Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Park Manager, Park Rangers enforce State and Local Laws to maintain peace and ensure a safe environment for all park users.

Park Rangers protect life and property, assist visitors, collect fees and balance daily receipts. They conduct building and grounds maintenance, resource/wildlife protection, educational and recreational programming, community outreach, public relations, and related duties for the Scott County Conservation Board system. This includes recreational areas, recreational facilities, natural areas, trails, greenways, and wildlife areas.

Park Rangers are required to be a Certified Peace Officer by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and shall be required to carry a firearm while performing the law enforcement function of the job.

This position will be located at Scott County Park in Eldridge, IA. Starting salary for this position will be between $25.32/hr and $27.95/hr depending on experience. Certified Officers are eligible for a $5,000 hiring bonus that is paid out as follows: $2,500 after 90 days, $1500 after one year and $1,000 after two years.

Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2023. The application review process will take place in December with interviews anticipated to take place in early January 2024 after the holiday season has concluded.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Opens and closes park and park facilities. Maintains regular park patrol year-round. Enforces Code of Iowa and Conservation Board rules, which includes educating the public, issuing citations and/or arrests, and maintaining a safe environment for all park users. Assists and works in conjunction with local law enforcement and emergency medical service agencies. Writes accurate and timely incident reports and appears in court as needed. Serves in a public relations capacity, providing service and information to the general public. Attends relevant Law Enforcement trainings to improve knowledge, either required by the State, assigned by a Supervisor, or deemed useful by the individual officer and approved by the department

Supervises seasonal employees, providing training and orientation; assists the Park Manager in scheduling, reviewing, and assigning work, and approving overtime for seasonal employees; recalls seasonal and full-time staff, maintenance, attendants, and other Park Rangers in emergencies and as needed.

Oversees camper registration and cabin reservations year-round. Troubleshoots problems or errors associated with registrations, reservations, and recreational software. Responsible for accounting and depositing all revenues collected. Performs inspections of rental facilities to ensure compliance with cleanup and deposit guidelines to include picnic areas, shelters, and cabins. May be on call to assist with Rec Trac or accounting issues.

Works with maintenance staff to perform all necessary facility and grounds maintenance to include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, mechanical and other work on remodel or building projects.

Installs, inspects, and repairs park playgrounds; mows grass, cuts brush, hauls gravel and garbage, removes snow, and maintains all sidewalks, roadways, and trails.

Oversees pool operation, maintenance, setup, and teardown; prepares for annual inspections of the pool, maintains regular State water tests and records of results and chemical levels; collects beach water samples from swimming areas.

Performs specialized natural resource projects such as, but not limited to prescribed burns, timber stand improvements, wildlife habitat improvements, fishery habitat, reforestation, prairie rehabilitation, wetland restoration, Wood Duck and Mallard nesting structure maintenance, administration of the park management deer hunt, trail maintenance and erosion control, pesticide applications and hazardous materials handling.

Provides input in the areas of natural resources and recreational management to blend park usage with current conservation practices.

Develops and delivers educational programs, exhibits, and information on conservation and related topics; provide education and community outreach to various groups and the public; assists other staff with programs and classes.

Assumes a supervisory role in the absence of the Park Manager.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards for Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Conservation, Natural Resources, or related field; AND a minimum of one (1) year of experience in law enforcement or parks and recreation; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:
Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

Law enforcement practices pertaining to protection of persons and public property.

Principles, practices, and techniques used in park and natural resource management and conservation.

Materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and care of park buildings, grounds, and equipment.

General maintenance and construction practices to include basic electrical, plumbing, and carpentry principles.

Occupational hazards and safety precautions pertaining to park maintenance and grounds keeping activities.

Human relations and behavior when confronting victims, witnesses, suspects, and the public during performance of duties.

Conservation, ecology, and outdoor recreation.

Skill in:
Working a flexible schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Enforce State and local laws, codes, and ordinances and park rules and regulations.

Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.

Preparing clear and concise incident reports.

Exercising good judgement in evaluating situations, making decisions and resolving disputes with diplomacy, and tact.

Inspecting buildings, grounds, and other facilities to identify hazards and determine appropriate maintenance requirements.

Using and safely operating various tools, materials, and equipment used in park maintenance.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

License and Certification Requirements
Must possess the following certifications or obtain certifications within one (1) year of hire:
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Certified Peace Officer
Must possess a valid Iowa Class-A Commercial Driver's license, or obtain within six (6) months of hire along with air brake endorsement.
Pesticide Applicator's License.
Must maintain a First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification.

Depending on assignment may be required to obtain the following certifications:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Grade 1 Certification (West Lake Park)
Certified Pool Operator (Scott County Park)

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field; while in the field may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, wildlife, and potentially dangerous tools, equipment, and machinery.
May be required to lift objects weighing up to 80 pounds.
Moderate to high levels of physical exertion may be required.

Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

• Scott County Employment Benefits