Park Ranger

Gloucester County Job Description

POSITION: Park Ranger

DEPARTMENT: Park Operations

JOB CODE: A104

FLSA: Non-exempt

GRADE: 9

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB: Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of tasks in the day-to-day operation, maintenance and patrol of Beaverdam Park and related facilities. Work involves renting out Jon boats, kayaks and canoes, issuing facility rental permits, ensuring compliance with park rules and regulations by park users, assisting individuals and groups using parks, and maintaining park trails, property, equipment and buildings. Employee is responsible for the safety and security of parks and patrons. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in ensuring safety and security of parks. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with park patrons and the general public.

Reports to Park Supervisor - Operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Patrols the park and related facilities to enforce regulations, ensures security and public safety; maintains order and assists the public in the use of the facilities; calls for police assistance in emergencies such as serious injuries, disorderly conduct or lost children; opens and closes parks and buildings as necessary.
2. Deals with the public concerning matters of park usage; registers individuals and groups for park activities; reserves specific park areas for use by a variety of clubs and organizations or the public; prepares areas or buildings prior to event, cleans and secures area afterward.
3. Inspects park and trail for safety and maintenance concerns; performs general maintenance of park grounds, equipment and facilities; completes tasks such as grass cutting, tree pruning, tree removal, mulching, maintaining flowerbeds and playgrounds; submits work orders for more complicated maintenance needs.
4. Participates in various fee collection for equipment and facility rentals and boat and canoe permits; operates a cash register; performs accounting, daily balance of receipts, and routine financial reporting.
5. Promotes good public relations with citizens using the park and recreation facilities; instructs and advises park users in matters concerning flora, fauna and wildlife present in park areas.
6. Opens and closes parks throughout the County. Performs a variety of duties associated with the daily custodial maintenance of park areas and facilities including cleaning restrooms, picking up trash, emptying trash cans, etc.
7. Assists programs within and outside of Park; conducts interpretive programs for the public; assist with special events to include erecting tents, directing traffic, staffing booths, etc
8. Answers telephone, responds to inquiries, and refers callers to appropriate source.
9. Weighs and identifies fish caught by park patrons; responds to questions on game and fisheries laws.
10. Guides and directs part-time Park Aides, volunteers and court appointed workers as assigned; assists in training of new staff.
11. Maintains activity and park attendance records, submits permits and reservation requests, and performs other clerical support functions.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYEE UTILIZATION IN ADVERSE WEATHER AND EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

All Gloucester County employees are subject to being assigned to specific positions and tasks during a “Declared Emergency” as support personnel, by the County Administrator, the Emergency Management Director, or the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Once assigned, this would be the same as a regular work assignment and all policies and procedures for duty assignments apply. (Please see Gloucester County Administrative Policy 101.1 - Employee Utilization in Adverse Weather and Emergency Conditions.)

JOB LOCATION AND CONDITIONS:

Duties are performed at assigned County locations indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of the standard landscape practices, materials, tools, and equipment such as compact tractors, Z-turn mowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, backpack blowers utilized in park and trail maintenance.

General knowledge of flora and fauna; working knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding wildlife and fisheries management.

Basic knowledge of principles of supervision and organization.

Computer skills with Microsoft Office experience.

Ability to guide and direct the work of others, and to instruct them in proper work methods and procedures.

Ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.

Ability to comprehend or understand instructions and underlying principles; to reason and make judgments; to understand and follow oral and written instructions; to make decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies.

Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, permits, records, purchase orders, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma/GED.

Two (2) years of experience in park operations and maintenance work.

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a valid driver’s license; possess and maintain a driving record that meets established Gloucester County Driving Standards.

Pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination; employee may be subject to subsequent physical examinations to ensure he/she meets job-related physical requirements.

Possession of, or ability to successfully complete within sixty (60) days of employment, Red Cross-approved course in First Aid, AED, and CPR. Certification must be maintained while employed by the County.

Completion of National Association of State Boating Law Administrator approved boat-handling course.