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Park Sergeant
The Sergeant serves as a front-line supervisor for officers working across the state. The Sergeant is a commissioned law enforcement officer within the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), overseeing and actively patrolling multiple ADPHT properties. This leadership position ensures public safety, protects Arkansas's natural and cultural resources, and promotes lawful recreation through professional law enforcement practices.
Class Code:
SPL04C
Job Grade:
LES04
Special Job Requirements:
Typical Functions:
Lead and manage regional law enforcement operations across multiple state parks within an assigned region. Ensure regional adherence to all Arkansas State Parks law enforcement policies, procedures, and safety regulations. Direct law enforcement activities during critical incidents, special events, or coordinated enforcement operations. Serve as the regional incident commander during emergencies, natural disasters, or large-scale investigations. Monitor and assess safety risks, criminal activity, and enforcement needs within the region to develop action plans, which include resource deployment. Manage regional reports, documentation, budget planning, equipment inventory, and resource allocation. Collaborate with the Park Lieutenant Colonel and other Majors to ensure consistency and efficiency across the state. Oversee regional training compliance, firearms qualifications, and readiness for emergency deployment. Supervises staff by interviewing, recommending staff for hire/fire, assigning and reviewing work, counseling, and evaluating the performance of incumbents. Handle employee relations issues and participate in disciplinary proceedings when necessary. Respond professionally to complaints, concerns, or inquiries related to park law enforcement operations. Preform administrative support by approving leave, training, assigned duties, schedules, and performance evaluations. Serve as a committee chair over one of the emergency services teams. Serve as a law enforcement instructor and field training officer for the department. Duties include patrolling for possible thefts, illegal hunting and vandalism and other violations, making physical arrests, testifying in court, assisting local agencies, and administering first aid. Enforce Arkansas’s traffic and criminal statutes, and park-specific rules or park directives, and regulations, including applicable Arkansas Game and Fish laws. This includes making arrests and issuing warnings and/or citations as needed.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, motivate, and manage law enforcement teams in a high-accountability environment. Conflict resolution and decision-making skills in fast-paced and dynamic settings. Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder interactions. Ability to coordinate effectively with internal departments, local law enforcement, and emergency services. High ethical standards and professional integrity in all decision-making. Strong situational awareness and the ability to exercise sound judgment under pressure. Proactive leadership in emergency or unpredictable situations. Ability to adapt to evolving enforcement needs and organizational changes. Ability to mentor and teach law enforcement aspects to rangers in training and other law enforcement rangers.
Minimum Qualifications:
At least four years of experience in law enforcement, including at least two years in a leadership capacity. This position is subject to 24-hour calls, must be able to traverse rough terrain, work a varied shift including weekends, evenings, and holidays, work in inclement weather and carry a firearm while on duty.
Required Certificates:
Must be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Exempt:
N