Conservation Unit Ranger

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, supervises, plans, and participates in the management and operation of a designated management unit to include: county parks, access areas, and wildlife management areas.

Job Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance at a specified location in order to perform assigned tasks.

• The Unit Ranger supervises, coordinates, plans and carries out the management of county parks, access areas, wildlife management areas, and facilities and prioritizes these in his/her discretion. 

• Housing as per the Board's residence policy may be provided. This employee is subject to duty at all hours. If residence is provided, the public may contact the employee or a member of his/her family at the residence for general information, assistance, and in cases of emergency. 

• Supervises employees and manages park maintenance and management work such as repair of buildings, tables, fireplaces, tools, equipment, and the maintenance of developed grounds, boat docks, roads, trails, restrooms, boundary fences, erosion control and water and electric systems, etc.

• Promotes and improves facilities and programs by actively recruiting volunteers, securing materials and supplies, raising funds and supervising contractors. 

• Meets the public as required, gives information on facilities, rules and regulations, collects necessary fees, and provides assistance and other services as required. 

• Supervises and participates in the improvement of park facilities. 

• Provides for safety of park users and administers first aid in case of accidents. 

• Oversee the accuracy of records of park use, attendance and fees collected, and has final responsibility for reports. 

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment, vehicles, and power and hand tools. 

• Enforces laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of county parks and supervises other employees' enforcement of applicable laws and regulations. 

• Directly supervises Park Rangers, full-time employees, seasonal employees and volunteers; responsibilities include training employees and developing policies and procedures for employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining; addressing and resolving complaints and problems; and interviewing and hiring personnel. 

• Ensures that employees are properly trained to operate equipment and perform tasks. 

• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

• Administrative and functional supervision is received from the Conservation Executive Director, or other designated official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

• Administrative and functional supervision is exercised over Park Rangers, seasonal employees and volunteers. 

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) or higher in a resource management or related field with three years of experience preferred; or Associate’s degree in resource management or related field with four years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program (Chapter 1, Law Enforcement Academy, Iowa, Department Rules) and successfully complete all training required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy within one (1) year of hire date. Failure to successfully complete the required training shall be grounds for dismissal and expenses related to the required training must be reimbursed by the employee to the Conservation Board.

• Must maintain Peace Officer's Certification current as required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate classifications issued by the State of Iowa.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills and a professional demeanor.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of park management and related subjects.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of proper first aid techniques.

• Ability to enforce all laws and regulations as required.

• Ability to handle stressful situations involving law enforcement and first aid.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to handle confidential work with tact and discretion.

• Ability to respond to common inquires or complaints from the public, agencies or thee business community.

• Ability to give presentations to Conservation Board and public groups.

• Ability to act as a liaison between the Board and public.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with county employees, Conservation Board, outside agencies, and members of the general public

• Skilled in use of all heavy equipment, vehicles, and power and hand tools necessary for proper park management.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and algebra calculations.

• Ability to perform these operations in units of weight, measurements, volume, U.S. currency, area, and distance and converting metric measurements.

• Ability to compute rate, ratio and percentages.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: 

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.

• Position requires frequent exposure to undesirable conditions which may include heat, cold, live or dead animals, human or animal waste, odors, filthy environments and insects.

• Must be able to walk on uneven or heavily wooded ground for the purpose of monitoring programs

• Position requires frequent use of heavy equipment , power and hand tools and exposure to loud noises

Additional Information:

All applicants will be initially evaluated based on the information included in the application only. Therefore, it is important to complete your online application accurately and thoroughly as it relates to the position requirements. Resumes, transcripts, certifications and other supporting documentation may be required for further consideration. Applicants considered best qualified will be asked to continue in the selection process. 

An online application is required. To apply, submit: 1) online application at https://ia-blackhawkcounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/ and 2) proof of education and/or required certification(s). 

An eligible and qualified veteran may be entitled to preference in employment under Iowa Code §35C.1.  A veteran is an individual who meets the definition set forth in Iowa Code §35.1.In order to assert this preference a voluntary veterans preference form must be included. Applicants will receive notifications by email. 

Note: The application contains a required Supplemental Questionnaire. Your responses to these questions will assist in screening applications to determine who continues in the selection process. Responses should be informative and concise; not responding appropriately may eliminate you from consideration. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation.