Park Ranger

Salary : $36,472.79 Annually
Location : Parks - Catawba County, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01878
Department: Planning and Parks
Opening Date: 12/15/2023
Closing Date: 1/5/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
Catawba County Planning and Parks is currently recruiting an energetic self-starter to join our collaborative team in Park Ranger role. A Park Ranger is a steward of the Catawba County Park System. As a Park Ranger you will perform duties that assure park improvement, beautification, and safety; enforce park ordinances; and engage in public relations activities. This position is full-time with benefits and anticipated to work both weekday and weekend hours. Ideal candidate will have parks experience (either ranger or maintenance). For more information on Catawba County Parks, visit:
Responsibilities

• Perform park maintenance duties, including grounds, landscaping, trails, facilities and equipment following established maintenance plans, and maintain all relevant logs
• Inspect and patrol grounds, trails, facilities and equipment for safety/maintenance issues and address/correct any problems
• Perform natural habitat preservation/restoration activities according to departmental plans
• Perform minor service/repairs to various equipment and maintain service logs
• Enforce park rules and ordinances
• Open and close parks according to established schedule and procedures
• Provide positive public and community relations through direct interactions with park visitors and collaborations with community partners
• Implement approved park programming in alignment with Park System programming plan and in coordination with Park Superintendent

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of experience in parks/recreation, park maintenance/mechanical work, or other specifically related experience; OR
• Associate's degree in Parks and Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources/Forestry, Horticulture or other related degree and 1 year of experience in parks/recreation, park maintenance/mechanical work, or other specifically related experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources/Forestry, Horticulture or other related degree; park maintenance/mechanical work, or other specifically related experience

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid driver's license with a safe driving record
• First Aid and CPR certified or the ability/willingness to obtain upon hire
• Excellent customer service skills with strong interpersonal skills, positive upbeat attitude, and a demonstrated sensitivity to diverse populations with varying needs
• Sound judgement and the ability to work independently and problem solve
• Self-starter who enjoys working hands on and has a high level of physical ability/capacity
• Collaborative and adaptive team player
• Ability/willingness to learn how to operate machinery such as: bobcat, tractors, trail motorcycle, mountain bike, e-bike, etc.
• Ability to successfully operate, service, and perform minor repairs to equipment such as chainsaws, weed eaters, and assorted hand tools and perform skills such as painting and simple carpentry, etc.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office)
• This is considered Physical/Heavy Work, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds frequently. Must be in good physical condition and possess stamina to walk/bike longer distances (5-10 miles) on a regular basis to monitor and maintain trail system, conduct tours, and assist patrons.

As of 7/1/2022:
You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include:
Health Care

• Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
• Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
• Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
• Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.

Employee Wellness

• Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee's children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.
• Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

Work Life Balance

• Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Time off for activities that support our local schools.
• Continuing educational assistance.
• Discount tickets to recreational venues.
• Employee appreciation days/activities.
• Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

Financial Security

• Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
• 401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
• Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
• Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
• Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee's annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
• Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).

01
Why are you interested in the Park Ranger position?
02
Why do you believe you are the right candidate for this role?
03
What experience do you have that most relates to your ability to fulfill the role of Park Ranger, and why?
Required Question