Urban Ranger Crew Member (Temporary)

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

January 31, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range 24.96 - 36.21 Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range. This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Temporary 30+

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, Urban Ranger Crew Members protect natural and cultural resources, support public safety, and provide environmental education and stewardship on Parks and Recreation properties. Urban Rangers work collaboratively as part of a professional team, patrolling parks, engaging visitors, enforcing park regulations, responding to medical and law enforcement emergencies, and supporting natural resource projects and daily park operations.

Please note this is a temporary role that will begin on March 9, 2026 and run through December 6, 2026.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES       

• Patrols parks using motorized and non-motorized methods to promote public safety and protect park resources.
• Monitors park use to ensure compliance with municipal ordinances, permits, and regulations.
• Manages visitor conflicts; issues warnings or citations as appropriate and appears in court if required.
• Identifies and reports natural and manmade hazards; documents accidents and coordinates response to medical or other emergencies.
• Provides emergency support to law enforcement, fire/EMS, and other partner agencies as needed.
• Serves as a visible and approachable park representative, providing information, interpretation, and assistance to visitors.
• Educates visitors on park rules, safety practices, and responsible recreation to encourage stewardship and positive park experiences.
• Communicates effectively with diverse and multi-lingual community members; represent the department at public events and outreach activities.
• Assists visitors in resolving concerns related to park conditions, availability, or interactions with other users.
• Supports natural resource management and stewardship projects that protect parks and open space.
• Performs daily park operations, including basic maintenance such as trash removal, restroom upkeep, landscaping, and signage.
• Safely operates hand tools and powered equipment (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters) as required.
• Leads or assists volunteers, youth corps, or staff on work projects such as trail maintenance.
• Works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, including law enforcement, wildlife agencies, and community organizations.
• Maintains accurate logs, reports, and documentation.
• Follows all City policies, including safety procedures; report accidents, damage, or policy violations promptly.
• Performs related duties as required to meet departmental and City of Boulder needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS   

• Ability to work effectively as a member of formal and informal teams.
• Ability to understand the interests and concerns of others and share and receive information. 
• Ability to take initiative by identifying what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or before the situation requires it.
• Ability to complete work in a timely and consistent manner. 
• Ability to actively listen to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues and customers.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and coworkers, with excellent customer service skills. 
• Ability to recognize needs, assess possible methods to meet needs, and act on solutions.  
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid drivers' license and the ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record. 
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to communicate fluently in multiple languages, specifically Spanish.
• Ability to demonstrate proactive communication including written communication skills.
• Ability to be independent and self-motivated; ability to complete tasks without direct supervision.
• Ability to organize and prioritize competing requests for your time and attention.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent people skills, including conflict resolution and de-escalation.
• Ability to demonstrate hiking and biking skills.
• Knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of Colorado and Boulder County.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Experienced environmental educator and naturalist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• High school diploma or GED.

• 1 year of experience or education in any of the following areas:

  • Security, Law Enforcement, Rule Enforcement or other compliance work

  • Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Natural Resources, Resource Stewardship or similar field

  • Customer Service, Tourism, Guiding, or Education

• Ability to obtain First Aid, CPR, AED; OC Spray, Baton, and Defensive Tactics certifications within three (3) months of hire.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Demonstrated personal and professional honesty, integrity, good judgment as shown in applicant’s criminal history, background and motor vehicle record, and use of drugs and alcohol. Prior to employment, successful applicants are required to submit to a drug screen and physical fitness test. The following will disqualify any applicant from consideration for employment before or after the conditional employment offer is made: 

• Any felony conviction. 
• Any commission of a felony in the previous 60 months (five years), including felonious drug use or possession. 
• Any commission of non-traffic related misdemeanor within the previous 36 months (three years). 
• Any convictions and/or protective order(s) issued for domestic violence offenses which would preclude an individual from being around firearm(s). 
• The use, sale, possession, or transfer of any controlled substance including marijuana or medical marijuana will disqualify an applicant from this position.
• Eight points or three moving violation convictions, or a suspended, restricted, or revoked license in the previous 24 months (two years). 
• Any false or untrue statements, or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process. 
• Any other information which clearly demonstrates a lack of personal and professional honesty, integrity, and good judgment as appropriate for employment in a public safety position.  

SUPERVISION 

Supervision Received: Urban Ranger Supervisor 

Supervision Exercised:  None 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS      

• Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day; work over uneven terrain; and stand, walk, and kneel while performing duties. Ability to lift and carry equipment and perform physical labor. Ability to adapt to stressful situations and shifting priorities.
• Working Environment: Work 10-hour shifts on a variable schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and nights. Primarily outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Uses hand tools to perform basic maintenance tasks. Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers and telephones. Utilizes two-way radio communications. Uses water rescue and animal management equipment as necessary.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: December 2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.

About Us

The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play. 

With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks and a green belt around the city.  With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture.  

Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability and sexuality. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the many programs resources we offer our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization.  

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.