Recreation Ranger

State of Montana•Ulm, MT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Recreation Ranger position for the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park District in Ulm, MT, is located about 13 miles outside of Great Falls. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is the largest Buffalo Jump in North America. It is a site where Indigenous People would come to hunt the buffalo for hundreds of years. The 3000-acre park features 7 miles of trail, stunning vistas, and a 6000 square foot visitor center with exhibits on the Northern Plains Buffalo Cultures, Montana Tribes, and the Archaeology of the site. The visitor center also includes a busy gift shop and a classroom. First Peoples Buffalo Jump hosts numerous field trips for students from across the state as well as many special events including an art show, kite festival, mammoth hunt, guided hikes, guest speakers, and a thriving summer junior ranger program. The district also covers Tower Rock State Park, a Lewis and Clark site, and additional Fishing Access Sites in the area. This is a permanent year-round position. The work is done both inside the visitor center and outdoors. The incumbent will be expected to work independently, at irregular hours, in adverse weather conditions. Weekends, holidays, and evening work are required. Good physical condition is essential. The identities of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary.

Requirements

Knowledge of recreation management.
Familiarity with natural and cultural resource management principles, including historical and current issues.
Background in natural resources, recreation, and cultural resources.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a concise and interpretable manner, with department employees, the public, special interest groups and appropriate land management agencies.
Proficiency in the safe handling and operation of site-specific modes of transportation, such as motorized and non-motorized watercraft, bicycles, and snow machines.
Knowledge of the laws, policies, and regulations under which the agency operates.
Ability to negotiate, explain, and diffuse conflict among parties with differing views and visitors frustrated with department/site rules and policy.
Ability to work effectively in extreme environmental conditions.
Willingness to work in various locations, conditions, and variable days/hours.
Must behave ethically and appropriately when serving visitors.
Combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in park and or recreation management, archeology, geology, or related fields.

Responsibilities

Assists the Recreation Manager with non-maintenance operations at State Parks, FASs, Wildlife Management Areas (recreation management only), and river corridors for purpose of providing visitor services, managing recreation, and stewarding the natural, cultural, and historical resources.
Primarily encompasses broad administrative, operational, and public relations activities.
Provides essential services and tasks as they arise, such as visitor contacts, rule compliance, fee collection and remittance, interpretation and education, and other duties as assigned.
Works under the immediate supervision of the Recreation Manager and provides direction for other staff, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers.
May be assigned to acting as Recreation Manager responsibilities in the absence of the Recreation Manager.