Lead Park Ambassador

JOB SUMMARY

This seasonal Park Ambassador, Lead role oversees park operations and provides in-field guidance to Park Ambassadors, ensuring safe and enjoyable use of city parks and water recreation areas. The position advances resource protection and visitor education through effective interpretation of park rules, fostering compliance and positive engagement. Serving as a key representative of the parks system, this role supports the organization’s mission to preserve natural resources and enhance community experiences from May through Labor Day.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure safe and enjoyable use of city parks and water recreation areas by monitoring visitor activity and supporting compliance with park rules and local ordinances.
• Provide leadership and in-field direction to seasonal Park Ambassadors, including training, scheduling, and performance monitoring, to ensure alignment with Parks and Recreation standards and objectives.
• Conduct daily staff briefings, communicate policies and procedures, and ensure team accountability for assigned duties and customer service excellence.
• Serve as a professional and approachable resource for visitors, modeling effective customer service and educating patrons on park information, rules, and reservation requirements.
• Promote compliance of local regulations and ordinances through education and positive engagement; escalate compliance issues to City Marshal Department personnel when necessary.
• Support park operations by monitoring facility conditions, reporting maintenance needs, verifying admission tickets, and assisting with crowd control and traffic flow during events or peak periods.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, and vandalism reports; ensure completeness and accuracy of staff records and advise leadership on significant developments.
• Coordinate activities with other city departments and public safety agencies as needed to ensure smooth park operations.
• Participate in specialized training and operate communication equipment effectively to support team coordination and emergency response.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to advance park safety, resource protection, and visitor experience.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of supervisory experience is required.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• CPR/First Aid Certification is required, and training will be provided by the City of San Marcos.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual English/Spanish

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of city organization, operations, policies, and procedures; applicable codes and ordinances; and geography of parks and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of effective customer service principles and practices to ensure positive visitor experiences.
• Skill in clear and professional communication, both verbal and written, including the ability to educate patrons on park rules and mediate non-compliance situations effectively.
• Skill in leadership and team coordination, including training, motivating, and guiding staff while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands in a dynamic environment, working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with city employees, departments, and the public.
• Ability to apply policies and procedures appropriately to maintain safety and create an atmosphere that encourages a secure and enjoyable park experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires the ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally. Job is primarily standing and walking throughout the river parks system. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, vision, hearing and talking frequently; lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing and balancing occasionally. Park Ambassadors shall be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to assume and competently perform all duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve outdoor work, in the heat, sun, high humidity, rain and wind; occasionally exposed to slippery surfaces and noise around crowds.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Retirement

• Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) - Individual trust replacing Social Security
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
  

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Employee Assistance Program
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

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• City of San Marcos, TX

• 512-393-8060

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