Park Ranger I

Johnson County•Oxford, IA

8d•$34 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Park Ranger II, serves as a Peace Officer under the provisions of Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. Provide law enforcement and other on-site services for the overall management of Kent Park and other areas in the county that are managed by the Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB). Perform routine and special patrol duties, including the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations; maintain good public relations; and provide directions and information.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of park management and related subjects
Knowledge of procedures and objectives of fish and game enforcement and management programs
Knowledge of Johnson County Conservation Board rules and regulations, State park laws, Iowa traffic laws, Iowa fish and game laws, and all other State laws that apply to public areas
Knowledge of native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Johnson County
Knowledge of geology, soils, astronomy and other natural sciences
Knowledge of standard investigative and interviewing techniques
Knowledge of English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and vocabulary skills
Ability to enforce laws and regulations while maintaining effective public relations
Ability to represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, agencies (including the State Fish and Game Officers, State Fisheries and Wildlife Biologists, State Highway Patrol and County Sheriff’s Office, and County Clerk of Court’s Office), and members of the public
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situations
Ability to interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, ages, and points of view
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to perform moderate manual labor for extended periods of time
Ability to work outdoors on all types of terrain and all types of weather
Ability to operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, hand-held radios, and emergency equipment
Ability to operate maintenance equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws
Ability to operate common office equipment such as scanners, calculators, fax machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephones
Ability to use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email and the Internet
Ability to plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employees
Ability to handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
Ability to have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
Ability to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 75-100 pounds
Ability to have sufficient vision which permits long periods of keen observation and adequate performance of duties
Ability to have sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and hand tools with moderate to heavy use and make handwritten notations
Ability to have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county facilities and worksites
Must pass background investigation.
Must be a certified peace officer with certification to carry firearms, CPR and First Aid Certification.
Valid Iowa driver’s license and insurable under County liability coverage.
Certified Hunter Education Instructor.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Within 6 months of hire, obtain Commercial Applicator License (herbicide and pesticide) with Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship (IDALS) and S-130/190 Firefighter Certification.
Ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
Residency at Johnson County Kent Park may be required, as determined by the Conservation Director based on operational needs, and in accordance with JCCB Residency Guidelines for Kent Park.

Responsibilities

Enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue citations and warnings to violators.
Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform.
Collect user fees, distribute maps and brochures.
Meet, understand, and assist the general public.
Answer questions and provide visitor assistance relating to JCCB, facilities, flora, fauna and other natural resources of the areas.
Present public programs on flora, fauna and other natural resources of JCCB Areas to various age groups.
Provide for the safety of the area visitor and administer first aid in case of injury.
Investigate acts of vandalism and theft of public property.
Keep informed on matters relating to the Conservation Board’s policy and Director’s administrative directives.
Provide back-up for Park Ranger II and other co-workers as needed.
Complete daily, monthly and annual reports as assigned.
Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Perform maintenance in the areas as assigned.
Open and close Kent Park.
Assist with special projects such as newsletters, prescribed burns, and helping field staff.
Attend meetings and training sessions, representing the Conservation Board as requested.