Seasonal Park Ranger (Rangers)

Johnson County•Oxford, IA

2d•$10 - $30

About The Position

This is a seasonal position working full-time hours for a duration of four-months within Conservation RANGERS. Weekend hours may be required. The pay rate is $17.25/hour; this position is not benefits eligible. Applicants for this position are required to submit a résumé and encouraged to submit a cover letter to provide additional information about their qualifications and interest in the position. The Johnson County Conservation Department strives to provide county residents access to the highest quality healthy natural areas, outdoor recreation opportunities and conservation education. These services are provided at more than 18 sites throughout Johnson County including natural areas, parks, preserves, and trails. The Conservation Department headquarters are located at the 1,062 acre F.W. Kent Park, with additional operations centers located at Cangleska Wakan, Pechman Creek Delta, and Sutliff. DEFINITION AND DUTIES: Under general supervision of the Park Ranger II, provide a variety of services in the overall management of Kent Park and other areas in the county that are managed by the Johnson County Conservation Board. Perform routine and special patrol duties, and inform park visitors of the rules and regulations. Maintain positive public relations, provide directions and information. Assist Conservation staff with work activities, special projects, maintenance of campground and beach, and weekend clean-up. Knowledge of: Native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Johnson County Basic natural sciences Principles and practices of park management and maintenance Procedures and objectives of Fish and Game Management Programs Johnson County Conservation Board rules and regulations, Iowa Fish and Game laws, and other State laws that apply to public areas English language to include basic grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation Ability to: Learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures Make decisions requiring interpretation of policy Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner Meet, understand and assist the general public under various conditions, acting in the best interest of the Johnson County Conservation Board Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies (including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources personnel and Johnson County Sheriff's Office) and members of the public Communicate and work well with persons of various age groups representing diverse backgrounds, interests and points of view Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases Operate radio and automotive equipment including a patrol unit vehicle and ATV Use a computer for purposes of data entry and word processing Operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax machines, photocopiers and telephones Understand and follow written and oral instructions Organize and present factual information and ideas clearly and concisely, in oral and written form Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl Have sufficient vision which permits long periods of keen observation as well as production and review of materials in electronic and hardcopy form Have sufficient manual dexterity to operate keyboard, mouse, and make legible handwritten notations Handle low to moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position Perform moderate manual labor for extended periods of time Work outdoors in different terrains in all types of weather conditions Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county areas Fulfill duty call at all times and work a five-day work week including weekends during the spring and summer season

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent and enrollment in a post-secondary program; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
CPR and First Aid Certification.
Valid driver's license and insurable under county liability coverage.
Must pass background check.

Nice To Haves

Natural resource related work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist visitors in understanding and promoting Conservation Board regulations while maintaining effective public relations.
Assist Park Rangers with the performance of their duties.
Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform.
Assist campground attendants in operation of Kent Park Campground.
Perform beach maintenance and patrol during operation hours.
Inform visitors of the regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue warnings if needed to violators.
Collect user fees, distribute maps and brochures.
Answer questions relating to the program, facilities, flora, fauna and other natural resources of the areas.
Promote safety for area visitors and administer first aid in case of minor injury.
Keep informed on matters relating to Conservation Board policy and the Director's administrative directives.
Assist Conservation staff with work activities and special projects such as the annual catfish raising project and the bluebird nesting program.
Complete reports as assigned by the Director.
Provide back-up coverage in absence of the Park Rangers I and II.
Perform emergency grounds maintenance in the areas as needed.
Attend work-related meetings and training sessions as requested.
Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.