Park Ranger I

My County Parks; Oxford (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Conservation Board in Iowa seeks a Park Ranger for Kent Park to enforce laws, assist visitors, and provide safety and public programs. Duties include patrols, collecting fees, answering questions, and maintaining facilities across diverse terrains.

Minimum education includes an associate degree in natural resources with 2 years of experience; a bachelor's degree is preferred. Must pass background checks and obtain required certifications and licenses.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a natural resource-related field with two years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 in the absence of the 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.

Skills

Park management

Fish & game enforcement

State laws knowledge

Wildlife biology

Geology & soils

Investigative techniques

English language

Education

Associate's degree in natural resources

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Salary $34.20-$41.05 (min-mid) per hour plus excellent benefits.

Deadline

Deadline 09/07/2026

Description

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, 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 irregular work week including every weekend and holidays between April 15 and October 31 and minimum of half the weekends from November 1 through April 14.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience & Special Requirements:

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, AED, and First Aid Certification. Valid driver's license and insurable under County liability coverage. Within 6 months of hire, obtain Commercial Applicator License (herbicide and pesticide) with Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship (IDALS), complete Hunter Education Instructor Certification and S-130/190 Firefighter Certification and 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.

Special 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 in the absence of the 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 JCCB areas.
• Assist with special projects such as newsletters, prescribed burns, and helping field staff.
• Attend meetings and training sessions, representing the Conservation Board as requested.
• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.

RESUME & COVER LETTER REQUIRED

Qualifications

Associate's degree in a natural resource-related field with two (2) years of related work experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. See Full Job Description

More Information

https://wd501.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/johnsoncountyiowa/jocoia/job/Kent-Park/Park-Ranger-