Park Ranger II

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina seeks a dedicated Park Ranger to assist with daily operation and maintenance, oversee safety, and represent the park in agency teams. You’ll help manage administrative duties, track revenue, and support planning of long- and short-term goals.

Under general supervision, you’ll supervise seasonal staff, conduct routine maintenance, interpret park resources to visitors, and live in designated park housing to ensure security and rapid emergency response.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Park Management or related field with one year of park ranger experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Assists with park administrative duties in accordance with Department guidelines and procedures and planning of long and short-term goals.
• Effectively trains and supervises A-2 seasonal employees and directs the activities of A-2 seasonal employees.
• Direct and perform routine and preventative maintenance on grounds, buildings and equipment to meet established standards and maintains a safe work environment.
• Assists in control of inventories of equipment, supplies and retail items by issue, use and counts; completes data reports.
• Practice and promote teamwork within the park and/or region, throughout the agency and with external agency stakeholders.

Skills

Park Ranger experience

Residency in housing

Effective communication

Education

Associate degree in Park Management

Job description

Job Responsibilities

With some of the most stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains South Carolina has to offer, Keowee-Toxaway State Park is truly one of South Carolina’s pretty places. The Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center exhibits and information serve as a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges.

Two hiking trails in the park take visitors over a natural bridge and through the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, land once traveled by Cherokee Indians. A short, half-mile trail leads to Lake Keowee where guests can enjoy fishing for bass, bream, crappie and catfish.

Job Purpose And Duties

Under general supervision, assists with overall operation and maintenance of a State Park. Performs diversified duties as governed by general instruction, policies and standard operating procedures of the Department. Assumes the responsibilities of the Park Manager in the absence of higher-level employees.

• Assists with park administrative duties in accordance with Department guidelines and procedures and planning of long and short-term goals. Collect and account for revenue and produce required reports.
• Effectively trains and supervises A-2 seasonal employees and directs the activities of A-2 seasonal employees.
• Direct and perform routine and preventative maintenance on grounds, buildings and equipment to meet established standards and maintains a safe work environment.
• Assists in control of inventories of equipment, supplies and retail items by issue, use and counts; completes data reports.
• Practice and promote teamwork within the park and/or region, throughout the agency and with external agency stakeholders. Represents office as an active member on agency teams assigned throughout the year.
• Employee will be required to live in designated park housing to provide for security, safety and emergency response. Performs law enforcement activities within his/her authority and established policy.
• Interprets the cultural and natural resources of the SC State Park Service to visitors.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

Associate degree in Park Management or related field with one (1) year of park ranger experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

• Position requires medium to heavy lifting, walking, and standing on uneven terrain, crawling, and walking at heights. Exposure to weather conditions, cleaning agents and other material used in maintaining park facilities and grounds. Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays. Position requires residency in agency provided housing.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License.

Additional Comments

Actual Job Location: Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Full-time, 40 hours per week rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is an Equal Opportunity, Affidative Action employer.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.