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JOB SUMMARY

A Park Ranger I is the intermediate level of work in the operation of the Queen Anne’s County Park System patrolling county parks/beaches, recreation and enterprise facilities including landings and marinas. While demonstrating effective public relations and community relations skills, employees interpret and apply Park rules and regulations to ensure voluntary compliance with park standards, coordinate park programs, and inform visitors of park resources. In addition, employees perform general maintenance activities such as grass cutting, comfort station compliance and trash pickup as required.   Employees in this classification do not supervise but may provide guidance to seasonal employees and volunteers. Standard work shift may include weekdays, evenings, weekends and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides cordial, responsive, and accurate customer service.

Assists with maintenance of parks, beaches and landings facilities as needed.  This includes but is not limited to mowing, litter pickup and removal, sign repair, cleaning bathrooms, cleaning beach areas and opening and closing gates.

Performs routine landscape functions such as waters lawns, operates weed eaters and pruners, and operates a variety of mowers.  Maintains planting beds, clearing, trimming and pruning operations, plants and mulches trees and shrubs.

Operates hand, motorized and electrical tools such as chain saws, push mowers, ATVs, beach groomers and riding mowers. 

Advises maintenance staff of parks and landings of safety and maintenance issues beyond their abilities to repair.

Performs manual labor and routine custodial duties.

Monitors County-owned and operated buildings and grounds; collects, removes, and disposes of litter and debris.

Monitors and reports on water quality, erosion, visitor impact and other conditions, identifies problems that can be corrected by immediate action, takes appropriate steps as needed, and reports more complex problems.

Discusses basic knowledge of park sites and surroundings regarding local history, flora and fauna and current cultural and economic attributes.

Assists with actively recruiting volunteers as well as organizing and assisting with developing community support groups.  Works with volunteers and volunteer groups to make efficient use of their time/resources.  Assists with supervising and organizing volunteer activities and work programs.

Assists with plans for interpretive recreational programs, monitoring special events, tournaments, leagues, camps and classes as assigned.

Coordinates with League Coordinator and/or Recreation Specialist to ensure proper field permit scheduling and operation of recreational programs. 

Operates park facilities such as; concession stands, beach operations, bike rentals, boat rentals, etc., as assigned on a day-to-day basis.

Patrols park facilities on foot, bicycle and in vehicle; enforces Parks & Recreation Department rules, regulations and ordinances, responds to calls for service from the public and performs first aid as necessary.

Ensures park facilities are safe and secured.

Issues warnings and/or citations for violations of Parks & Recreation Department rules, regulations and ordinances. 

Appears in court to provide testimony in support of prosecutions for violations of Parks & Recreation Department rules, regulations and ordinances.

Serves as liaison to QAC Office of the Sheriff and other local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure park infractions and vandalism are reported and investigated in a timely manner; may assist Emergency Medical Services as appropriate or participate in traffic control, park building security checks and assisting in crime scene processing and searches.

Operates and monitors county radios, video cameras, pay machines, alarms and other monitoring systems; may use computer to perform data entry and queries; prepares accurate records and reports and maintains files. Provides information and aid to park patrons as needed; assists with community outreach initiatives designed to deter crime in the parks and enhance the enjoyment of parks by park patrons.

Meets with citizens and community organizations to foster positive community relations and to assist in organizing crime prevention programs; participates in the development and presentation of crime prevention displays/programs and responds to questions concerning park operations and   crime prevention techniques and deterrents.

Contributes text and photographs to create and revise interpretive materials, such as guidebooks, handouts, exhibits and web pages.

Provides advice and direction to other County park employees, volunteers and seasonal workers employed in the County Park System. Cooperates with other County park employees, volunteers and seasonal workers to ensure that park facilities remain clean, safe and accessible.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to comprehend park rules, regulations, policies, procedures, goals and objectives of the Queen Anne’s County Park System; Ability to react quickly and calmly during emergency situations; Ability to investigate complaints and accidents occurring on park property; Ability to inspect buildings and structures for safety hazards and initiate required corrective action.

Ability to prepare clear and accurate written reports; Ability to operate and monitor county radios, video cameras, alarms and other monitoring systems; Ability to use computer to perform data entry and queries.

Knowledge of principles and practices of park operations; Knowledge of the County’s historical, cultural, recreational and natural resource features; Skill in interpreting features of Park System lands in Queen Anne’s County so that material may be understood by the general public; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to use special equipment and tools; Ability to work alone in isolated areas; Ability to endure vigorous physical.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possession of a Class C Maryland Motor Vehicle Operator’s License (or the equivalent from another issuing state) or the ability to obtain such a license within thirty (30) days   of employment to position.

Certified as having successfully completed the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Park Ranger Training Program or equivalent as determined by the Queen Anne’s County Parks Department. 

First Aid, CPR and AED certification required within first six months of employment. 

NIMS TRAINING

The following National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training is required with in the first year of employment: Non-supervisory Employees               Courses 700

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.  English speaking is required, and Spanish speaking is desirable. 

Two or more years of experience in park management, recreation, natural resources management, or the preparation, development or delivery of programs that interpret natural, historical, cultural or recreational features. Experience in law enforcement and/or security management preferred.

Candidates may substitute an Associates or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of park management, recreation, education, or a natural resources related field for required experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work will involve nights, weekends and holidays as well as weekdays.  Employee may be required to walk, run, bicycle and operate various types of motor vehicles during the performance of their assigned duties.  The work is performed indoors and in the field under various weather conditions. The work requires lifting objects weighing fifty pounds or more and traveling throughout the County. Employees may be required to wear protective clothing and equipment, carry specialized tools, walk over uneven and rocky surfaces, bend or stoop in confined spaces, participate in strenuous activity, occasionally operate in precarious places in the course of patrolling park facilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is regularly performed in outside weather conditions.  On occasion, work is performed in potentially adverse weather conditions.  The noise level is usually moderate.  Required to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.