Career Opportunity

Head Park Ranger - Recreation and Parks (8210) – (127004)

Recruitment: RTF0127003-01151597

Published: October 31, 2022

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

**Application Deadline is October 31, 2022 at 11:59pm**

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT VERIFICATION (PROOF) OF THEIR QUALIFYING EDUCATION EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE AND/OR APPLICABLE EDUCATION AT THE TIME OF FILING APPLICATION.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED VERIFICATION WILL RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below:
· Please read Critical Tips for Applying on Smartr before you apply.
· Application Opening: October 5, 2022.  Amended 10/17/22 to reflect changes to the Certification Rule.  Amended on 10/31/22 to update the filing deadline.
· Application Deadline: Receipt of applications may close at anytime, but not before Wednesday, October 19, 2022
· Compensation Range:  $89,076 - $108,316 annually
· Recruitment ID: 127004 / RTF0127003

ABOUT US
Amid a dynamic and ever-evolving urban landscape, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department stewards one of the premier urban park systems in America.  San Francisco recently became the first city in the United States for which 100% of its residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park.  Considered by San Franciscans to be one of the City’s most popular and effective public agencies, our Department manages and maintains more than 225 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in San Francisco, including two outside of city limits: Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. Our 4,100- acre system includes 25 recreation centers, 9 swimming pools, 5 golf courses and numerous athletic facilities, including sports courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields and gymnasiums. Included in the department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the Palace of Fine Arts, and TPC Harding Park golf course.

More than 2,000 talented individuals are part of our team, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park rangers, custodians, electricians, painters and more. Our core mission, as it has been throughout our history, is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city.

Race and Social Equity Statement
We believe that parks and open space in San Francisco provides the opportunity to model equitable access for all.  With this belief, San Francisco became the first city in the United States for which 100% of its residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park. The Recreation and Park Department’s goal is to close the gaps and improve equity and access to quality parks and open space, and recreation activities for historically marginalized communities.

We envision a department that proactively infuses racial and social equity in its internal operations.  With a multi-disciplinary team of talented individuals - gardeners, recreation leaders, park rangers, custodians, craft shop personnel, park and recreation managers and more, the department is committed to doing its part to provide equitable access to parks and programs for all the communities we serve to enjoy, as well as foster a work environment where our differences are celebrated, and everyone has what they need to thrive regardless of their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin.

Role description

As a Head Park Ranger, you will be responsible for providing public safety, park information and protecting Recreation and Park Department properties.  In this supervisory role, you will assign duties to Park Rangers, patrol areas on foot, by bicycle, truck, and patrol car in an effort to prevent damage, destruction or theft to parks, recreation grounds and facilities.

You may perform the following supervisory functions:
· Supervise Park Rangers
· Insure employee fitness for duty
· Provide information regarding critical security issues
· Maintain regular and frequent radio communications
· Assign equipment such as mobile units (vehicles) and hand-held radios
· Prepare time reports for subordinates
· Write incident, discipline, worker's compensation, employee performance and other reports
· Maintain communication
· Assess employee’s work and performance

You may also perform park patrol responsibilities, such as:
· Patrol facilities on foot or in mobile units to observe, report and correct, if possible, unusual occurrences, serious accidents, vandalism or hazardous conditions
· Secure restrooms with temporary repairs to broken doors and windows by using materials from the corporation yard, and securing water main by closing the appropriate gate valve
· Respond to notifications of alarms
· Inspect buildings to ensure they are properly secured
· Check equipment to see that fire hazards are not present
· Check areas for vandalism
· Check and secure/lock restrooms and other properties at night and unlocking for daytime use
· Report any problems that need corrections through an electronic work order system
· Maintain the security of buildings/facilities
· Remove road obstructions, lift and place barricades (20 or more) at road closures, as required
· Prevent improper or prohibited use of recreational facilities and equipment by park users
· Assist the public as an informational officer
· Provide directions around the park and for park events
· Act as a public officer
· Apprehend or cite persons engaged in acts of vandalism, theft and/or other criminal activity in accordance with applicable codes, laws and regulations; turn subjects over to police department and report all actions, when necessary
· Work closely with the Police Department when necessary
· Write reports when arrests are made as a result of criminal actions
· Make sure existing dog, bird and wildlife policies are followed
· Deal with wildlife issues such as rescue, protection and preservation of park wildlife with appropriate agencies
· Write citations for park violations
· Confirm valid use permits
· Impose field closures when weather or other conditions are not suitable for public use
· Perform other duties as assigned

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO
· Has strong supervisory skills
· Thinks critically to make decisions under pressure
· Hits the ground running and keeps pace with the team
· Is able to multitask
· Uses analytical thinking
· Keeps calm in stressful situations
· Is a terrific communicator
· Is customer service oriented

A FEW REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT LOVE THIS JOB
· Getting to work outdoors
· Having a direct effect on people’s lives
· Being challenged daily
· Working with an excellent team
· Opportunity to learn about San Francisco and its extensive history
· Developing your knowledge, skills and abilities
· You will work in a department with integrity, which trusts, engages and values its employees

Working Conditions
This classification requires considerable walking and standing, working in inclement weather, exposure to physical injury and other danger inherent in security work.  We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so employees will be required to work any shift and assignment, weekends and holidays, and be required to wear a uniform.
 

