After  reviewing  the  articles,  videos  and  Department’s  recruitment  info,  please  use  the  memo assignment template to present a memo addressing the CA Department of Parks and Recreation’s *recruitment challenges and recommendations. *Important  Note:  This  memo  should  ONLY  be  focused  on  recruitment  –  attracting  the  most applicants  possible  so  that  there  is  a  large  pool  of  qualified  people  to  choose  from  for  available positions. You will have the choice of using this same case study for your retention memo assignment to address the turnover the department has experienced.  

Background:

In 2018, the San Diego Union Tribune published an article – Only 4 rangers patrolling 1,000-square-mile Anza-Borrego desert – which detailed the severe staffing shortages of park rangers and dispatchers as a result of recruitment and retention issues.  These rangers provide important roles to support visitors and serve as Peace Officers to keep the visitors safe.  A CA Department of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman stated,  “hiring  diverse,  qualified  and  talented  people  to  help  us  serve  our  visitors  and  take  care  of  the nation’s  largest  state  park  system  has  been  a  challenge…all  280  park  units  have  staffing  challenges.” Videos  produced  by  the  Resource  Protection  Peace  Officers  Association  –  the  union  representing  the employees  (see part  I  and part  II  of  the  videos  with  union  representatives)  have  employees  discussing some  of  the  challenges.  The  department  launched  a  new  recruitment  effort  – “Live  the  Parks  Life”  to support recruitment of state lifeguards and rangers. You can also find YouTube Videos #WeAreParks.