PARK RANGER 1 - COMMISSIONED - UNDERFILL

State of Nevada (NV); Elko (NV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Nevada seeks a Park Ranger 1 for Wild Horse State Recreation Area, 65 miles north of Elko. This commissioned role involves protecting park resources, providing visitor services, and enforcing laws in a high-desert setting at 6,250 feet elevation.

The Park Ranger will assist the Park Supervisor in daily operations, oversee seasonal staff, and participate in interpretive programs. On-site residency is required; housing and academy training are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related park management or natural resources field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in organizing, overseeing, and performing park maintenance, interpretive programming, and visitor services.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience as described above.
• Ability to coordinate day-to-day park operations and supervise seasonal staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day park operations and maintenance tasks.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal personnel.
• Manage visitor services, reservations, inquiries, and park information.
• Enforce laws and park policies; respond to emergencies and incidents.
• Plan and conduct interpretive programs and on-going visitor activities.

Skills

Public safety

Law enforcement

Park operations

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in park management or related field

Job description

This position is for the role of Park Ranger 1, stationed at Wild Horse State Recreation Area, located 65 miles north of Elko. The park sits 6,250 feet above sea level and includes 120 acres of pristine sagebrush country with 34 campsites, 3 cabins, 3 restroom facilities, a visitors’ center, and various picnic areas, and provides direct access to some of Nevada’s premier fishing and hunting locations. The Ranger will assist the Park Supervisor in the management, development, protection, and promotion of the park and its resources. This position is a commissioned law enforcement position with public safety responsibilities and will require the incumbent to work a variety of hours and schedules, including holidays and weekends, in a variety of weather conditions. After hours call outs can occur, and on-site residency is required. Housing and law enforcement academy training will both be provided. The candidate will provide expertise in land and resource management, recreation, hospitality, and administration in order to ensure the smooth operation of the park and the best experience possible to visitors.

Incumbents have the opportunity to progress to a Park Ranger 2 after one year. Park Rangers (Commissioned) participate in operations, law enforcement, resource management, interpretation, and maintenance activities at an assigned State park.

Park Rangers (Commissioned) participate in operations, law enforcement, resource management, interpretation, and maintenance activities at an assigned State park. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or minor in park management, outdoor recreation management, ecology, forestry, biology, agriculture, education, natural or environmental sciences, horticulture, history/folklore, wildlife management, museum management, park interpretation, business or public administration, criminal justice, or related field; OR two years of experience which provided experience in organizing, overseeing and performing park maintenance, interpretive programming, visitor services, and resource management duties; OR one year of experience as a Park Ranger Technician III in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Coordinate and participate in day-to-day park operation and maintenance projects; train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned seasonal personnel; clean and maintain park buildings, grounds, offices, restrooms, and vehicles; schedule and assign personnel to collect fees, staff visitor centers, and conduct tours.

Gather, record and audit information related to visitor use and fees collected; take inventory and submit supply requests; prepare activity reports on areas of responsibility; make reservations and respond to letters and telephone inquiries; operate park weather station, sales outlet and water safety and control devices at the park.

Enforce laws and regulations including applicable State laws, county ordinances, and park rules and policies; investigate accidents, write citations, make arrests, conduct search and rescue operations, respond to emergency situations, and interact with other law enforcement agencies to preserve the peace and protect park visitors.

Implement the resource management plan; identify resource problems; develop solutions and initiate projects for resource preservation and rehabilitation.

Participate in planning, developing, and conducting special events and on-going interpretive activities such as tours, hikes, displays, exhibits, talks and visitor centers to inform park visitors of park attractions, flora, fauna, cultural and natural history, and environmental education.

Under the direct supervision of a Park Supervisor, incumbents receive training in performing the duties described in the series concept. This is the trainee level in the series and progression to the next level in the series may occur upon meeting the minimum qualifications, satisfactory performance, and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

Perform related duties as assigned. General knowledge of: basic principles of park operations and maintenance; basic principles of park and resource management; natural and cultural history; accepted land management practices; interpretation of natural resources and historic areas; operation of standard hand and power tools used in facility maintenance.

Ability to: participate in the operation and maintenance of an assigned State park; perform custodial and general maintenance duties in park buildings and grounds; provide information and assistance to park visitors; maintain records and prepare reports; participate in planning and providing interpretive programs for park visitors; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.