Park Ranger

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Maintains and repairs park structures including buildings, boardwalks, fences, docks, restrooms, shelters, arenas, equestrian facilities, etc.
• Maintains park grounds including mowing, trimming, landscaping, etc.
• Public Contact/Guest Service.
• Provides outstanding service and creates memorable visitor experiences.
• Provides first aide/medical assistance when needed.
• Responds to queries in person, over the phone or through written response.
• Collects fees for services in the parks and boat ramps.
• Completes all fiscal paperwork required for end of day reports and deposits funds at approved bank locations.
• Educates visitors on proper outdoor activity techniques and the use of park facilities and equipment.
• Conducts nature and environmental-related interpretive programming and educates visitors on proper use of park facilities and equipment.
• Participates in other special programming and events.
• Ensures the park is ready for guest enjoyment during all open hours.
• Cleans restrooms, shelters, campsites, trash receptacles, grills, etc.
• Performs all landscaping tasks that are required in a park. These may include: mowing, weed eating, edging, tree trimming, etc.
• Participates in ecosystem management tasks including, but not limited to, invasive species removal, prescribed burns, and erosion control.
• Builds and maintains trails utilizing a variety of construction methods and materials.
• Assists local law enforcement and fire agencies with emergencies to include missing persons, wildfires, etc.
• Patrols and monitors all park areas.
• Provides access control, traffic control, and gate security.
• Ensures all safety guidelines are being followed and identifies and addresses all safety concerns. Completes reports as needed.
• Provides first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patrons during emergencies. Acts as a first responder during medical emergencies.
• Participates in County-wide emergency action plans.
• Ensures safe participation in special programming.
• Responds promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Performs related work as required or assigned.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of applicable park regulations, ordinances, environmental processes and outdoor recreation.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to provide public programming and exceptional service.
• Knowledge of one or more building trades to include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and etc.
• Knowledge of safety, first aid and CPR methods and techniques.
• Experience operating landscaping equipment.
• Basic computer skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse and varying team members and visitors.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports, and documents, including fee collections.
Ability to meet deadlines and multi-task.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions in a subtropical climate in multiple local terrains.
• Ability to work around a diverse environment that may include snakes, spiders and other wildlife.
• Verbal capacity to communicate clearly with the general public.
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, stoop, sit, and stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to safely travel on foot through an unpaved natural environment.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment that may include facilities for boating and docking, fishing, bathing, swimming, camping, and sitting at a desk in an office environment to complete required duties.
• Manual dexterity for use of tools, equipment, and computers.
• Ability to safely paddle a canoe or kayak.
• Must be comfortable in water with the assistance of a floatation device.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions unaided or with reasonable accommodation.
• Required to operate including but is not limited to, mowers, tractors, vehicles, chain saws, pressure washers, leaf blowers, power tools, hand tools, boats, lifts, etc.

Work Category

• Heavy Work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; AND
• Completion of First Aid/CPR certification within the employee’s probation period; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.