19J - PARK RANGER UPDATE - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: MAY 2, 2017 TITLE: PARK RANGER PROGRAM UPDATE (STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 1, 1) F CI Y MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive and file Park Ranger Update. DISCUSSION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: _-•:• ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For_ CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER The Police Department assumed responsibility for the Park Ranger Program on April 18, 2015. Since then, the Personnel Services Department has received 175 applications for the full -time Park Ranger position. There were 15 applicants who possessed the minimum qualifications required by the job description. All of the full -time 15 applicants that met the minimum qualifications failed a component of the testing process or failed to respond. The Police Department successfully hired one part -time Park Ranger, who has since been separated. There are currently two remaining full -time Park Ranger vacancies; however, the Police Department continues to staff the Park Ranger program at 100 hours per week, including a 40 -hour Park Liaison Officer, a 20 -hour part-time Ranger, and 40 hours of Police Officer overtime. The current Park Ranger classification continues to present recruitment challenges. The position requires completion of a Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic or Extended Basic police academy. Park Ranger candidates that possess a valid POST certificate are regularly hired as Police Officers. Those that are not, have difficulty passing one or more of the Park Ranger testing components, including the Background. The Police Department and Personnel Services Department are currently researching other armed Park Ranger models, which do not require a Basic POST certificate, to present for City Council consideration. The Police Department will be considering armed Park Ranger models that require a shorter academy or training period. Some of these training programs can be completed after the hiring of the successful Park Ranger candidates, thereby increasing the applicant pool. The Police Department will be working with the Personnel Services Agency throughout this process, and will present options for City Council consideration at an upcoming Council meeting. 19J -1