Chief Park Ranger

Chief Park Ranger

The Chief Park Ranger will lead a group of 16 highly trained Park Rangers who are engaged in many facets of park operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Park Rangers are often the first point of engagement for park users and regularly serve as visitor protection experts, park ambassadors, emergency responders; program facilitators focusing on local history, culture, outdoor recreation, and environmental education; and regularly perform needed maintenance functions to ensure park visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience within the City's nearly 8,700 acres of parkland. Park Rangers are also regularly involved in conservation, wildlife management, and research efforts.

To enable Park Rangers to fulfill their tremendous and wide-ranging responsibilities, they receive the highest quality training available, including Basic Law Enforcement Academy, CPR, Emergency Medical Responder, field training with experienced Park Rangers, and search and rescue training, as well as a host of other training opportunities.

Park Rangers within Newport News Parks and Recreation are core to the successful operation of the City's 36 parks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Park Administration, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Civil War History or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience and (5) years of experience as a Park Ranger, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• This position requires pre-employment medical examination and substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
• Local and state criminal history and sex offender registry check
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record will also be required.
• Must meet all requirements for law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must successfully complete a certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and associated field training.
• Certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as an Emergency Medical (EMR), and in search and rescue training as a Field Team Member (FTM) as well as designation as Conservator of the Peace is required.

Additional Details:

The City of Newport News offers a comprehensive benefits package to include a Virginia Retirement System defined benefit and defined contribution plan, medical, dental, vision, and a variety of wellness initiatives. 

A full job description is attached.