Park Ranger I Jobs

The Boston Parks & Recreation Department manages one of the oldest urban park systems in the United States, consisting of over 330 parks, playgrounds, urban wilds, and cemeteries. The basic purpose of a Park Ranger is to provide a variety of services to Park patrons, including programming, wayfinding, and resource protective measures and promote compliance with Parks Department rules and regulations, as well as City of Boston ordinances as well as general laws.

Reporting to the Chief of the Park Ranger/Executive Secretary or a designee, Park Rangers may patrol on foot, in vehicles, in watercraft, on bicycles, or on horseback.

Provide a wide variety of public safety, programming, and assistance services to park users and visitors including but not limited to:

• Conducts crowd control in areas where large groups of people have gathered in a manner consistent with training, policy, and procedure.
• May assist in training and/or oversight of volunteers, youth employees, or interns.
• Interacts with and handles urban wildlife as well as domestic animals including but not limited to geese, ducks, dogs, and horses.
• Provides a public presence and acts as a deterrent to criminal activity and/or rule violations.
• May appear in court in relation to involvement or witnessing incidents.
• Provides clear direction and information to patrons.
• Issues non-criminal and parking citations on all roads and property within appropriate jurisdiction.
• Comes to the aid of fellow Rangers, first responders, city employees, and the public; offering assistance when necessary including first aid and/or CPR.
• As assigned by a supervisor, conducts patrols of Boston Park property, or staffs fixed security posts as necessary, to ensure safety and compliance with applicable rules, ordinances, and laws.
• May be required to place barriers, fencing, ropes, signs, etc. to maintain public order at various events with Boston Parks Department property.
• Upon completion of Training, may conduct mounted patrols and perform tasks related to the care and maintenance of the Department’s horses.
• Reports all incidents, accidents, and/or emergencies immediately to supervisors and proper authorities according to policy and procedure. Makes entries into logs and completes other relevant paperwork.
• Interacts with the public, gives directions, and responds to inquiries.
• Perform duties that prevent and/or suppress small fires; reporting fires to the fire department as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Responds to emergencies as necessary or as directed, in order to deter, prevent, deescalate, render aid, make reports, and provide assistance in accordance with training, policy, and procedure. Coordinates with law enforcement officials and first responders in regards to theft, property damage, bodily harm, injuries, and disruptive conduct.
• Detects and responds to suspicious/unusual activity which may be a threat to patrons; reports suspicious activity and potential threats to the supervisor, and law enforcement officials according to policy and procedure.
• Controls vehicular and pedestrian traffic, when necessary, to avoid congestion and promote public safety.
• May assist in the development of interpretive programing.
• Executes various public programs, including but not limited to nature walks, hikes, natural history tours, tours of historic sites and parks, and various other programs designed to engage and educate park patrons.
• Participates in various natural resource management efforts, including egg addling and monitoring of invasive species.

• Able to exercise good judgment.
• Pre-employment physical and drug testing will be required of successful applicants.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in inclement weather typical to the region including snow, rain, heat, cold, etc.
• Availability to work mandatory overtime shifts, including nights and weekends, as needed.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and speech. Ability to communicate verbally in multiple languages is a plus.
• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license.
• Must be able to perform under changing and stressful situations.
• Successful completion of Boston Park Ranger Training Academy with 3 months of hire.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time required.
• Must be able to pass a background and CORI check.
• Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association within three(3) months of hire and continuous maintenance of same for duration of employment.

Boston Residency Required

Employement Site:
Boston Parks and Recreation Department
Franklin Park Maintenance Yard/Various Park Locations