Position Description of Summer Park Ranger

Supervisory Scope

Works under the general supervision of Project Manager or Lead Park Ranger. Receives oral instructions regarding general objectives and written memoranda in connection with potential problems. Much of the work is performed at remote locations without ready recourse to supervisor, thus requiring the exercise of initiative and judgment by incumbent. Explicit instructions are given on non-routine technical problems. Supervisor is consulted in decisions affecting important policy or emergencies. Work is subject to review by inspections and adequacy of end results.

Major Duties

Serves as uniformed Park Ranger at a designated reservoir/lake/recreation area.  At the direction of the Project Manager, participates in the administration of management programs.

Performs inspections of recreation areas. Reports any misuse of properties or facilities, unsanitary conditions, public nuisances to supervisor and/or local police.

Helps visitors with problems; receives oral and other complaints concerning operations, regulations, or facilities and resolves these incidents.

Promotes good public relations by responding courteously to inquiries and questions. Assists visitors with information. Performs various light maintenance tasks, as required.

Maintenance and facility upkeep on the infrastructure which includes restrooms, litter, trail work, beach clean ups, etc..

 

Interpretive Services

a)    Conducts interpretive talks; provides guided tours of the project, and explains the purpose of the project and its functions and benefits; leads tour groups on the dam and environmental trails. Gives nature talks and explains the characteristics of flora and fauna. Answers questions about the site which recur repeatedly and require knowledge of the project. Maintains informational displays to include informational racks. Conducts water safety demonstrations for the public.

b)    Maintains supply of information materials and other stock items at the project office. Obtains and posts various information on the kiosks.

                          Visitor Assistance

a)    Performs security duties by patrolling project land and water areas. Reports to the Park Manager on evidence of trespassing or destruction of property, misuse of properties or facilities, unsanitary conditions, and public nuisances.

b)    Communicates effectively with park visitors and obtains their cooperation. Responds to visitor’s questions regarding the local area, historical points of interest, project facilities, and operating times. Identifies and reports problems, violations of regulations concerning the use of protected resources, or public lands, and carries out overall agency policies and procedures within the park.

c)    Responds to and takes independent action on emergencies and accidents, administers first aid; performs search and rescue. Performs investigations, takes photographs, investigates accident complaints and disturbances compiles information, Interviews witnesses, summons assistance, and controls crowds. Prepares diagram and written reports of incidents.

d)    For  large events, assists with directing traffic in the Day Use Area; distributes recreational use rules and information to visitors; explains park regulations and provides information concerning scheduled interpretive events, natural resources, and project history. Fills out lost and found reports.

e)    Files and maintains various logs and reports. May be asked to assist with other agencies such as Fish and Game Department and local law enforcement agencies.

Operations and Maintenance

a)    Assists in facilities maintenance and operation by participating in inspections of recreational areas, and project structures, grounds, and equipment. Performs various light maintenance tasks as directed.

b)     Participates in project opening and lock-up procedures.

c)    Project Operations require holiday coverage, altering shifts times, occasional overtime, and periods on assigned shifts working alone.

 Park Ranger Series, GS-0025

SERIES DEFINITION

This series includes positions the duties of which are to supervise, manage, and/or perform work in the conservation and use of Federal park resources. This involves functions such as park conservation; natural, historical, and cultural resource management; and the development and operation of interpretive and recreational programs for the benefit of the visiting public. Duties characteristically include assignments such as: forest and structural fire control; protection of property from natural or visitor related depredation; dissemination to visitors of general, historical, or scientific information; folk art and craft demonstrations; control of traffic and visitor use of facilities; enforcement of laws and regulations; investigation of violations, complaints, trespass/encroachment, and accidents; search and rescue missions; and management activities related to resources such as wildlife, lakeshores, seashores, forests, historic buildings, battlefields, archeological properties, and recreation areas.

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION

The work of Park Rangers varies considerably from park to park depending on factors such as the functions performed, the subject matter knowledge required by the work, and the nature of the park or resource(s) involved.

The term park is used in this standard to include national monuments; seashores; parkways; historical, military, natural, and urban parks; lakes; and other related areas administered by the Departments of the Army and the Interior.

The term resource as used in the standard includes natural, historical, cultural, archeological, or other similar types of resources. Park programs or functions range from preserving wilderness to operating urban parks; from protecting natural forests and historical buildings to safeguarding people on crowded recreational beaches or lakes; from patrolling back country areas to delivering interpretive talks in parks, community centers, schools, and similar establishments; from fighting forest fires to controlling large crowds; from overcoming encroachments on public lands to encouraging people to use properly and enjoy park facilities.

To accomplish these functions, Park Rangers perform duties that vary from one park or resource to another because of operating requirements, differing types of parks or resources, the seasonality of operations (e.g., during the “slow” season higher grade level rangers may, of necessity, perform some tasks usually associated with lower grade-level ranger work), the availability of staff with specialized knowledge, and other related or similar considerations.

Generally, the work falls into three broad functional areas:

• Interpretation – this involves interpretation of the natural, historical, archeological, or other features of the particular resource and area to enrich the visitors’ experience through activities such as talks, guided or self-guided walks, campfire presentations, demonstrations, and environmental education programs both in the park and in community centers, schools, or other related “nonpark” locations.

• Visitor Protection and Services – this involves activities such as operation of campgrounds, marinas, picnic areas, and other recreation facilities; search and rescue or other emergency services; boat, road, or other patrol activities for enforcement and inspection purposes; traffic control; and fee collection.

• Resource Management – this involves the protection, management, and conservation of the natural, historical, and other characteristics of the area through activities such as forest, wild land, and structural fire prevention and suppression; boundary encroachment and land-use activities; fish and wildlife management; preservation of natural, cultural, and/or historical structures and objects; and flood control activities.