Larimer County Job Opening

                      POSITION TITLE:   SEASONAL PARK RANGER - HERMIT PARK (IN ESTES PARK)

                POSITION NUMBER:   POL.1473

                          DEPARTMENT:   NATURAL RESOURCES

                 STARTING SALARY:   $8.00 - $12.00 PER HOUR (DOQ)

     APPLICATION DEADLINE:   OPEN UNTIL FILLED

 

 

AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONDITIONAL AND CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON THE RESULTS OF A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD CHECK

 

START DATE: JULY 2008

END DATE: SEPTEMBER 2008

 

WORK SCHEDULE: 

·         16-40 hours per week depending upon position.

·         Schedules are subject to change depending on weather and visitation.

·         All positions will be required to work on holidays and weekends.

·         All positions could be required to work nights and shift work.

 

LOCATIONS: Hermit Park, Big Thompson Canyon

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Provide information and directions to the public; investigate and resolve visitor complaints; ensure public safety, protection of natural resources, and the enjoyment of open space areas.

·         Explain applicable regulations to visitors for the purpose of protecting and preserving natural, historic, and cultural resources, sites, and structures.

·         Effectively enforce park and open space regulations at assigned open space(s) by foot, vehicle, or mountain bike.  Perform backcountry hiking and mountain biking patrols.

·         Issue warnings and citations to violators; conduct investigations of reported non-criminal offenses/incidents to collect evidence, statements, and other relevant information as needed; may be required to provide testimony in court regarding investigations and/or citations.

·         Assist in the implementation of projects at assigned open lands areas in accordance with area resource management plans.

·         Respond to and perform effectively in emergency situations until relieved by appropriate agency or appropriate supervisor; respond to problem situations after normal scheduled hours as required.

·         Respond to public and staff inquiries and problems related to visitor services and park and open space properties. 

·         Prepare and maintain records and reports.  Keep daily records of observations, activities, incidents, public contacts, unusual wildlife and plant sightings, resource damage, safety hazards, etc.

·         Sell and issue permits as required and account for collected monies. 

·         Perform maintenance and repairs to open space amenities such as fences, gates, signs, trails, restrooms (including occasional cleaning), trails, and other structures as required.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

·         Work under varying degrees of stress for extended periods of time in an outdoor environment.

·         Comply with the policies and procedures of the Department of Natural Resources.

·         Participate in interpretive programs such as guided hikes.

OTHER DUTIES:

·         Perform other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

·         Identify wildlife and record sightings.

·         Work with and lead groups of volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

·         Principles and practices of effective visitor and recreation management, ranger services, and implementation of natural resource management.

·         Area ecosystems and related native plants and wildlife.  Biology, wildlife management, geology, environmental sciences, local and state history, and related subjects.

·         Record keeping and reporting procedures, including principles and practices of basic accounting and recording keeping.

·         General principles of personnel supervision and training.

·         Park regulations and enforcement procedures, protocol, and appropriate corrective actions.

·         Park maintenance practices and safe use of power tools.

·         Strong public relations and communication skills.

·         County and state laws, rules, regulations, and policies regarding park and open space operations.

·         Basic principles of First Aid and CPR.  First Responder level preferred.

·         Hazards associated with park operations work and safe work practices and precautions.

Ability to:

·         Make immediate, important, and critical decisions related to enforcement and emergency situations in the absence of supervision.  Work independently with little direct supervision.

·         Use and care for firearms (if POST certified).

·         Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.

·         Articulate, give directives, and work in partnership with area managers, department staff, and other resource agencies to complete management objectives.

·         Evaluate unusual situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

·         Use safety equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.

·         Communicate clearly and concisely orally, in writing, and over a radio.

·         Address audiences effectively and prepare written materials for reports and publications.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

·         Effectively respond to conflict situations and people in conflict.

·         Operate personal computers including standard office applications.

·         Complete light maintenance and use hand and power tools.

·         Work a variety of weekends, weekdays, holidays, and evenings as assigned.

·         Work outside in all weather conditions including temperature extremes.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:  Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience:

·         Six months experience in park, natural resources, law enforcement or a directly related field desired.

·         Some experience in general maintenance desired.

Education:

·         Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade required. 

·         Some college courses in Natural Resource Management, Park and Visitor Services Management, General Ecology and Wildlife, or a related field desired.

Licenses/Certificates:

·         Possession of a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

·         CPR and First Aid certifications required by starting date.

·         P.O.S.T. / E.M.T. or 1^st Responder Certification is strongly desired.

 

Physical Requirements:

·         Lift (up to 30 pounds), kneel, carry (including a backpack up to 15 pounds), push, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, grasp, walk, run, ride a mountain bike, and balance in the performance of assigned tasks.

·         Must have appropriate voice and hearing skills to be clearly understood on the telephone, radio, and in public contacts.

·         Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.  Must be able to walk up and down stairs.

·         Must be able to run for short or long distances, change directions quickly while running, and run up and down stairs.

·         Must be able to get into and out of vehicle repeatedly.

·         Must be able to lift, carry, drag, or push a minimum of 40 pounds.

·         Must be able to work in hazardous or dangerous work areas or situations.

·         Must have fine and gross motor skills; hand dexterity; full use of fingers, hands, arms, and good grip strength to perform duties; effectively use firearms (if POST certified), operate equipment, etc.

·         May be subjected to caustic, flammable, or other hazardous materials.

·         Must be capable of working under stressful situations.

·         Must have ability to concentrate on more than one task at a time and to make independent decisions.

·         Employee may be occasionally exposed to smoke during prescribed burning or wildland fire activities.

 

 

S:Job Postings\NATURAL RESOURCES\2008\SsnlParkRangerHP.POL.1473.doc