Park Ranger Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Lead Park Ranger

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. September 16, 2026

Hiring Range is $52,364 to $60,555 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations as well as working in wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections, and routine patrol. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Supervising seasonal staff, assisting with District user permits and special events, and South Platte Park maintenance and resource projects. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Essential Duties:

• Plans, assigns, directs, supervises, and evaluates the daily work activities of seasonal park ranger staff as assigned.
• Partners with the other Lead Ranger on the recruitment and hiring of seasonal staff.
• Together with the other Lead Ranger, provides or coordinates seasonal ranger staff training. Trains and orients new staff members to the District's ranger programs and parks environment(s) including an emphasis on safety and general park rules. Provides timely and continual on-the-job training to staff as needed or assigned.
• Assists the Senior Park Ranger in scheduling part time staff members and volunteers. Ensures assigned areas of operations are adequately staffed at all times and coordinates replacement coverage or provides backup support as needed. Reviews and approves employee biweekly timesheets. Works with Payroll Department to resolve any pay issues.
• Reviews, develops, and/or modifies work plans, methods, and procedures for staff within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Supervises District volunteers, seasonal crews, and youth work projects. Plans and organizes any work pertaining to those groups as needed by the Senior Park Ranger.
• Develops and manages program needs within area(s) of responsibility or as assigned. May develop District-wide programs.
• Develops and coordinates strategies for rule compliance and education in areas of responsibility.
• Establishes relationships and formal means for communication with partnering agencies essential to the operations in assigned areas.
• Administers and adheres to District policies.
• Applies knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.
• Performs patrol in District parks, trails, open spaces.
• Skillfully operates a vehicle and/or bicycle for patrol purposes.
• Develops positive public rapport by directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails and open spaces.
• Accountable for inspection of district permits and enforcement of rules and regulations pertaining to them.
• Responsible for encroachment inspections on District property and following up through contact and removal evaluation.
• Assists with managing full time park rangers as directed when the Senior Ranger is unavailable.
• Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.
• Participates in field work in district parks, including but not limited to vegetation removal, wildlife management, playground and park inspections, trail maintenance, traffic control, and general maintenance.
• Recognizes emergency and dangerous situations by reacting quickly and calmly; administers first aid as needed.
• Prepares a variety of reports including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports, chemical data forms, and weekly and monthly ranger operation reports according to District procedures in a timely manner.
• Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely manner to inquiries and problems in person, through email, phone and mail by providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside user groups and agencies to coordinate their programs, needs, requests, and special events.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of park ranger services.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.
• May be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations. Works with employees to correct deficiencies.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Natural Resources or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• One (1) year of Park Ranger experience.
• Previous experience in a natural resource related field preferred.
• Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• First Aid/CPR certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• OC spray certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Collapsible baton certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of ecological principles and resource management techniques.
• General knowledge in law enforcement as it pertains to park and resource management.
• The ability to maintain personal and public safety while on duty.
• Ability to effectively manage employees and volunteers.
• General knowledge of and ability to perform safety and emergency first aid procedures and CPR.
• Ability to resolve customer complaints and escalated problems.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, Outlook and Publisher.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide outstanding customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner.
• Ability to work a varied schedule which may include some early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Material and Equipment Used:

• Regularly uses standard office equipment including a personal computer, phone, printer, and copier.
• Regularly uses a police radio, collapsible baton, and OC spray.
• Other equipment may include mule work cart with dump bed, ATV, backpack sprayers, power tools, pesticides, hand-held data collection, GPS tools and software, trailers, and live animal traps.
• Also uses, operates, and instructs on first-aid supplies and equipment.
• This position requires the use of various district vehicles including trucks and vans. May be required to drive a personal and/or District motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.

Working Environment:

• Performs work indoors in a busy nature center/office environment subject to continuous interruptions.
• Performs work outdoors subject to variable weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes. Outdoor working environments can be wet, humid, extreme in temperature variations, and with loud background noises.
• May also require biking, canoeing, wading, or swimming in moving water, and handling small animals.
• Works in a variety of settings including daytime and night-time and with wildlife.
• Works with pesticide chemicals, power equipment with moving mechanical parts, and animal traps.
• This position will be subject to the inherent stresses of park rule enforcement and riding extended hours in a patrol vehicle.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand, walk/hike long distances, and sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, equipment, tools or controls; reach with hands and arm.
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment.
• Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, ATV, UTV and E-bike.
• Must be comfortable with picking up small plants and animals.
• May occasionally climb, crawl, squat, kneel, stoop, crouchy, and lift up to 100 lbs.
• Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication. Must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We've Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA's)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $390 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We've Got Your Back

• Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
• Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.