Park Ranger at Catawba County Government

Wayne State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Parks is seeking an energetic Park Ranger to join our team, focusing on park maintenance, visitor engagement, and safety across the park system. This full-time role requires flexibility to work weekdays and weekends and offers benefits.

You will maintain grounds and facilities, enforce park ordinances, assist with programming, and promote a welcoming park experience for visitors while upholding high service standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field.
• Associate’s degree + 1 year of experience in parks, recreation, park maintenance, mechanical work, or related field.
• High school diploma or GED + 3 years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Maintain park grounds, trails, facilities, and equipment year-round according to established maintenance plans.
• Inspect and patrol park areas for safety or maintenance concerns and resolve issues proactively.
• Perform minor service and repairs on tools, equipment, and facilities; maintain service logs.
• Support natural habitat preservation and restoration efforts.
• Open and close parks according to established schedules and protocols.
• Enforce park ordinances and serve as a resource for visitor questions and concerns.
• Implement approved park programming and assist with community events and public engagement.
• Promote a positive image of the park system through respectful, inclusive visitor interactions and partnerships.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Customer service

Collaborative mindset

Problem-solving

Sound judgment

Self-initiative

Microsoft Office

Digital logs/reporting

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation or related field

Associate's degree + 1 year experience in related field

High school diploma or GED + 3 years related experience

Job description

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Catawba County Parks is seeking an energetic and service-driven individual to join our team as a Park Ranger. Park Rangers are stewards of our natural spaces, ensuring safe, well-maintained, and welcoming environments across the Catawba County Park System. In this role, you’ll focus on park maintenance, visitor engagement, ordinance enforcement, and program implementation to support our mission of preserving and connecting people with nature.

This is a full-time position with benefits and requires availability to work both weekdays and weekends. To learn more about Catawba County Parks, visit:

• Maintain park grounds, trails, facilities, and equipment year-round according to established maintenance plans
• Inspect and patrol park areas for safety or maintenance concerns and resolve issues proactively
• Perform minor service and repairs on tools, equipment, and facilities; maintain service logs
• Support natural habitat preservation and restoration efforts
• Open and close parks according to established schedules and protocols
• Enforce park ordinances and serve as a resource for visitor questions and concerns
• Implement approved park programming and assist with community events and public engagement
• Promote a positive image of the park system through respectful, inclusive visitor interactions and partnerships

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field; OR
• Associate’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field and 1 year of experience in parks, recreation, park maintenance, mechanical work, or other specifically related experience; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of experience in parks, recreation, park maintenance, mechanical work, or other specifically related experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Forest Service Chainsaw Certification and CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Ability or willingness to learn how to operate, maintain, and perform light repairs on tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters, tractors, mountain bikes, trail motorcycles)
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to excellent customer service
• Collaborative, hands-on, problem-solving mindset with sound judgment and self-initiative
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital logs/reporting
• This is considered Physical/Heavy Work, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds frequently. Must be in good physical condition and possess stamina to walk/bike longer distances (5-10 miles) on a regular basis to monitor and maintain trail system, conduct tours, and assist patrons.