Individual Placement - Park Ranger Assistant

Student Conservation Association•Bern Township, PA

About The Position

Interns at Blue Marsh Lake will assist US Army Corps of Engineer Park Rangers with water safety outreach, recreation area maintenance and visitor related duties. Blue Marsh Lake is a 6,200-acre federal project located near Reading, PA, serving up to 1,000,000 visitors annually. Work completed by SCA Interns will directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of park visitors, as well as the conservation and protection of natural resources at the project. Daily work will include interacting with the public and assisting Park Ranger and Natural Resource Specialists with administering the recreation and environmental stewardship program. Interns will be exposed to and have an opportunity to participate in support of additional programs such as Flood Risk Management (Dam Safety/Operations) and the workplace safety program.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old on the start date.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English.
Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds.
Available to work evening shifts (occasional), weekends (all with minor exceptions), and holidays (all) throughout the recreation season
Must be willing to wear personal protection equipment as required and in accordance with training
Must complete all training provided by the government (vehicle driving safety, water safety, first aid/CPR, other trainings as assigned
Must wear SCA provided attire while on duty.

Nice To Haves

Comfortable to engage with the public.
Experience operating power tools or using basic maintenance tools/equipment.

Responsibilities

Assisting park rangers with the operation of the recreation areas during periods of high visitation.
Interns may be trained to assist park staff with traffic direction duties in developed areas.
Interns will be provided with training on interpretive techniques and project history and can provide project tours and guided hikes.
Promoting the USACE Water Safety mission by providing roving interpretation at the swim beach.
The interns may also assist with setting up and staffing water safety booths at community events and will provide water safety information to the public, while representing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Assisting the Environmental Stewardship program with data collection including vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, and water quality monitoring and testing.
Performing maintenance to public use areas and hiking trails.
Conduct monthly facility and equipment safety inspections in support of USACE safety program.
May complete some clerical duties such as printing/copying/laminating notices, posters, or public outreach materials.
May assist with light maintenance or grounds-keeping to non-recreation areas (such as administrative areas) in support of overall project mission.