Assistant Park Ranger

                                           POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                      Assistant Park Ranger

DEPARTMENT:                        Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

SUPERVISOR:                           Forest Preserve Park Ranger

FLSA:                                       Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:          Represented Employee – AFSCME 2025A

CLASSIFICATION:                     Assistant Park Ranger – Grade 23

 

 

Under general direction performs a variety of responsible duties in the operation and maintenance at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve.  Work includes patrolling the site to ensure proper maintenance and security, and considerable public contact work.  The incumbent is responsible for performing general and skilled maintenance duties in the repair and maintenance of grounds and public facilities.  The employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop deadlines, projects and work to be done.

 

Patrols park property in a vehicle enforcing general rules.  Performs visual inspections of park property and facilities and reports issues to supervisor.  Checks for maintenance and other security problems.  Work days may be first & second shift, weekends and holidays.

 

Duties include:

-Issuing camping permits, inform and assist park visitors of rules and regulations, patrol grounds to insure compliance with regulations. 

-Works in the campground office registering campers and answers questions about general park use, rules and ensures the safety of visitors through park patrols.  

-Responds to inquires or requests for service from supervisor or office attendants when patrolling park grounds. 

Plans, schedules and performs work in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, vehicles and equipment. 

Prepares and maintains various maintenance records and park usage reports.

Assumes responsibilities for absent subordinates as needed.

Performs the duties and assumes the responsibilities of the Park Ranger in his absence. 

Assists in emergencies.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

A Bachelor’s degree in forestry or closely related field supplemented by one year of experience in public preserve or park operation, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must have a valid driver’s license.

 

Knowledge of the principles and practices of forestry and parks management.
Knowledge of native ecosystems and maintenance thereof, ability to identify native and invasive flora & fauna. 

Ability to learn and willingness to adhere to Rock Island County Forest Preserve District standards and codes, practices, policies and procedures.

Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of subordinates in the maintenance of grounds, facilities and equipment.

Ability to communicate with the public tactfully and courteously.

Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Skill in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment, such as mowers, tractors and attachments, chainsaws, power tools and related equipment.

 

Physical Requirements:  Task involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items; or may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine and adjustments or both; or the sustained operation, on a production basis, of such devices as offset presses with associated equipment.

 

Environmental Requirements:  Task may require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

 

Sensory Requirements:  Task requires color perception and discrimination.  Task requires sound perception and discrimination.  Task requires odor perception and discrimination.  Task requires depth perception and discrimination.  Task requires texture perception and discrimination.  Task requires visual perception and discrimination.  Task requires oral communications ability.