Park Ranger I (Regional Parks, Trails, and Open Space)

About the Department

About the Job: As a Park Ranger, you’ll play a key role in caring for the City’s natural and historical treasures. You will help to maintain, preserve, and protect these spaces in alignment with current laws as well as the Parks, Rec and Cultural Services departmental regulations. You’ll also support the vision outlined in the Parks Master Plan and keep a watchful, welcoming presence throughout assigned parks and recreation areas, ensuring all visitors enjoy the parks safely and responsibly.

Department Website: Parks, Trails & Open Spaces Home Page

This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.

As a Park Ranger I, you will:

• Patrol parks throughout the day, address public safety and health issues, and remove trash
• Monitor properties for resource damage and respond to emergencies on park properties by coordinating with public safety personnel and providing direction for access and closures needed
• Act as liaison between the public and inter-governmental agencies by maintaining close communications with Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs Utilities, Division of Parks and Wildlife, and the Humane Society 
• Coordinate with non-profits, Friends groups, and various local organizations to accomplish goals for assigned properties; facilitate meetings regarding projects
• Create daily and weekly work plans, and participate in the planning and implementation of trail rehabilitation, construction, erosion control, and reclamation projects 
• Respond to sick or injured animals and remove carcasses of dead animals
• Provide snow and ice removal/mitigation as well as monitor signage for damage and assist with repairs
• Prepare facilities for special events by supporting the event coordinators and ensuring facilities are safe, clean, and prepared before events, as well as assisting with post-event responsibilities 
• Participate in the selection of seasonal employees and provide trainings
• Other duties as assigned
• Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page 
   

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
Knowledge of:

• Operation and basic maintenance needs of equipment utilized in park patrol
• Proper transport and tie-down requirements
• Operations, services, and activities of park facilities and programs
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)

Ability to:

• Use current technology such as smart telephones and associated technology
• Safely use assigned tools, equipment, and vehicles
  

Position Duties

We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education.

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade (high school diploma or GED).
• One year of full-time, professional experience in a related field.  
• Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver’s license not subject to restrictions.
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire, a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Certification
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire, a First Aid Certifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are not required, but they are considered desirable. If you possess any of the preferred qualifications, please include specific details in your application. This information may be used to identify a top group of applicants. 

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, outdoor recreation, or related field
• Completion of Leave No Trace Trainer
• Three years of experience in natural resources management or a related field
• Possess Wilderness First Aid certification
• Experience with towing equipment
• Experience with operating to heavy equipment
• Experience working with un-housed populations

Other Qualifications

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 frequently and 100 pounds occasionally with assistance. The ability to sit, stand, run, or walk for prolonged periods is also required.

Environmental Conditions:
 Primary Work Environment - Outdoors with possible exposure to high altitudes up to 10,000 feet
 Extreme Temperature - Seasonally (inclement weather)
 Wetness and Humidity - Seasonally (inclement weather)
 Respiratory Hazards - Frequently (fumes, odors, and gases)
 Noise and Vibrations - Frequently
 Physical Hazards - Frequently (possible exposure to aggressive and/or diseased wildlife)
 Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards - Frequently (moving vehicles and machinery)
Exposure to Communicable Diseases – Frequently

Please contact Katie McLaughlin at katie.mclaughlin@coloradosprings.gov for any questions about this position.

Provides municipal services and infrastructure to the Colorado Springs community.