PARK RANGER (CONSERVATION) (Easter Lake)

Under the general supervision of the Parks Superintendent, provides visitor services, resource and wildlife protection, building and grounds maintenance, fee collection, law and safety enforcement, educational and recreational programming, pollution control, public relations, and related duties for the Polk County Parks system which includes natural areas, trails, greenways, recreational facilities, wildlife, and recreational areas.  

 Illustrative Examples of Work:

1. Participates in the planning, coordination, and scheduling of work and participates in the day-to-day maintenance, repair, and care of park grounds, and equipment within assigned county parks and associated greenways, trails, natural areas, wildlife, and recreational areas;  participates in  conservation, recreation, education, and natural resource activities; may direct the work of volunteers and seasonal staff; may oversee concessionaire activities. 
2. Inspects facilities and premises to identify maintenance needs and safety hazards; reviews work for compliance with work standards; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety and health regulations.
3. Answers questions and provides information to the public on park services; informs the public and employees of park rules and regulations and ensures compliance; assists visitors with campsite registration.
4. Collects fees from users of park facilities; ensures proper and accurate accounting of receipts; maintains records of park activities and operations, including attendance; compiles data and prepares fiscal and statistical reports.
5. Participates in specialized natural resource projects such as prescribed fire burns, timber stand improvement, wildlife habitat improvement, fishery habitat, reforestation, prairie rehabilitation, wetland restoration, enhancing nature trails, hazardous material handling, and pesticide applications. 
6. Patrols park and related areas enforcing laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of county parks; issues summons, and may arrest persons abusing facilities or violating state, county, or local laws and regulations; may counsel, advise, or detain individuals whose actions endanger persons and/or property; cooperates and coordinates with local law enforcement agency activities; keeps management apprised of activities. Prepares various forms, reports, case files, and investigative and follow-ups on criminal activity. May be required to appear and testify in court. 
7. Responds to situations, including emergencies, involving public safety and protection of public property; administers CPR/AED and first aid as necessary; implements procedures to ensure a safe park environment and security of public property.
8. Participates in the routine care and maintenance of equipment used in the park operations, including but not limited to tractors, snow plows, mowers, log splitters, and chainsaws. etc.; inspects boats in the area as required.
9. Participates in the planning, development, and implementation of various park public relations programs, including recreational and educational opportunities, talks on flora, fauna, hunter safety, matters of historical interest, etc.; makes presentations to public groups to promote conservation practices.
10. Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in parks/natural resource management. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to conservation/natural resource management.
• Knowledge of security and law enforcement practices pertaining to the protection of persons/public property.
• Knowledge of the materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and care of park buildings, grounds, and equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions pertaining to park maintenance and grounds keeping activities.
• Ability to inspect buildings, premises, and other facilities to identify hazards and determine appropriate maintenance requirements.
• Ability to enforce park rules and regulations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to safely operate various tools, materials, and equipment necessary for proper park maintenance. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and resolving disputes with diplomacy, tact, and persuasion.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and tact in interactions with members of the public.
• Ability to direct, instruct, and coordinate the work of staff involved in park operations.
• Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, contract staff, and the general public. 
• Ability to assist and interact effectively with non-English speaking visitors.
• Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods and walk and/or run on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor in inclement weather and lift/carry up to 60 lbs.

Training and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation, or a related field, or
• Associate’s degree in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation, or related field, and
• Two years experience in the management of a public park, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Certification required.

Special Requirements:

• Completion of  Pesticide Applicator Certification within six months of hire. 
• Completion of CPR/AED and First Aid within six months of hire. 
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to the final offer of employment.
• Pre-employment physical and MMPI is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.