TITLE:                                      Assistant Park Ranger

DEPARTMENT:                        Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

SUPERVISOR:                           Loud Thunder Site Superintendent

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 of a forest preserve or park.  Work includes patrolling the site to ensure proper maintenance and security, and considerable public contact work.  The incumbent is responsible for performing maintenance duties in the maintenance and repair of grounds and facilities which includes daily maintenance and repair of light and heavy equipment.  The employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop deadlines, projects and work to be done.

 

·       Patrols park property on foot or in a vehicle.  Performs visual inspections of park property and facilities.  Checks for maintenance and security problems.  Patrol duties and responsibilities include:

o   Ensuring camping permits are secured properly from the camp office.

o   Responds to inquiries from campers and other patrons.

o   Enforces rules and regulations while patrol grounds. 

o   Performs inspection of facilities to ensure they are safe for patron use. 

o   Assists in the operation of the boat rental service. 

 

·       When not assigned to patrol duty, the employee receives work assignments in the maintenance of grounds, facilities, vehicles and equipment.  Duties and responsibilities include:

o   Performs pre and post operational checks on equipment.

o   Performs manufacture recommended servicing to equipment, i.e. oil changes, fluids, belts, blades.

o   Replaces blown fuses to campsite electrical pedestals.

o   Turns water of and flushes water systems at the end of camping season.

o   Repairs broken or vandalized signs, toilets, sinks, boat docks, picnic pavilions, and outbuildings.

o   Repairs roads with cold and hot patch asphalt. 

o   Conducts prescribed fire to targeted areas.

o   Uses pesticides to control invasive and unwanted vegetation in targeted areas through the preserve.

 

·       Assumes responsibilities for absent subordinates as needed.

 

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

 

·       Shall assist in emergencies.

 

·       Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

·       A Bachelor’s degree in recreation park tourism administration (RPTA), 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. 

·       Strong mechanical background is preferred.

·       Experience in the operation of mowers, tractors and skid steer.

·       Experience with a chainsaw and tree felling.

·       Ability to obtain an Illinois Pesticide License.

·       Must have a valid driver’s license.

 

·       Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and work shifts that include first and second shifts on weekends and holidays.

 

·       Knowledge of the principles and practices of forestry and parks management.

 

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

 

·       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.

 

·       Knowledge of phone systems, computers and other office equipment.

 

·       Skill in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment, such as power mowers, tractors, chainsaws, trimmers, leaf blowers, and related other related equipment.

 

·       Ability and aptitude to identify needed repair and maintenance of light and heavy equipment.

 

·       Highly desired skills for this position: welding, plumbing, rough construction, electrical, mechanical knowledge.

 

 

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 c