Park Ranger II - DPR65044342

State of North Carolina • McDowell County, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, is hiring a Park Ranger II at Bob's Creek State Natural Area in Nebo, North Carolina. The position provides educational programming, natural resource management, law enforcement and emergency services, supervision of temporary and permanent employees, administration, park operations, and maintenance. The Park Ranger II is a commissioned law enforcement officer who enforces state laws and park regulations through patrol, education, warnings, citations, and arrests.

The role includes visitor services, interpretive and educational programming, resource monitoring and management, facility and equipment upkeep, emergency response, and coordination with other agencies. The position may supervise Park Ranger I and temporary employees and may serve as acting park superintendent when required.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with rotating evening shifts and weekends. Weekend and holiday on-call rotation is required. The position is considered emergency staff and may require work during adverse weather, emergencies, and special events. Some positions may have housing available; candidates accepting a position with housing are required to reside there.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Parks and Recreation and/or Natural Science, from an appropriately accredited institution, and one year of experience in the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain this certification within 18 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license issued in the United States, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Successful physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and background investigation before employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification, complete Wildland Fire Suppression, and complete Division-sponsored S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification and complete Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (FUNSAR) within 30 months of hire.
• Ability to work rotating evening shifts and weekends, and participate in weekend and holiday on-call rotations.
• Ability to work during adverse weather, emergencies, and special events as emergency staff.
• Lateral transfer applicants must have completed their 24-month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and/or incorporating laws, rules, and/or regulations that affect a large segment of the public, work unit, and/or program.
• Demonstrated experience researching, preparing, and/or conducting educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and enforce criminal laws, state park rules, and regulations using a methodical and logical approach.
• Conduct vehicle and foot patrols and enforce laws and regulations through education, warnings, citations, and arrests.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies as necessary.
• Conduct law enforcement actions and court processes, presenting evidence clearly and concisely.
• Issue camping permits, open and close facilities, and purchase equipment and supplies.
• Supervise Park Ranger I and temporary employees and, when required, serve as acting park superintendent.
• Recognize emergency situations and take appropriate action.
• Manage, direct, and assist large tour groups in the park.
• Assist park visitors with complaints or problems.
• Lead interpretive and educational activities about park ecology and history.
• Manage the park boundary-line maintenance program and monitor natural resources.
• Research assigned natural resources and develop and implement resource management plans and interpretive and educational programs.
• Communicate effectively through interpersonal interactions and written documents.
• Respond to safety or law enforcement issues at the park and other park locations as necessary.
• Provide first aid, emergency medical response, and emergency rescue for park visitors, and assist other agencies.
• Provide security assistance for large events and other public programming.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs of park facilities, vehicles, and equipment.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level