Parks, Lakes & Trails Ranger - Temporary

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office
HOURS: Various
HIRING RANGE: $21-$23/hour (DOQ)
LOCATION: Various Throughout Dakota County
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30pm on 2/18/2025

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office is seeking individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and are committed to protecting, preserving, and ensuring a safe and respectful experience for visitors in Dakota County Parks. This position offers the opportunity to work for a highly regarded, progressive organization that supports your career development.

As a Park Ranger, you will gain experience across various areas of public safety. You will have exposure to our entire office and special teams, including, but not limited to, Patrol, Detention Services, the Crime Scene Team, Drone Team, Water Patrol, Snowmobile Patrol, ATV Patrol, Dive Team, SWAT Team, and many others within the Office. Additionally, you will collaborate with surrounding agencies to enforce county ordinances and work through complex calls for service throughout the park system.

If you are studying Law Enforcement and need flexibility, we can accommodate your needs. This position provides eligibility for tuition reimbursement and offers flexible scheduling to prioritize your education. If you're looking for an exciting and fulfilling first step in a career in public safety, we invite you to apply to be a Park Ranger!

Parks, Lakes and Trails Rangers are responsible for assisting County Park visitors and residents by providing information on the rules and regulations for using County waterways and public trails. Rangers also offer security for park visitors and property while enforcing Dakota County Park ordinances related to these areas of responsibility. They report to the Sergeant supervising the unit.

This is a temporary position with no guaranteed hours or duration of employment. Flexible scheduling is available for students, and this position may qualify as a college internship opportunity. Additionally, qualified employees in good standing after six months of continuous employment may be eligible for the Cadet Program. This program is designed for current employees who are nearing the completion of an accredited Peace Officer program in the State of Minnesota and wish to become a Deputy with our Office. While in the program, Cadets may receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses related to becoming POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) eligible.

Who We Are

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office is a place where you can build a career for a lifetime. We will support you and give you meaningful challenges within a culture grounded by personal growth and well-being. We believe in collaboration, growth, diversity, and stability. We hold each other accountable and expect everyone to take an active role in problem-solving and building a culture of hard work and respect. We believe in serving the members of our community by listening, engaging, and collaborating to solve problems and build solutions with dignity and respect. Applicants for this position will be self-starters, honest, ethical, engaging and hold high moral standards. This candidate will be engaging and open to change. In addition, they will seek to solve problems and strive to provide the highest level of customer service possible.

* High school diploma or G.E.D. within 6 months of hire date and at least 18 years old by the time of appointment AND
* Valid driver's license
* Currently enrolled in an accredited law enforcement program by the fall of 2025;
OR recently completed an accredited law enforcement program.

Desired Qualification:
* Ability to work evenings and weekends.
* Strong social skills.
* Strong problem-solving abilities.
* History of safe driving.

Candidates for employment with Dakota County Sheriff's Office must be able to comply with Policy 1043.3 which states that non-offensive tattoos which are visible while working are generally allowed. All tattoos must be approved before allowed to be visible. Tattoos may require covering if they are determined to be unsightly, offensive or a job assignment requires it. Visible tattoos on the ears, head, face, neck or any portion of the hand area are prohibited.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Patrol county parks, lakes and trails in vehicles, on foot, mountain bike, skis, and UTV.
2. Function as a public relations representative of the Sheriff's Department by providing information and assistance to park, lake, and trail users.
3. Guide users to park, lake and trail facilities and provide access and instructions to users of special use rental facilities. Secures facilities after usage.
4. Monitor shelter reservations and special events; check permits and provide assistance with discrepancies or problems.
5. Enforce county ordinance #107 within the county parks System and other ordinances, rules, state statutes related to the operation of boats, snowmobiles and ATV's.
6. Advise appropriate law enforcement agency of crimes in progress, serious traffic violations or other events requiring a police response.
7. May assist other agencies as directed by a licensed Deputy.
8. Respond to medical emergencies as needed.
9. Comply with county and departmental policies. Wear prescribed uniform.
10. Assist visitors with inmate visitation program.
11. Provide guidance to public and assist with building security at Dakota County Service Centers.
12. Perform other duties as directed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1 through 6, 9 and 10 are essential functions.

* Ability to work effectively under minimum supervision.
* Ability to analyze situations accurately and employ effective courses of action.
* Ability to communicate positively and effectively with the general public.
* Ability to operate motor vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs, boats, and snowmobiles safely under a variety of climatic conditions.
* Ability to swim.
* Ability to pass a physical examination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position works within Dakota County Park System, on Dakota County Trails, within Dakota County Service Centers and on Dakota County waterways. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an environment with a variety of climatic conditions and uneven geography. Work is performed on foot, by mountain bike, or with motorized conveyance; occasionally hiking long distances, or performing other vigorous outdoor activities. Duties involve lengthy periods of sitting while operating or driving equipment, lengthy periods of sitting at a desk, standing, walking, twisting, balancing, pushing, pulling, and reaching in all directions. Duties performed require bending, stooping, crouching, climbing stairs and ladders, bending and twisting of the arm, simple grasping, firm grasping, and fine finger dexterity. Work involves lifting up to 25 pounds frequently and over 25 pound objects occasionally when hooking up trailers, and lifting and moving supplies and equipment.

Exposures may include, but are not limited to changing weather conditions, uneven and/or slippery surfaces, working at heights, noise, working with moving machinery, sharp edges, vibration; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; and hazardous materials such as chemicals, blood and other body fluids. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to a computer, printer, phone, copy and fax machines, general hand tools, ropes, chains, trailer hitches, variety of motor vehicles, medical backpack, bikes, canoe, skis, and flashlights.

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 440,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

Dakota County Human Resources
www.dakotacounty.us
Main Number 651.438.4435
(contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)