About Wood County Parks

PARK OFFICER

Status: Full-time; Pay Grade: 6

Starting Salary: $24.00 ($49,920.00)

Reports to: Park Police Chief

Classification: Regular – Employee does not routinely supervise other employees.

Requirements:

• Ohio Peace Officer Certification and a high school diploma or G.E.D., Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred with a focus of study in law enforcement, natural resources, or other related field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Employment prerequisites may include passing any or all of the following: comprehensive background investigation, polygraph testing, drug screen, psychological testing and/or an oral interview.

The position of Park Officer directly involves, but is not limited to the following illustrative duties:

1. 1. 1. 1. Uniformly enforces all Park District rules and regulations, laws of the State of Ohio, and the laws of the United States of America; exercises all the powers of police officers within and adjacent to the lands under the jurisdiction and control of the board or when acting as otherwise lawfully authorized; patrols park lands and adjacent properties by motor vehicle, bicycle, and on foot; etc.
         2. Conducts investigations of criminal activity.
         3. Operates police equipment such as semi-automatic handgun, pump shotgun, rifles, Tasers, handcuffs, and baton.
         4. Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Park District issued equipment such as patrol car, firearms, computer equipment, etc.
         5. Prepares a variety of reports and court documents.
         6. May participate in bicycle patrol program.
         7. Assists in the development and implementation of various community policing programs.
         8. Performs maintenance duties as needed, including but not limited to: litter collection, cleaning restrooms, shelter cleaning, snow removal, and other duties as directed.
         9. Responsible for specific operational duties such as recordkeeping, property room management, closed circuit video camera operation, field training officer, range instructor, defensive tactics trainer, and First Aid/CPR instructor and other duties as directed.
         10. May serve as the leader for specific community groups involved in Adopt-ATrail, Adopt-A-Park, Park Watch, park advisory committees, and other community involvement programs.
         11. Develops and implements public programs pertaining to first aid, hunter safety, fishing, bicycle safety, trail use and safety, career programs, and other related areas of interest.
         12. Oversees parking, provides security and on-site emergency response for major events on Park District properties.
         13. Coordinate and administer Park District public hunting program.
         14. Responsible for rental facility meetings, closing and opening of parks.
         15. May assist with Park District burn crew.
         16. May attend training/seminars as assigned by the park police chief or director.
         17. Works with other Park District departments on projects as needed.
         18. Serves as a member of various Tactical Objectives Teams.
         19. Maintains current CPR and First Aid certifications.
         20. Works flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
         21. Performs other duties as assigned by the park police chief or director that are deemed appropriate and necessary for the position.
         22. This position may complete assignments using skills involving the operation of office equipment, computers, cleaning, typing, filing, public speaking, organization skills, writing, completing paperwork, working with chemicals or cleaning agents, motor vehicle operation, operating brooms, sweepers, mops or other janitorial equipment.
         23. Must be team oriented and willing to work to build an atmosphere of teamwork in the workplace with staff at all levels.

I retired from Bowling Green State University in July, 2015.  My last position was that of Chief Human Resources Officer. I worked for over thirty -two years in the field of Human Resources.  I graduated from the University of Iowa and grew up in Georgia and Iowa.  I am an active volunteer in our community recently including Kiwanis, WCBDD, BGCF, WCH Foundation, and BG Downtown Foundation.  I am passionate about National, State and Local Parks and enjoy spending time camping with my partner, Sherman Moody, especially in State Parks. I am also a huge BGSU, University of Iowa and Georgia Bulldogs sports enthusiast. I have two sons, Ben Baldwin, a nurse in Toledo, and Nic Baldwin, a professor in Chicago, along with his wife Danielle Smith who is a disability professional in the Chicago Public Schools System.

Jonathan Smith has been a lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio, graduating from BGSU with a bachelor’s degree in business finance and a minor in applied statistics in 2008. Mr. Smith is married to Amanda Smith, and together they have 4 children: Lucy, Liam, Abram and Scout. You will find him and his family visiting and exploring the parks and playgrounds in the area as often as possible.

Professionally, Mr. Smith is the Agency Principal for SL & Associates and COO for Smith Bonds & Surety. Mr. Smith is involved in many organizations in the community and brings experience of serving on multiple boards to the Wood County Park District. Mr. Smith has previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Fort Meigs Union Cemetery, Chairman of Perrysburg Board of Zoning Appeals, Visit Perrysburg Board Member, Wood County Transportation Improvement District Board Member, and was elected to Perrysburg City Council in 2015, concluding his term in 2023 as Council President. Mr. Smith currently also serves on the BGSU Alumni Board, and as Treasurer for Cub Scout Pack 209. He is also a proud member of the Perrysburg Rotary Club, St. Rose Catholic Church, Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and BNI – COBRA Chapter.

Wendy is originally from Fremont, Ohio. She graduated Fremont Ross High School and then BGSU with a degree in Elementary Education. Wendy taught school from 1972-78. In 1975, Wendy married Thomas Headley. They Headley Family moved to BG in 1980 when Thom was hired to be the BGHS Band Director. In 1987, Wendy became a licensed Realtor in the State of Ohio working for Broker Realty for 1 year before joining the team at AA Green Realty. Wendy works full time at AA Green Realty.

Wendy and Thomas Headley have 2 sons. Matthew is an Intervention specialist at the Elmwood School District. Matt is married to Sara and they have 3 sons all of whom are involved with the Scouting program. Matt is the cubmaster for troop 344. They live in the Eastwood District. Their youngest son, Drew Headley is a Realtor with AA Green Realty. He is married to Jocelyn and they have 2 daughters. They live in Bowling Green. Drew is involved with the BG Chamber of Commerce and has been affiliated with the Bowling Green School Foundation for many years. Wendy has been actively involved with the BG Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bowling Green’s Revolving Loan Fund committee. She has also served on the Board for The Cocoon. The Headleys attend St John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg where Thomas is Deacon.

Kathy Attwood is a Wood County Master Gardener with a strong history of volunteer work at the W.W. Knight Preserve and the J.C. Reuthinger Preserve. She is an active member of the Country Garden Club of Perrysburg and the Friends of the Wood County Parks. She has served on the boards of the Country Garden Club of Perrysburg, the Toledo Museum of Art Library League, and the Alliance Française de Toledo. Kathy has years of professional leadership experience in a variety of roles.

A retired grain farmer from Liberty Township, Paul continues to stay active in the family farm, now operated by his son. With years of service to the community, he’s contributed to many organizations including the Wood Soil and Water Conservation Board, Ohio Corn Marketing Board, Ohio Small Grain Marketing Program Board, and the Wood County Committee on Aging Board of Directors. He’s also a dedicated member of the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club.