DEFINITION
This is professional law enforcement work in the Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks.
An employee in this class is responsible for providing law enforcement services and promoting security and safety in an assigned zone. Work encompasses all aspects of law enforcement including the power of arrest and search and seizure, which is authorized by law in the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri. Work involves issuing citations and warnings to visitors who violate state laws or park regulations, conducting investigations, and providing first aid in cases of injury. Overall plans and activities follow established policies and procedures. General supervision is received from the park ranger sergeant in the region to which the employee is assigned; however, the employee plans and implements his/her own daily work assignments.
Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledge, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
- Enforces the laws of Missouri and park rules and regulations by use of citations, warnings and custodial arrests.
- Prepares criminal cases for prosecution, makes court appearances as required, and reports final case dispositions.
- Patrols the assigned area by emergency equipped vehicle, on foot, and/or by use of specialized vehicles (motorcycle, boat, ATV, etc.).
- Provides protection and security for park visitors and their property.
- Provides first aid and CPR to injured visitors and/or employees.
- Coordinates and conducts search and rescue/recovery operations.
- Organizes and conducts investigations and makes reports related to homicides, suicides, drowning and motor vehicle and personal injury accidents in the assigned area.
- Conducts and cooperates in investigations involving narcotic drugs with other law enforcement agencies.
- Seizes, collects and processes evidence while maintaining a proper chain of custody for use in criminal prosecution.
- Participates in and/or coordinates law enforcement services at special events in assigned facilities.
- Controls and removes dangerous, injured or diseased animals from areas where they could harm themselves or visitors.
- Assists park visitors by providing information and directions and answering questions.
- Prepares and submits financial reports and purchase orders.
- Maintains accurate, up-to-date records and files for assigned facilities.
- Promotes public relations by giving educational programs to schools, civic groups and park users concerning the state park system, law enforcement and security.
- Conducts annual physical inventories of all accountable division property.
- Performs safety and security inspections in assigned facilities.
- Provides security for collected fees and funds and makes bank deposits as required.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of the procedures, techniques and practices used in law enforcement work.
- Working knowledge of Missouri statutes relating to state parks and criminal law.
- Working knowledge of the policies, programs and procedures of state park operations.
- Working knowledge of the fundamental principles of safety practices and methods.
- Ability to administer first aid and CPR.
- Ability to communicate effectively; to perceive color differences; to hear verbal and radio communications; and to interact with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.
- Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with other employees, government officials and the general public.
- Ability to develop and maintain clear and concise records, reports and files.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Missouri vehicle operator's license.
- Ability to operate specialized vehicles skillfully after prescribed training.
- Ability to display a proficiency in physical arrest tactics and firearms usage after prescribed training period.