As an Open Space and Parks Ranger assigned to Animal Control, you’ll play a key role in protecting the welfare of animals and the safety of the community. This uniformed, non-sworn position enforces City ordinances related to animal care and control, as well as park, trail, and open space regulations.

You’ll respond to calls for service, investigate animal-related complaints, conduct patrols, and educate the public on responsible pet ownership and wildlife safety. This role combines enforcement, community outreach, and environmental stewardship, requiring strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and integrity.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

Enforce City ordinances related to animals, including stray, dangerous, or neglected animals.
Humanely capture, transport, and care for animals as needed.
Investigate complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, bites, or nuisance animals; coordinate rabies quarantines and public safety notifications.
Educate the community on responsible pet ownership, licensing, vaccinations, sterilization, and leash and waste laws.
Patrol City parks, open spaces, trails, and river corridors by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, or on foot to promote public safety and protect natural resources.
Enforce park and trail regulations and address violations such as littering, vandalism, trespassing, and unauthorized camping.
Respond to emergencies and accidents in parks and open spaces; provide basic first aid and coordinate with emergency responders.
Conduct security checks and investigations related to dumping, closures, and property encroachments.
Provide public education on park use, environmental protection, and wildlife safety.
Collaborate with local law enforcement, animal welfare agencies, and partner organizations such as Colorado Parks and Wildlife and La Plata County
Prepare clear, accurate reports of enforcement actions and incidents; testify in court as needed.
Represent the City of Durango and the Police Department with professionalism, integrity, and excellent customer service.
Maintain departmental equipment and vehicles in safe working condition.
Work a rotating schedule that may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.

You Have:

A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Possession of or the ability to obtain the following certifications:
1. Animal Capture & Handling
2. Animal Cruelty Investigation and Forensic Documentation
3. First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
4. Leave No Trace & Trail Etiquette
5. Watercraft or Paddle Craft Operations
6. Rabies & Quarantine Procedures
The ability to obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification upon hire.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

Communicate clearly and calmly with community members, even in stressful or emotional situations.
Exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions when responding to animal-related incidents or emergencies.
Safely and humanely handle, capture, and transport animals while protecting public and animal safety.
Build collaborative relationships with the public, coworkers, and partner agencies through professionalism, empathy, and teamwork.

What We Can Offer You:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays
401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan
Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
Long-term disability coverage
Paid FMLA
Commitment to employee wellness:
1. Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
2. Resiliency Program: Offers guidance, coaching, and confidential support for mental well-being. Earn 8 hours of PTO for each bi-annual counseling session attended.
3. Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Ice Rink and Ski Area
4. Participation in holistic Employee Wellness Program
Free transit pass and family member discounts
Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning
Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations

To view the full job description, click here.

City of Durango

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Animal Control Ranger