Park Ranger I

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

Benefits offered by this job

none

Job summary

Johnson County Conservation Board seeks a Park Ranger II to serve as a Peace Officer under Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. You will provide law enforcement and on-site services for Kent Park and other Johnson County areas.

Responsibilities include patrols, citations, public assistance, and program delivery on flora and fauna. You must pass a background check and hold peace officer credentials, with firearms, CPR and First Aid certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a Natural Resource related field with two years of related work experience or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must pass background investigation and be a certified peace officer with firearms, CPR and First Aid.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license and ability to obtain required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Enforce laws and regulations, issue citations and warnings.
• Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrols in uniform.
• Provide public information and assistance, and present programs on resources.
• Investigate vandalism and theft; complete reports and maintain safety.
• Open/close Kent Park and assist field staff with projects.

Skills

Park management knowledge

Enforcement of laws

Public relations

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Public safety procedures

Team coordination

Education

Associate degree in Natural Resources

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Police radios

Hand-held radios

Office equipment

Vehicle patrol unit

Job description

Address:2048 Hwy 6 NW, Oxford, Iowa, 52322Salary Range (Min-Mid)$34.20 - $41.05Dept./Office/Position TypeConservation - ProfessionalEmployee TypeRegularJob DescriptionUnder 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 subjectsProcedures and objectives of fish and game enforcement and management programsJohnson 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 areasNative trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Johnson CountyGeology, soils, astronomy and other natural sciencesStandard investigative and interviewing techniquesEnglish language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and vocabulary skillsAbility to:Enforce laws and regulations while maintaining effective public relationsRepresent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy mannerMaintain 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 publicCommunicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situationsInteract effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, ages, and points of viewDemonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing biasWork with minimal supervisionOrganize and prioritize multiple responsibilitiesUnderstand and follow oral and written instructionsPerform moderate manual labor for extended periods of timeWork outdoors on all types of terrain and all types of weatherOperate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, hand-held radios, and emergency equipmentOperate maintenance equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and chainsawsOperate common office equipment such as scanners, calculators, fax machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephonesUse a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email and the InternetPlan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employeesHandle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the positionHave clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communicationStand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawlOccasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 75-100 poundsHave sufficient vision which permits long periods of keen observation and adequate performance of dutiesHave sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and hand tools with moderate to heavy use and make handwritten notationsHave sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county facilities and worksitesFulfill 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 14MINIMUM 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 accommodationThe 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 DescriptionResume and cover letter must be attached to online application.Compensation Grade09