How to qualify

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Three (3) years (equivalent to 6,000 hours) of verifiable work experience as a police officer, member of a military police unit, park ranger, security officer/guard or a similar position which actively protects life and property or issues citations and performs code enforcement (i.e., park, vehicle and/or penal code); AND

2. Possession of a current California Penal Code Section 832 Powers of Arrest Certification; AND

3. Possession of a valid driver license

Substitution:
Successful completion of Basic P.O.S.T. Academy may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience and California Penal Code Section 832 Powers of Arrest Certification.

Possession of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Desirable Qualifications
The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

· Five (5) or more years of verifiable work experience as a police officer, member of a military police unit, park ranger, security officer/guard or a similar position which actively protected life and property or issues citations and performs code enforcement (i.e., park, vehicle and/or penal code)
· Possession of an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
· Supervisory experience
· Current State of California security guard, baton and chemical agents (e.g., tear gas) license
· Possession of First Aid, CPR or First Responders certificate
· Excellent oral communication and customer service skills
· Ability to write clear and concise reports
· Ability to type 35 words a minute
· Proficient technology skills to utilize basic computer programs and smart phone
· Good driving record    

VERIFICATION
Applicants are required to submit verification of qualifying experience, certifications, licensure and/or applicable education prior to the filing deadline.  If you are submitting education verification, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements.

Verification should be scanned and emailed to Stacy.Chung@sfgov.org with the subject line: “8210 Verification”.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

SELECTION PROCEDURES
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ): Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ as part of the employment application. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Basic Supervisory Examination (Weight: 50%): Candidates will be administered a written multiple-choice examination that is designed to measure basic knowledge of various supervisory practices and procedures (e.g. directing, counseling, guiding, evaluating, motivating, disciplining, developing and training subordinates, delegation, etc.) as well as customer service and reading comprehension.

Park Ranger Core Exam (Weight: 50%): Candidates will participate in a multiple choice exam designed to measure knowledge, skills and/or abilities in job-related areas which may include but not limited to:  knowledge of park areas, facilities and locations operated by the recreation and park department; knowledge of departmental regulations governing use of park and recreation facilities; knowledge of operating electronic equipment; ability to act quickly in emergencies; ability to remain calm and think clearly in difficult, stressful, frustrating, and/or confrontational situations; ability to follow patrol procedures and observe any suspicious activity and violation of park misuse; ability to interact effectively with public safety agencies, members of the general public, and departmental staff; ability to maintain a positive attitude; skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare written communications in an understandable, clear and concise manner using correct grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling; ability to prepare simple operational reports; ability to condense desired messages into grammatically correct and succinct written passages; and the ability to carry out written and oral instructions.

These are standardized written multiple-choice examinations. In accordance with Civil Service Rule 111.11.4, inspection privileges do not apply to the questions and answers in this examination.

The score you achieve on these examinations shall be valid and ‘banked’ for three years, starting from the date of the examination.  This means that, during this three-year time period, you will not be required to take this test again should you apply and be found eligible for a future announcement for which these particular tests are used.  Note, the Park Ranger Core Exam is also used for class 8208 Park Ranger and the Basic Supervisory Exam is used for other supervisory classes.  This means that your test score(s) may be applied to the other classifications if you choose to apply for future recruitments that utilize these exams.  If the test for a future announcement is held within one year of the date of these examinations, your score(s) will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after one year, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score(s) to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test(s).  Re-testing is permitted no sooner than one year from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which these tests are used.  Please note that, should you re-test, your re-test score(s) would become your official score(s) since it is the most recent.

A passing score must be achieved on the Basic Supervisory Examination and Park Ranger Core Exam in order to be placed/ranked on the Eligible List. The hiring department may administer additional position specific selection procedures to make final hiring decisions.

What else should I know?

Certification:  The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of Ten Scores.  The hiring department may conduct additional selection processes to make final hiring decisions.

Eligible List/Score Report: A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of 12 months, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

Terms of Announcement
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations.  Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 111A.35.1. The standard for the review of such appeals is ‘abuse of discretion’ or ‘no rational basis’ for establishing the position description, the minimum qualifications and/or the certification rule.  Appeals must include a written statement of the item(s) being contested and the specific reason(s) why the cited item(s) constitute(s) abuse of discretion by the Human Resources Director.  Appeals must be submitted directly to the Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission within five business days of the announcement issuance date.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

HOW TO APPLY
Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.sf.gov/ and begin the application process.

· Select the “I’m Interested” or “Apply Now” button and follow instructions on the screen

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, @smartrecruiters.com, and notifications@smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Stacy Chung at Stacy.Chung@sfgov.org.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.