Park Ranger I

Address: 2048 Hwy 6 NW, Oxford, Iowa, 52322

Salary Range (Min-Mid)

$34.20 - $41.05

Dept./Office/Position Type

Conservation - Professional

Employee Type

Regular

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Park Ranger II, serves as a Peace Officer under the provisions of Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. Provide law enforcement and other on-site services for the overall management of Kent Park and other areas in the county that are managed by the Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB). Perform routine and special patrol duties, including the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations; maintain good public relations; and provide directions and information.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of park management and related subjects

• Procedures and objectives of fish and game enforcement and management programs

• Johnson County Conservation Board rules and regulations, State park laws, Iowa traffic laws, Iowa fish and game laws, and all other State laws that apply to public areas

• Native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Johnson County

• Geology, soils, astronomy and other natural sciences

• Standard investigative and interviewing techniques

• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and vocabulary skills

Ability to:

• Enforce laws and regulations while maintaining effective public relations

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner

• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, agencies (including the State Fish and Game Officers, State Fisheries and Wildlife Biologists, State Highway Patrol and County Sheriff’s Office, and County Clerk of Court’s Office), and members of the public

• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situations

• Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, ages, and points of view

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

• Work with minimal supervision

• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions

• Perform moderate manual labor for extended periods of time

• Work outdoors on all types of terrain and all types of weather

• Operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, hand-held radios, and emergency equipment

• Operate maintenance equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws

• Operate common office equipment such as scanners, calculators, fax machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephones

• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email and the Internet

• Plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employees

• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position

• Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication

• Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl

• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 75-100 pounds

• Have sufficient vision which permits long periods of keen observation and adequate performance of duties

• Have sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and hand tools with moderate to heavy use and make handwritten notations

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county facilities and worksites

• Fulfill duty call at all times and work a five-day work week including every weekend between April 15 and October 31 and every other weekend November 1 through April 14

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s degree in a Natural Resource related field with two (2) years related work experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Special requirements: Must pass background investigation. Must be a certified peace officer with certification to carry firearms, CPR and First Aid Certification. Valid Iowa driver’s license and insurable under County liability coverage. Certified Hunter Education Instructor. Within 6 months of hire, obtain Commercial Applicator License (herbicide and pesticide) with Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship (IDALS) and S-130/190 Firefighter Certification. Ability to obtain a Class A CDL. Residency at Johnson County Kent Park may be required, as determined by the Conservation Director based on operational needs, and in accordance with JCCB Residency Guidelines for Kent Park.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue citations and warnings to violators. Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform.

• Collect user fees, distribute maps and brochures.

• Meet, understand, and assist the general public.

• Answer questions and provide visitor assistance relating to JCCB, facilities, flora, fauna and other natural resources of the areas.

• Present public programs on flora, fauna and other natural resources of JCCB Areas to various age groups.

• Provide for the safety of the area visitor and administer first aid in case of injury.

• Investigate acts of vandalism and theft of public property.

• Keep informed on matters relating to the Conservation Board’s policy and Director’s administrative directives.

• Provide back-up for Park Ranger II and other co-workers as needed.

• Complete daily, monthly and annual reports as assigned.

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Perform maintenance in the areas as assigned.

• Open and close Kent Park.

• Assist with special projects such as newsletters, prescribed burns, and helping field staff.

• Attend meetings and training sessions, representing the Conservation Board as requested.

Supplemental Description

Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.

Compensation Grade

09