Pathways to Public Service Program - Park Ranger - Department of Parks and Recreation

Washington D.C

General Job Information

Introduction

The Pathways to Public Service Program is an initiative that strengthens the pipeline of diverse talent from local colleges and universities, including Howard University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Bowie State University, into District government roles. The program is designed to provide 12-month public service apprenticeships, professional mentorship, and direct hiring pathways for participants into full-time government employment.

Application Criteria

To complete your application for this role, please submit the following:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experiences
  • Unofficial transcript

Duties and Responsibilities

Patrol and monitor activity in and around District owned parklands, recreation sites, open space areas, and tributaries, to enforce DPR regulations on usage of park/site resources. Controls activity levels within assigned parks by unlocking and securing gates, monitoring and directing park use and pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and checking event and concession permits. Reviews and investigates alleged park violations, complaints, site accidents and trespass/encroachment infractions. Issues verbal/written warnings to violators.

Registers visitors and monitors the activities of concessionaires, special permit holders, right of way grantees and commercial use licenses to assure they are operating as authorized, and in compliance with the terms and limits of their contracts, permits and licenses.Provides emergency assistance and first aid to injured park/site visitors and employees. Assist with park maintenance, such as water fountain, restrooms and play equipment checks to inspect for proper functioning, safety hazards and vandalism. Removes litter and debris and performs routine maintenance of ranger equipment.

Qualifications

To participate in the Pathways to Public Service, you must have the following eligibility requirements:

  • Graduate from an HBCU with a bachelor’s degree in either December 2024 or May 2025.
  • Commit to being a resident of the District of Columbia within 180 days.

Education: Major study -- natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled.

Specialized Experience: Experience that demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Park guide or tour leader.
  • Law enforcement or investigative work.
  • Archeological or historical preservation research work.
  • Forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area.
  • Management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations.

Relevant coursework & internship experience:

Relevant Coursework:

  1. First Aid and CPR Certification Courses
  2. Safety and Risk Assessment
  3. Emergency Medical Response Law Enforcement Ethics
  4. Conflict Resolution & De-escalation Techniques
  5. Environmental Policy and Planning
  6. Park Operations and Maintenance
  7. Recreation Area Design and Safety
  8. Local Government Administration
  9. Public Policy and Community Engagement
  10. Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management
  11. Public Sector Ethics and Accountability
  12. Sociology of Urban Communities

Relevant Internship Experience:

  • Enforcement & Public Safety
  • Public Engagement & Communication
  • Operational Skills & Site Management
  • Collaboration & Relationship Building
  • Administrative & Tech Skills
  • Personal Attributes

Relevant coursework & internship experience: Practical, hands-on experience in roles related to public service, parks, or community outreach. Examples include:

  • Park or Recreation Intern
  • Public Safety or Security Intern
  • Environmental Stewardship Program
  • Government or Community Affairs Intern
  • School or Youth Program Assistant

Licensures & Certifications

None

Work Conditions/Environment

The work is mostly performed outdoors in all kinds of weather and climatic conditions. The work is performed in various hours of the day and night and for prolonged periods during emergency situations. Some work may be performed in an office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Shift schedule may include some weekend hours.

Operating Status: In-person reporting

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service - Term (13-month appointment)

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: CS-0025-11

Salary: Apprentices will earn an annual salary of $74,893

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under collective bargaining.

Position Designation: This position is designated as a Safety-Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable). This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

DC Government Benefits:

District government provides a full benefits package including:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Short-term Disability
  • Long-term Disability
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Indemnity Coverage provided through Aflac
  • Employee Assistance Program: Counseling; legal and financial services; identity theft services; work-life referral services for child and elder care, lactation support, home repairs, pet care, etc.; wellness coaching; and more.

District Government employees earn 4 hours of paid leave each pay period (every two weeks) until they have 3 years of service, at which point they begin accruing 6 hours of paid leave per pay period. The District provides employees with paid leave on 12 annual holidays per year.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.

If you have any questions, or need support with your application, please contact careerpathways@dc.gov for assistance.

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Confirmed 17 hours ago. Posted 8 days ago.

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