Individual Placement- Park Ranger Assistant

Position Summary 

Intern will assist Waco Lake park rangers with water safety outreach, visitor relations, recreation facility maintenance, and recreation management and invasive species outreach duties.

Location 

Waco, TX

Schedule 

May 11, 2026 - August 28, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Interns will be responsible for providing interpretive assistance, recreation maintenance, recreation program management, and invasive species outreach.

Duties will include:

Interpretive Assistance: Interns will support the Water Safety Program by delivering water safety presentations tailored to various audiences at the project and conducting brief, informative talks in high-traffic areas to promote responsible water use. A key responsibility includes maintaining the life jacket loaner program, ensuring a full inventory of properly sized and functioning life jackets, tracking usage, and reporting maintenance needs. Additionally, interns will accompany Park Rangers on interpretive patrols, providing visitor assistance, answering questions about water safety, and conducting safety inspections. They will also distribute educational materials, promote the program through various channels, collect data, and maintain interpretive signage as well as any other duties assigned.

Recreation Maintenance: Interns will play a crucial role in supporting the recreation maintenance mission at the lake projects by assisting with a variety of minor repairs and projects. Their contributions will include sign repair/replacement (ensuring clear and accurate information for visitors), facility painting (improving the aesthetic appeal and protecting infrastructure), parking lot striping (enhancing safety), gate maintenance, minor plumbing repairs, and trail maintenance. All work will be performed to meet established quality standards and safety guidelines. 

Recreation Management: Interns will play an important role in enhancing visitor experiences at the lakes by gaining valuable hands-on experience in GIS data collection and recreation management. Using GPS equipment and GIS software, interns will survey and map recreation facilities, utilities, and signage. This information will be used to improve park maps, identify maintenance needs, and optimize resource allocation. This practical experience will contribute to the enhancement of the lakes’ data sets and provide a solid foundation for future careers in resource management.

Invasive Species Outreach: Interns will protect the lakes by focusing on preventing the introduction of zebra mussels through proactive boater education at boat ramps. Interns will conduct thorough inspections of boat ramps, educating boaters on the importance of Clean, Drain, Dry techniques, demonstrating proper cleaning methods, and providing information on the risks posed by zebra mussels. Their efforts will contribute to early detection and prevent the establishment of zebra mussels at the lakes.

Marginal Duties 

• Conduct monthly facility and equipment safety inspections in support of USACE safety program.
• May complete some clerical duties such as printing/copying/laminating notices, posters, or public outreach materials.
• May assist with light maintenance or grounds-keeping to non-recreation areas (such as administrative areas) in support of overall project mission.

Required Qualifications 

• Interns must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English.
• Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Comfortable to engage with the public
• Experience operating power tools or using basic maintenance tools/equipment.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is not provided.

Compensation  

• $350 - weekly Living Allowance
• $30 – weekly Commuting Allowance
• $1,200 – monthly Housing Allowance
• $650 – To/From travel reimbursement* (if non-local)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 *SCA positions with the US Army Corps of Engineers will receive a To/From Site travel reimbursement that reflects the actual roundtrip travel costs from their 'home' to the site. The reimbursement amount is based upon total distance (mileage) travelled and current federal per diem rates. Members are required to submit an expense report to SCA with documented round-trip travel costs for reimbursement. The requested reimbursement amount is capped at $650.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.