Park Ranger

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: 

Interested applicants must possess Certified Peace Officer certification through the IA Law Enforcement Academy, Iowa Pesticide Applicators License, CPR & Iowa Law Enforcement Emergency Care Provider 1st Responder certification, S-130/190 Basic Wildland Firefighter certification, and a Valid Iowa Class A CDL with proof of insurance or earn these in the first year of employment.

PARK RANGER DEFINITION: 

A full time permanent position under the general direction of the Executive Director, manages and maintains all Clay County Conservation Board management areas. The Park Ranger is responsible for developing and coordinating work projects for themselves and seasonal employees, maintaining all park equipment and facilities, and enforcing all park rules and regulations in management areas.

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION: 

This position requires the operation of all types of equipment including trucks, tractors, mowing equipment, chainsaw, weed eater, power tools, wood splitter, watercraft and all types of hand tools. This position requires travel to all areas managed by the Conservation Board and periodic travel to meetings throughout the State.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: 

Care and maintenance of all areas managed by the CCCB including mowing, cleaning, equipment, facility maintenance and repair, painting, trail construction and other work as required or requested by the Executive Director.              

Assists in the development of work project lists and prioritizing work projects for completion.  Supervises all seasonal employees on work projects and routine maintenance work.  Responsible for the construction, placement and maintenance of park signs and regulation materials.              

Provides for the safety of park users and administers first aid when necessary.     

Inspects all equipment and facilities to ensure the safe condition of park for users and employees. Provides information and presents public relation programs to the public as needed.  Enforces all Federal, State and County rules and regulations to ensure a safe environment for park users and the public.              

Collects required fees for the use of parks and facilities, makes deposits, records receipts and attendance of park use.              

Orders supplies for park maintenance, assist with prioritizing needed equipment purchases and prepares monthly reports as instructed by the Executive Director.              

Responsible for opening and closing parks on an annual basis, including closing the campground's water and electrical system, removing docks and centralizing picnic tables.     

Annual inspection of management area boundary fences, including repairing fences as needed.            

Preforms other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: 

Normal work week is 40 hours but must be available to work irregular hours including weekends, nights, and holidays. Assist with administrative duties as requested.          

Involved in the management of existing native prairie areas and reestablished prairie sites through controlled burns, grass seeding and brush control.           

Involved in the management of existing woodlands and reestablished woodland sites through timber stand improvement techniques, additional seedling planting, weed competition control through herbicide application and mowing.     

Assist the CCCB Naturalist in presenting environmental education programs to school groups, civic organizations, or the general public.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

Ability to work in all types of environmental conditions and perform strenuous physical work.     

Thorough knowledge of all the Conservation Board's policies, procedures, and regulations.                

Considerable knowledge of equipment and vehicle usage, maintenance, and repair.  Basic knowledge of materials, methods and techniques used in construction of buildings and facilities within managed areas. Basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing and septic systems used in park areas.                

Ability to express yourself both verbally and in writing.  Good leadership skills and abilities.

QUALIFICATIONS                  

Graduate from a 4-year accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural resource related field and experience in park management or an Associate's Degree from an accredited 2-year college with major course work related to the natural resource field plus a minimum of 2-years' experience in an outdoor recreation or related field.                  

Interested applicants must possess, and/or earn within first year of employment, Certified Peace Officer certification through the IA Law Enforcement Academy, a valid Iowa Class A CDL, IA Pesticide Applicators License, CPR/Iowa Law Enforcement Emergency Care Provider, S-130/190 Basic Wildland Firefighter certification.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Ability to routinely stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, climb and operate all hand and power tools for extended periods of time. They must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work outdoors where a moderate exposure to injury is possible. They must be able to balance, climb and routinely lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 75 -100 pounds.  Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position.  Ability to work without supervision.   

STARTING PAY: 

$37,500 - $42,500 annually (based on experience, credentials, and professional training)