other industry standard recreation management software preferred.
• Ability to organize, supervise and deliver nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or mental challenges.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and assigned part time staff.
• Ability to work with diverse groups interested in the advocacy of parks programs.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with a wide variety of service and civic organizations, city officials, city department and agency heads, and the general public.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all necessary licenses and certifications for program delivery which may include but are not limited to:
  • American Canoe Association (ACA) Adaptive Paddling endorsements,
  • ACA L2 in Coastal Kayaking,
  • ACA L2 in Canoe Touring,
  • ACA L1 in Stand Up Paddle Boarding,
  • Level 1 Archery Instructor form USA Archery,
  • First Aid including CPR,
  • League of American Bicyclists League Certified Instructor,
• Successful completion of ropes course training including belaying certification.Ability to maintain records and prepare reports including managing spreadsheets.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to speak effectively in public before large crowds. Bilingual ability, especially Spanish, preferred.

• Must have a valid Connecticut Driver’s License.
• Must obtain a Public Passenger Endorsement and Connecticut Boating Certificate within 6 months of hire.

Frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50lbs. Requires walking and/or standing to a significant degree. Frequent bending, stooping and crouching. Occasional sitting and kneeling. Occasional pushing and pulling of carts. Frequent climbing on ladders, stairs or other obstacles.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.