Director, Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy

Temple University's University College (Ambler) is searching for a Director, Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy!

• Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
• Full medical, dental, vision coverage
• 4 weeks vacation
• 9 Paid Holidays 
• 3 Personal Days
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
• A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Salary Grade: T27
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant’s education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

Position Summary
The Director of the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) leads and manages all aspects of Temple University’s PRLEA program. Reporting to the Vice-Provost for University College and Executive Director of Criminal Justice Training Programs, the Director is responsible for strategic growth of the academy, including student recruitment, retention, and program expansion.

This position oversees day-to-day academy operations, including budgeting, scheduling, and oversite of non-credit/continuing education instructors, administrative personnel, role players, and subject matter experts. The Director ensures compliance with all federal and state standards, including National Park Service-Law Enforcement Training Center (NPS-LETC) and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (PA-DCNR) requirements, and maintains strict control over training records, curricula, and specialized equipment.

The individual will direct the proper security, maintenance, and disposition of specialized training equipment including, but not limited to, handcuffs and similar restraint devices, expandable batons, radios, academy-owned firearms (pistols and long guns), various ammunition calibers, uniforms, body armor, patrol vehicles, and less-lethal force options such as pepper spray and electronic control devices (e.g., Tasers).

Key responsibilities include developing and updating curriculum, coordinating campus facilities and equipment, managing financial operations, and evaluating staff performance. The Director represents the academy at annual meetings, job fairs, and professional associations, building relationships with park systems and conservation law enforcement agencies to support enrollment and program visibility.

This is a full time nine-month position that is paid over 12 months, renewable annually subject to PA-DCNR agreement.

Note: This is not a federal or state-certified or commissioned law enforcement position.

Required Education and Experience
The incumbent must meet the minimum standards established by the National Park Service-Law Enforcement Training Center (NPS-LETC).  The incumbent must meet at least one standard set forth in section (1) and at least one standard set forth in section (2).

(1) Academy directors shall satisfy one of the following requirements: 
     a. Possess an associate’s or higher degree in criminal justice, public administration, education or related field. 
     b. Be a graduate of one of the following: 
          •    The Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. 
          •    The Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course. 
          •    The Law Enforcement Instructor Training Course of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. 
          •    The Northwestern University Staff and Command School. 
          •    Other law enforcement training program approved by the NPS. 
*If one of the above is selected the candidate will provide a copy of the certification.

(2) Academy directors shall satisfy one of the following minimum professional experience requirements: 
     a. Ten years in law enforcement, including 5 years at an administrative level.    
     b. Fifteen years increasingly responsible full-time experience as a commissioned federal, state, or county law enforcement officer or municipal            police officer with general police powers.

• Additional Requirements
•       •    Academy directors shall be free of convictions for any disqualifying criminal offense(s). 
•       •    Academy directors shall possess at least 2 years’ experience as a police, law enforcement, or adult education instructor.

Professional certifications are required
      •   An acceptable Methods of Instruction Course or Law Enforcement Instructor Training Course or General Instructor Development Course (copy of certificate required) or a teaching certificate issued by the Department of Education (copy of certificate required) or have full-time employment with academic rank at an accredited college or university (must document).

• Preferred Education and Experience
•       •    Master’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Education, or a related field.
•       •    Experience conducting program audits and preparing accreditation documentation.
•       •    Familiarity with accreditation processes for law enforcement or higher education training programs.
•       •    Experience using Canvas or a comparable Learning Management System (LMS) for course delivery and recordkeeping.
•       •    Demonstrated success growing enrollment or expanding training programs.
•       •    Experience developing partnerships with federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies.
•       •    Advanced proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and outcome assessment to measure program effectiveness.
•       •    Experience with curriculum design or instructional systems development (ISD) in a law enforcement or public safety context.
•       •    Knowledge of best practices in adult learning, scenario-based training, and assessment methodologies.
• Required Skills and Abilities
• Communication and Outreach
•      •   Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking skills for presentations, reports, and outreach programs.
•      •    Strong meeting facilitation and networking skills to collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies, university administrators, and staff.
•      •    Ability to market the PRLEA program and recruit/retain students effectively.
• Leadership and Program Management
•     •    Demonstrated experience directing and supervising instructors, staff, and subject matter experts.
•     •    Proven ability to develop, implement, and audit training programs and policies.
•     •    Skill in anticipating program needs, identifying industry trends, and driving strategic growth.
• Financial and Administrative Skills
•     •    Experience formulating and monitoring budgets, tracking revenues/expenses, and preparing regular financial reports.
•     •   Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work within budget constraints.
•     •    Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and financial tracking software (or equivalent).
• Instructional and Academic Competence
•     •    Knowledge of criminal justice systems and procedures.
•     •    Significant experience as a college or professional/adult education instructor.
•     •    Ability to relate to faculty and administrators, support academic initiatives, and create meaningful learning opportunities for students.

Technical and Operational Knowledge
    •    Familiarity with security, maintenance, and proper handling of law enforcement training equipment (e.g., handcuffs, batons, firearms,                        ammunition, body armor, patrol vehicles, less-lethal devices).

• Professional Qualities
•     •    Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills to address evolving program needs.
•     •    Commitment to institutional values including accountability, teamwork, change leadership, diversity, ethics, and developing others.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report

You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Department of Public Safety at 215-204-7900.