Park Ranger

Job Overview

The PARK RANGER job is a full-time, permanent position with the Dubuque County Conservation Board. The person in this position, under the general supervision of the Executive Director, will function as both a law enforcement park ranger for all areas owned and managed by the Conservation Board and as a park maintenance person for all areas in the County park system. Primary duties will be carried out at Mud Lake Park and the North Park territory. Residence at Mud Lake Park will be provided and is required.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• performs public relations and law enforcement duties within parks, preserves and recreation areas and at other County sites as needed, providing first aid and emergency assistance as the need arises.
• is responsible for collecting and securing user fees and delivering them to the Conservation Board's administrative office in a timely manner.
• performs routine maintenance of park areas, preserves and recreation areas, facilities and equipment.
• reports problems with facilities, grounds or equipment to the Deputy Director or Executive Director.
• operates trucks, tractors and light equipment when required.  Operates various hand and power tools, vehicles and mowing equipment.
• may supervise work done by temporary employees, or community service works when needed.
• may develop, organize, direct and conduct broad based programs on public information and environmental education in the campground setting.  Assistance from and cooperation with other County, State and Federal programs and personnel, as well as local professionals, are encouraged.
• may prepare professionally written journalistic materials such as press releases, periodic articles, brochures and newsletters as he need arises.
• shall supervise and coordinate activities of student conservation interns, volunteers and other employees as assigned by the Deputy Director or Executive Director.
• assists Executive Director in preparing plans, budgets and development of directives for the Conservation Department as needed.
• Coordinates, supervises and assists where possible in the maintenance of the County park system.
• completes user surveys as directed, and performs other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director or Executive Director.

Typical Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in natural science or environmental education related fields, or two year associate degree and two years' work experience, with course work in journalism, public relations or public speaking, and experience in preparing and writing materials to disseminate information to the public through various news media, publications or public speaking.

Law enforcement training/Iowa certification or desire and ability to be designated as a peace officer by the Conservation Board in accordance with Iowa Code; including the ability to pass law enforcement position pre-testing, criminal background investigation, and complete law enforcement training at the ILEA.

Valid Class A, commercial driver's license (CDL) or ability to obtain one

• valid pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain certification
• ability to communicate effectively with others
• ability to work without direct supervision
• ability to withstand manual labor and work outside in any weather conditions.
• willingness to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours and varied shifts as the need arises
• some supervisory experience desirable

Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds; ability to climb steps, squat, stoop, ability to be on feet for a minimum of one hour; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods of time; ability to reach above head; ability to withstand extremes of temperature, all with or without reasonable accommodation.

Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.