What are the responsibilities and job description for the Park Ranger position at St. Charles County Government?
## PARK RANGER NON-COMMISSIONED / PARKS DEPARTMENT
Education
- JOB DESCRIPTION:** The St. Charles County Park Rangers provide a variety of services to the public and are responsible for many different roles in the Park Department. Park Rangers provide excellent customer service and public interaction. They provide a high quality educational experience through ranger lead interpretive programs. Rangers provide information on the St. Charles County Park system, park programs and amenities and educate park visitors regarding park rules and ordinances. They ensure proper park operating procedures by performing a variety of essential task including facility check-ins and check-outs, securing parks at closing and providing assistance at special events and programs.
- Ensure a high quality park experience for park patrons through visitor interaction and by providing high quality park programming.
- Initiate daily public contact with a variety of methods including by vehicle, foot and bicycle. Assists park visitors by answering questions about the park and its attractions to facilitate park usage and enhance visitor's experience
- Provide interpretive programs, guided walks, talks and activities that help park visitors understand and gain an appreciation for the natural world and cultural resources.
- Design, plan, and provide educational programs for schools, teachers, and community groups.
- Participate in public outreach events to provide educational information about park programs as well as being an ambassador of the county parks representing and upholding its mission statement.
- Provide visitors with information about St. Charles County Parks, park activities, ordinances and regulations to ensure the parks remain safe and an enjoyable place for everyone.
- Responsible for preforming a wide variety of park operating procedures including, but not limited to, facility reservation check-ins and check outs, programming and providing cabin codes for reservations, ensuring park patrons are out of the parks at closing time and making sure park buildings are locked and gates are secured.
- Manage internal security for the Parks Department. This includes maintaining park locks. Monitors alarms and ensures alarm companies are provided with accurate contact information and preferred emergency procedures.
- Provide leadership and support for events and programs. Park Rangers may be required serve as lead interpreters or assist in events including managing crowd control and parking. They monitor guest compliance throughout the event and will report significant issues to the County Police Department.
- Preform GPS boundary marking duties as needed for new park properties and when disputes occur. They check park boundaries for accuracy and for encroachment on park property.
- Collaborates with ArcGIS to record new or updated trail segments.
- Routinely updates park kiosks with updated trail maps and flyers.
- Retrieve data from park traffic counters at all parks and major trails the 1st Tuesday of every month. The data is provided to Parks Administration in order to create monthly attendance reports by the department.
- Inspects park facilities and areas, reports any issues, violations and crimes to the St. Charles County Police Department. Logs activities.
- Conducts regular physical inventories and inspections of all county park property and facilities.
- Provides initial first aid and CPR to injured visitors and or employees. Coordinates access to and removal of injured/lost persons from park areas.
- Recognizes and corrects or reports public hazards and inconveniences.
- Assists in planning and administration of risk management by implementing approved safety programs.
- Inputs data into computer terminals tracking incidents, patrols, inspections, daily activity logs, and work requests.
- Drives to assigned parks and administrative office and ensures vehicles are kept clean and organized
- Works with animal control to r move/transport any abandoned animals.
- Submits purchases, maintains, and repairs program equipment: Ensures the functionality and safety of kayaks, paddleboards, archery equipment, low ropes course, fishing poles, ranger bikes, and other program supplies through routine maintenance and repairs to ensure their availability for participant use.
- Conducts monthly AED checks: Ensures the readiness of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by performing monthly inspections and submitting compliance checks to the health department
- Maintains personal certifications: Maintains all necessary certifications relevant to the position and submits renewal paperwork to ensure compliance.
- Conducts campground checks: Ensures compliance with park rules by patrolling campgrounds and verifying payment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, Wild Life Management, Forestry, Biology, Geology, Park Management, Education, Criminal Justice or closely related discipline.
- A valid motor vehicle operator's license and good driving record is required.
- First Aid/CPR certification is required within 6 months of hiring.
- Minimum one year of related experience.
- Requires flexibility of schedule to include shift work, holidays and weekends.