Park Deputy

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$25.69- $29.96

Looking for an opportunity to combine law enforcement with the outdoors? As a Park Deputy, you will help maintain safety and order across Oakland County Parks while protecting visitors, property, and natural spaces. This role allows you to engage with the public, respond to emergencies, and ensure parks remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

What You’ll Do
• Patrol Oakland County Parks to enforce state laws and local ordinances.
• Respond to and investigate complaints involving accidents, property damage, disturbances, and other park-related incidents.
• Answer emergency calls involving illness, injury, fire, or other disruptions to park operations.
• Provide emergency first aid services and assist with initial fire response until emergency personnel arrive.
• Respond to emergency situations and assist in making arrests when necessary.
• Supervise trusty (inmate) work details assigned within the parks.
• Complete reports and daily activities using Countywide and department-specific software systems.

Why You’ll Love It
• Work outdoors while helping protect Oakland County’s parks and natural resources.
• Play an important role in ensuring visitors have a safe and enjoyable park experience.
• Be part of a professional law enforcement team serving the community.
• Gain experience responding to a variety of situations including public safety, emergency response, and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Be a High School graduate or have certificate of successful completion of the General Education Development Test (GED).

2. Have had at least two (2) years of full-time experience as a police officer, military, corrections, or Federal Law Enforcement officer; OR

3. a. Have had at least one (1) year of full-time work experience as an Oakland County Sheriff’s

Office Corrections Deputy; OR

b. Possess current MCOLES license OR be currently attending a Police Academy training or its equivalent (as required by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES); OR

NOTE: Must have successfully completed the police academy and be eligible to be licensed prior to the date of hire.

c. Be an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy, Marine Deputy, Mounted Deputy, or Park Deputy and have completed 1,000 hours of service; OR

d. Successful completion of a Reserve Police Academy and completion of 1,000 hours of service.

4. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

5. Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law including domestic violence. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law and liquor law. Generally, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying).

6. Have at least 20/20 corrected vision with both eyes and have normal color vision and depth perception in both eyes.

7. Have normal corrected hearing in each ear, per Michigan Commission On Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

Must maintain firearms qualification and deputy status.

A  background investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, credit criminal, military or other personal records.  Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff’s Office before an applicant can be appointed.  Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision.  Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO PARKS & RECREATION

Patrols County parks to enforce State Law statutes and Local and Park ordinances and Park Rules by assisting and informing the public and by issuing citations when necessary.

Answers and investigates complaints made by the general public regarding accidents, property damage, and other crimes and problems occurring in County parks. 

Prepares accident reports or other reports indicating findings on a situation and submits to supervisor.

Responds to disturbances and maintains order in the parks by warning individuals, arresting or citing disorderly persons, and enforcing park rules and regulations.  Makes arrests.

Answers emergency calls in case of illness, injury, fire, or other disruptions in the daily operations of the parks.  May provide emergency first aid services until assistance arrives and provides first response fire‑fighting service until local firefighting units arrive.

Patrols County parks in the winter to enforce Michigan Snowmobile Law P.A. 451, and other state and local laws by assisting and informing the public and by issuing citations when necessary.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES

Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to guard an area for a full eight hour day, operate a motor vehicle, speak and give commands, perform inspections and deliver items.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed inside a building or may be in a motor vehicle.  May need to go outside to deliver items or search areas.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Reasonable ability to make decisions under adverse conditions.

Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Reasonable ability and skills in writing general reports.

Reasonable ability to provide information to the general public.

Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Reasonable ability and skill in maintaining prescribed items of uniform clothing and personal equipment issued by the department.

Reasonable knowledge of first-aid methods.

Some experience performing security work that requires the exercise of independent judgment based on reasonable knowledge of security practices and procedures.

Night vision certification.

Instrument rated in rotocraft or fixed wing aircraft.

Possess current Flight Instructor Certification in rotocraft or fixed wing aircraft.

Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.