Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Student Conservation Association•Burbank, WA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Park Ranger (Visitor Services) will help connect visitors, youth, and community members to the diverse habitats and wildlife of McNary National Wildlife Refuge. This position supports public engagement by staffing the visitor center, working as the hunter check station attendant for the waterfowl hunting season, assisting with environmental education programs and developing outreach materials, and helping lead guided nature walks and other recreation activities. The ranger will also participate in community outreach by bringing refuge led programs to local schools, parks, and partner organizations. Through this service term, the member will build skills in environmental education, outdoor leadership, communication, and public engagement. This role is ideal for someone interested in conservation careers and passionate about helping people experience and enjoy their public lands.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Driver’s License (& reliable transportation)
Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaboratively with diverse groups
Ability to communicate one’s needs and expectations with supervisor or other staff
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (including high temperatures), terrain ranging from rocky hillslopes to mucky wetlands, and exposure to biting insects
Must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public speaking, research, environmental education, community outreach is desired, but not required
Knowledge of or experience with outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, etc. is desired but not required
Knowledge of or experience with the fields of biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, forestry, or hydrology is desired but not required
Bilingual fluency in Spanish is desired but not required
Experience operating kayaks and canoes

Responsibilities

Staff an information desk at the visitor center: welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide orientation to trails and facilities
Serving as the hunt check station attendant during hunting season (October–January; early mornings on Wed, Sat, and Sun)
Assist with environmental education and outdoor recreation programs delivered both on refuge and in community settings (schools, parks, community centers, etc.)
Support visitors by providing recommendations on trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, and safe outdoor recreation opportunities
Assist in development of education and outreach materials
Support special event programming at the refuge
Prepare social media posts for the refuge complex on a wide variety of refuge or conservation topics
Assist in trail maintenance, trash clean-up, and habitat restoration projects
Assist in basic facilities maintenance and upkeep