Park Police Officer I

Join the award-winning Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) team and help make a real impact in this community! As part of our National Gold Medal Award–winning organization, you’ll help bring joy, adventure, and enrichment to millions each year. JCPRD welcomes over 7 million visitors to our parks and engages 3 million+ participants in more than 4,000 programs—and we’re still growing. 

When you work at JCPRD, you’re joining a team recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service. Enjoy outstanding benefits, retirement plans, employee incentives, and a workplace culture built on passion, creativity, and teamwork. 

Named Best Large Employer in Johnson County for two years running, JCPRD is the perfect place to grow your career, make a difference, and have fun doing it. Come work where you play—and help us inspire healthier, happier lives for everyone! 

The Johnson County Park & Recreation District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Park Police Officer I who have strong communication and interpersonal skills and enjoy community policing. If you are such a person, we strongly encourage you to join our progressive Gold Medal Team as the District continues unprecedented growth through the development of new parks, trails, recreation facilities, programs and events. 

 Park Police Officer I is an entry level law enforcement position. A Park Police Officer I performs uniformed patrol of JCPRD properties as assigned, protects and assists park visitors, safeguards facilities and park resources, enforces Kansas laws and JCPRD Park Codes, detects crimes, and arrests offenders. The Park Police Officer I also presents interpretive and other educational programs on cultural and environmental topics. 

Scheduled hours provide for a 40-hour work week with variable hours and shifts. After training the Park Police Officer I should have a good knowledge of JCPRD operations and is able to articulate same to persons seeking information.

• Provide law enforcement services for JCPRD. Enforce federal, and state law as well as park code of regulations, Interviews victims and complainants.
• Detects and deters criminal activity and facility security issues; arrest of criminals; acts as ordered by the Courts of law; completes paperwork for court proceedings/documentation, case files or investigative reports; reviews criminal history reports, completes background checks, and investigates findings.
• Investigate reported criminal activity; Searches vehicles for drugs or paraphernalia, performs sobriety tests, pulls over speeding vehicles and issues citations.
• Protect natural resources; Assist fire departments and emergency medical professionals; performs search and rescue operations and searches for missing persons; Assists other law enforcement agencies.
• Present interpretive programming providing nature, historical, cultural, and recreational educational opportunities.
• Provide visitor services to park visitors providing information on events, facilities, programs, locations, and the natural environment. Ensure a safe environment within the parks and district facilities.
• Starting Pay is $28.78 per hour (no experience).  Certified Officers, please ask.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent. 
• Ability to complete the Regional Police Academy and Field Training Program (training is paid) during performance trial period.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Able to pass background investigation and polygraph examination. No felony convictions, no domestic violence convictions, diversions, or expungements.
• Good moral character.
• Complete a psychological evaluation. 

Preferred Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Science field, Criminal Justice or relevant field or equivalent combination of college course work and law enforcement experience.  

Education/Experience Substitutions:           

• Experience may be substituted for degree.
• Education may be substituted for experience.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

Sensory abilities, including special vision and/or hearing requirements

Excessive standing and/or walking

Exposure to extreme temperatures

Exposure to heights

Exposure to loud noises

Lifting: 150lbs

Shift work 24/7

Safety-sensitive job

Weather essential job

All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation

Uniform Required

Travel Required: 95% Local, 5% outside Johnson County

JCPRD requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department. 

POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL ALL VACANCIES ARE FILLED.