The Westchester County Department of Public Safety is accepting applications for seasonal park rangers to patrol County parks this summer. Applications are due by February 17 and are available online at the Department of Public Safety’s web pages:

 http://publicsafety.westchestergov.com.

Uniformed park rangers work under the supervision of County Police officers to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere in the county’s parks. They assist park users, provide information on park rules and procedures, help in searches for lost children, perform basic first aid on occasion and make regular security checks of buildings and facilities.

First-time park rangers are paid $17 hourly. Salaries are higher for those who have worked as a ranger for the County before.

To qualify, applicants must be a high school graduate, at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and possess a valid New York State driver’s license by the time of appointment. Preference in hiring may be shown to Westchester residents. The application form may be found in the Employment: Seasonal Park Rangers section of the Department website.

Accepted candidates must complete a 162-hour peace officer training program at the Westchester County Police Academy. Park rangers are paid during this Academy training.

Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said persons interested in law enforcement careers often benefit greatly from the experience gained by working as summer park rangers.

“By working under the supervision of Westchester County Police officers, park rangers get a unique view into the law enforcement field and the potential career opportunities that exist,” Raynor said.

 Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over one million.  Originally home to Native Americans, who were members of the Lenape tribe, it is today a rich mix of many cultures and landscapes.  The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque towns as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of 6 cities, 19 towns and 20 villages.  Westchester County is known for top-notch public schools, and a high quality of life.  The County is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world changing non-profits, and cutting-edge research centers.  Westchester is led by County Executive George Latimer, who took office in January 2018 as the ninth County Executive. Using inclusion and openness as a foreground, Latimer is fighting to make Westchester a destination for all people to live, work and enjoy. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com