Park Rangers ready for action

Published on May 06, 2022

With temperatures rising and summer starting soon the Jackson County Parks + Rec Rangers are looking forward to assisting park visitors with having a safe and enjoyable time while at one of Jackson County’s 43 parks.  

The 25 rangers provide a law enforcement presence in county parks, campgrounds and lakes. They are tasked with patrolling 22,000 acres of park property to help protect and preserve natural resources. Rangers encounter all types of activities while on patrol. Many of the crimes and activities that take place in the local communities take place in the parks as well. 

According to Major Larry Niederschulte, “Rangers are also challenged by the ever-changing expectations of the public. We try our hardest to be everywhere at the same time, but it is impossible.” 

“Many of our rangers have always enjoyed the outdoors and love to share that same passion with our visitors. We get to share our wealth of knowledge with all who visit,” Niederschulte said.

“The job is very interesting to say the least,” he said. “We have always said no two days are the same.”

In the past year each of the rangers have been issued new body worn cameras and have had new in-car cameras installed in ranger patrol vehicles.

The rangers are currently looking to fill three full-time and three part-time positions. Applicants must have completed a Missouri POST approved Police Academy with at least 800 hours of law enforcement training. Previous law enforcement experience is preferred.