LEAD PARK RANGER - GREENWAY

City of Columbia; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Columbia is seeking a dedicated position to operate, maintain, and educate the public about the Three Rivers Greenway and related city facilities. The role involves hands-on park maintenance, event planning, and working under general supervision.

You will lead educational programs, assist park rangers, respond to emergencies, patrol facilities, and manage scheduling and budgets. Strong communication, teamwork, and familiarity with Microsoft Office are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience.
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring.
• Ability to write and speak with poise and confidence, using correct English and a well-modulated voice.
• Knowledge of personal computer and Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to take action of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting co-workers or the public.

Responsibilities

• Researches, plans and develops educational programs and resources for community groups or visitors.
• Organizes events and activities to raise awareness of environmental issues and outdoor recreational programs.
• Assists with administrative duties and supervision of park rangers.
• Opens and closes facilities.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Patrols recreation areas on foot and/or vehicle to monitor activities of visitors to ensure a safe environment.
• Maintains park facilities for use by the public.
• Establishes priorities for completion of work to maximize resources.
• Assists with budgeting for park ranger programs.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of park ranger programs and writes reports.
• Trains employees and works with groups and volunteers.
• Acts as a point of contact for colleagues and community groups involved in environmental work.

Skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Team player

Public speaking

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position performs diverse duties associated with the operation, maintenance and environmental education of the Three Rivers Greenway and related City of Columbia facilities. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Must be physically fit and able to defend one’s self from attack or physical assault. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright / dim light, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, dusts and pollen, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

• Researches, plans and develops educational programs and resources for community groups or visitors;
• Organizes events and activities to raise awareness of environmental issues and outdoor recreational programs;
• Assists with administrative duties and supervision of park rangers;
• Opens and closes facilities;
• Responds to emergency situations;
• Patrols recreation areas on foot and/or vehicle to monitor activities of visitors to ensure a safe environment;
• Maintains park facilities for use by the public;
• Establishes priorities for completion of work in a timely manner to maximize the efficient and effective use of resources;
• Assists with the control of equipment and supplies; ensures availability of materials to perform work;
• Maintains a safe environment for staff and visitors;
• Promotes positive public relations, conservation and sustainability to enhance public awareness and enjoyment of green spaces and parks through teaching and interpreting the natural environment; design and distribution of park material, and scheduling of educational and recreational activities;
• Performs customer service functions; conduct group presentations and guided walks; answer visitors’ questions/complaints; troubleshoot problem/solution;
• Completes risk assessments of parks and facilities and environmental and outdoor recreational activities;
• Recruits, supervises and works with groups and volunteers in the use of resources and on the design and delivery of environmental and outdoor recreational programs;
• Trains employees in groups and in individual settings;
• Acts as a point of contact for colleagues, educators, and business and community groups involved in environmental work;
• Assists with the management of budgets for park ranger programs;
• Evaluates the effectiveness of park ranger programs and write reports;
• Demonstrates a commitment to and enthusiasm for environmental conservation and sustainability development;
• Maintains up-to‑date knowledge of federal and state laws and City of Columbia ordinances; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring;
• Ability to write and speak with and before others with poise and confidence, using correct English and a well-modulated voice;
• Knowledge of personal computer and Microsoft Office programs such as: Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
• Ability to provide guidance, assistance and/or interpretation to others as well as the ability to read a variety of informational documents;
• Ability to work well in a team environment;
• Ability to work as a self-starter;
• Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard;
• Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as vehicles, heavy equipment, lawn care equipment, shop tools, etc. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to perform semi-skilled work involving set procedures and rules but with frequent problems;
• Ability to communicate effectively in written materials as well as presentations, workshops, and guided tours; interpersonal skills and ability to relate to people of all ages; and
• Ability to take action of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting co-workers, customers or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine.