JOB TITLE: DCNR RANGER OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 74780

DEFINITION: This is advisory, consultative, and technical work involving public contact and service, public safety, and law enforcement at state parks and state forest lands in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

An employee in this job is responsible for providing technical advice, consultation, policy interpretation, and training related to public contact and service, public safety, and law enforcement to program managers, Park Managers, Forest District Managers, DCNR Rangers, and DCNR Ranger Supervisors. Work includes developing, interpreting, and evaluating statewide regulations, policies, and procedures involving public contact and service, public safety, and law enforcement; coordinating the development, implementation, and presentation of training to agency staff and to volunteers such as organized rescue squads, fire companies, and ambulance crews; and coordinating special enforcement operations in state parks and state forest lands. Work is assigned in the form of program goals and objectives and is reviewed for overall program quality and effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Provides consultation, advice, and training on public contact and service, public safety, and law enforcement processes, procedures, and strategies to program managers, Park Managers, Forest District Managers, DCNR Rangers, and DCNR Ranger Supervisors.

• Develops and evaluates statewide program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to public contact and service, public safety, and law enforcement.

• Drafts and revises directives of law enforcement policies and procedures.

• Assesses training and development needs for DCNR Rangers, DCNR Ranger Trainees, and DCNR Ranger Supervisors working in state parks and state forest lands.

• Develops instructional curricula, schedules, and course content, which includes functional oversight and coordination of developmental work by other instructors and committees made up of Bureau of State Parks and Bureau of Forestry staff, and volunteers such as organized rescue squads, fire companies, and ambulance crews.

• Coordinates the work of committees made up of law enforcement and non-law enforcement personnel responsible for developing law enforcement policies and procedures.

• Coordinates law enforcement training and development initiatives with Regional Park Managers, Forest District Managers, the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission, DCNR Ranger Supervisors, designated training coordinators, and other organizations providing training facilities or services.

• Coordinates the selection and purchasing of training supplies.

• Coordinates, oversees, and participates in the law enforcement aspect of special operations, such as hunts conducted on DCNR lands, major community events taking place on state park lands, and special criminal investigations as assigned.

• Administers first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to injured persons.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of law enforcement operations and incidents.

• Serves on committees to study state parks and state forest issues, identify solutions, and recommend actions to program managers.

• Operates a motor vehicle.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the concepts and goals of outdoor recreation, park management, and recreational facilities.

• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures.

• Knowledge of the crimes and vehicle codes.

• Knowledge of the methods used to prosecute cases, present evidence, and interview witnesses.

• Knowledge of the law, court decisions, and administrative procedures concerning the rights of citizens during and following arrest.

• Knowledge of investigative techniques and methods.

• Knowledge of instructional techniques and methods used in law enforcement training.

• Knowledge of first aid methods and techniques including artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Knowledge of the methods used to organize and conduct search and rescue operations.

• Ability to read and interpret statutes, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to properly handle offensive and defensive weapons.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Two years of experience as a DCNR Ranger Supervisor;

or

• Three years of experience as a DCNR Ranger.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require an active commission as a State Park or State Forest Officer that includes powers of arrest.

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

• All positions require possession of an active certification or its equivalent in first aid and adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as approved by the PA Department of Health for professional rescuers or healthcare professionals