DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is assigned to the Recreation Department and will serve as an aquatic invasive species inspection technician at the District’s vessel inspection checkpoint, inspecting for invasive quagga mussels, watermilfoil, or other species on boats and personal watercraft prior to their exit from the park. The position plays an important role in the protection of natural resources from non-native species that threaten wildlife, the environment, critical domestic and irrigation water systems and the recreation systems of the Lake Piru Recreation Area. Continuous interaction with park visitors requires effective communication and public relations skills, and a customer service attitude. The Seasonal Park Ranger Assistant may also register campers, collect fees, and sell certain retail items such as firewood, and ice as needed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Seasonal Park Ranger Assistant is an entry level position and is used to perform vessel inspections under the direction of Senior Park Ranger and may be used to conduct a variety of operational and maintenance duties.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the primary duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed and all duties performed may not be listed.

• Staff the park aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspection & decontamination station.
• Conduct physical boat inspections and boater exit interviews.
• Conduct vessel decontaminations using a high pressure thermal washing system.
• Provide information and assistance to the boating public (distribute brochures, promote ANS education, educate about State & District regulations, etc.).
• Clean and perform light maintenance on exiting watercraft.
• Clean and perform light maintenance on interior and exterior of ANS inspection areas, including maintenance of facilities and grounds.
• Accurately count and enter data on all boat inspections into online Quagga Inspection Database (QID).
• Photo-copy and file documents.
• Document and report visitor complaints.
• May assist Park Rangers in responding to emergencies or in performing vessel tows. Emergency response activities shall include performing traffic control, directing Emergency Medical Personnel to an incident, assisting Park Rangers in rendering emergency medical aid and/or serving as a deck hand onboard a District patrol vessel.
• Operate at two-way radio
• May register campers, collect fees, and sell certain retail items such as firewood, and ice.
• Must operate District-issued electronic device or written inventory management system to process after-hours camping check-in and to collect fees for camping, firewood and ice.
• Process revenues and fee collection data using LPRA approved forms and procedures as needed.
• Perform Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C drivers’ license.
• Must be able to work outdoors, exposed to varying weather conditions, including high or low temperatures, high winds, and rain.
• Must be able to climb in and out of vessels and under trailers, using arms, legs and whole body movements, including climbing, stooping, crawling, balancing, lifting, and handling materials. 
• Must have the ability to discern color differences.
• Must have the ability to hear in-person and radio communications.
• Must have hand dexterity to enter data into a tablet computer and to write reports.
• Must be able to swim and be comfortable working over water.
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral). 
• Must possess ability to work with little supervision. 
• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays & varying shifts.
• Must be available to work up to a maximum of 30 hours per week and able to accommodate a seasonal work schedule (July – November, March – June), with a potential for re-hire in the following fiscal year.
• Must successfully pass a drug screening.
• May be required to undergo criminal background investigation. 
• May be required to work at the ANS station for an 8 hour shift and taking meal and rest breaks at the station. 
• Must successfully complete an AIS training to be provided by the District

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents must wear a District-supplied uniform and must work shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays and may be required to work a modified work schedule. Most work duties are performed on land but may occur on the lake (in a watercraft or on a platform) or in close proximity to it. Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.