Park Ranger II - DPR65044343

State of North Carolina•Merchant's Millpond SP Gates, NC

3d•$55,000 - $70,000•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 Merchants Millpond State Park in Gatesville, North Carolina. The role combines educational programming, natural resource management, law enforcement and emergency services, employee supervision, 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, coordinating with other agencies when needed. The position supervises Park Ranger I and temporary employees and may serve as acting park superintendent. It also involves assisting visitors, leading interpretive and educational programs about the park’s ecology and history, managing natural resources and boundary-line maintenance, supporting events, responding to emergencies, and maintaining park facilities, vehicles, and equipment. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with rotating evening and weekend shifts, on-call weekends and holidays, and potential work during emergencies, adverse weather, and special events. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Parks and Recreation and/or Natural Science, plus one year of experience in the assigned area, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The position requires law enforcement certification under North Carolina standards; candidates must be able to obtain and maintain this certification within 18 months of hire. Additional required training and certifications have deadlines of 12 or 30 months after hire. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required or must be obtained within 90 days. Some positions may include housing, in which case the employee must reside in the provided housing. The probationary period is 24 months.

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 under the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission; must be able to obtain and maintain certification within 18 months of hire.
Successful physical and psychological examinations, drug testing, and background investigation before employment.
Valid driver’s license issued in the United States, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of 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 complete Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (FUNSAR) within 30 months of hire.
Ability to work rotating evening shifts and weekends, and to participate in an on-call rotation for weekends and holidays.
May be required to work during adverse weather, emergencies, and special events.
If housing is provided and required for the position, must reside in the provided housing.

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.
Enforce laws and regulations through vehicle and foot patrols, 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 the park’s ecology and history.
Manage the park’s 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.