Park Ranger

Join the Parks and Recreation team in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. The City is currently seeking applications to fill seasonal Parks Ranger positions for Spring/Summer 2024. Work is available in multiple locations including Lakeview Commons, Bijou Park, Regan Beach, Bonanza Park, the golf course, and various other areas across the city. Work up to 40 hours/week during the spring/summer season or part-time with a flexible schedule. Park rangers should have some knowledge and experience with landscaping. Public speaking as well as the ability to communicate effectively in-person and on the phone is required.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision of the Park Ranger Program Coordinator, the Park Ranger perform a variety of professional, technical and maintenance duties related to parks, trails, and other public recreation facilities with an emphasis on public relations, visitor services, and providing consistent communication to Park Steward(s) and the public regarding park rules, codes and ordinances. The Park Ranger shall assist and support the Park Steward(s) with direction regarding day-to-day operations and during special events.

DISTINGUISHINGCLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Park Ranger I is an entry level position within the Park Ranger series. Employees within this class are distinguished by the performance of a range of duties related to interacting with the public at parks and recreation facilities, providing direct support to Park Steward(s), and assisting with special events. Employees at this level are expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge as the Park Steward while also able to exercise higher levels of independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. The Park Ranger I is provided regular training and direction from the Park Ranger Program Coordinator to implement the goals and objectives of the Park Ranger Program throughout the parks system. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher-level supervisor or management staff.

Park Ranger II is normally filled by an individual who has completed at least two seasons as a Park Ranger I or related work experience. Experience may have been obtained through the City of South Lake Tahoe or other government agency. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Park Ranger I level by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, working independently, exercising judgement and initiative. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the department. Park Ranger II is expected to possess a higher level of communication skills and tact when interacting with the public thereby demonstrating to Park Stewards and Park Ranger Is best practices during the course of performing job duties. Park Ranger I/II shall be issued a uniform to include shirt, vest, and/or sweatshirt and head covering (beanie or ballcap). All Park Ranger positions are flexibly staffed and expected to work nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as assigned.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Actively engage the public to provide excellent customer service and greet park users with a professional and welcoming attitude
2. Tactfully and respectfully provide accurate and relevant information regarding park rules, codes, and ordinances
3. Educate park users on environmental stewardship and historical facts about the area
4. Report unsafe conditions, incidents of vandalism, and other related conditions
5. Assist with scheduled special events or facility rentals as assigned
6. Inspect Special Events for permit compliance
7. Perform park maintenance as assigned including but not limited to monitor waste receptacles; trash pickup throughout park; assist with daily restroom cleaning; post caution or closed signs where appropriate.
8. Assist campground hosts and boat ramp staff as needed
9. Assist with planning and designating assignments for Park Stewards and volunteers
10. Prepare daily reports as assigned
11. Complete reports of incidents and accidents
12. Act as a liaison to Public Safety for coordination and support in the enforcement of park codes and response to park emergencies
13. Coordinate with Park Maintenance staff to provide support and respond to maintenance needs
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

Knowledge of:

• Natural resource management and conservation principles

• Principles of public relations and visitor management

• Park maintenance and operations

• First Aid, CPR, and other emergency procedure

• City ordinances and rules relating to parks and recreation

• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation

• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment, basic recordkeeping, arithmetic, computer applications and basic computer software

• Safe working practices

• Principles and practices of customer service with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff

Ability to:

• Know and understand all aspects of the job

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

• Diffuse difficult situations

• Observe and problem solve operational procedures and reporting policies

• Assist with recreation programs and events within multiple program areas

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

• Be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: An Associate of Art or Bachelor degree in natural resources, environmental science, public safety, or parks and recreation management either completed or in progress is preferred.

Experience: The Park Ranger positions are employees who have had some work experience either as a Park Steward or Park Ranger I with the City of South Lake Tahoe or other government agency.

License or Certificate: Ability to complete First Aid and CPR certification. Incumbents must possess a valid California or Nevada Driver's License.

Bi-Lingual desired

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment with some occasional indoor clerical work. Employee is required to work in outside conditions, exposed to hot, wet and/or humid conditions, where noise level may be loud.

Physical: .Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an outdoor environment; to stand, sit, or walk for prolonged periods; some stooping, crawling, crouching, and climbing, maintain concentration and capability to make sound decisions; operate office equipment and use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally exchange information. ?May be required to lift supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction

FLSA Designation:

Non-Exempt

Employment Type: Seasonal