COUNTY PARK RANGER
DEFINITION:
Under direction, enforces laws, regulations, and policies regarding the use of the park by the public, provides information to the public pertaining to park use, natural phenomena, safety requirements, and points of interest, performs park maintenance duties; does other related duties.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Observes visitors' use or service patterns in relation to the resources of the area to identify significant factors of use.
Determines levels or presence of unusual hazards, such as fire, climate, and insect infestation by survey.
Inspects park area facilities and visitor activities, and applies standards for sanitation, pollution, safety, campsite use, concessions management, and special use permits in making such inspections.
Takes actions to rectify unusual conditions.
Enforces park regulations and, when necessary, apprehends and takes into custody violators of the law.
Issues summonses for minor infractions of the laws governing the park system.
Directs traffic, investigates accidents, and patrols park areas to prevent fires, vandalism, and theft.
Gives testimony in court concerning violations and mishaps.
Oversees operation of picnic areas, campgrounds, and entrance stations.
May assign seasonal personnel and account for fees collected in the areas.
Participates in first aid and rescue activities.
Performs special studies on projects as required.
Observes and notes evidence of insect infestation or tree disease, or damage from fires and hazards such as flooding, washed out roads, weakened guard rails, or undercut trails and reports same to supervisor.
Performs a variety of routine maintenance, repair, and cleaning tasks and may operate varied types of light equipment when necessary to perform such tasks.
Participates in educational programs by giving prepared speeches to park visitors on natural and historic features of the area, guiding visitors on nature hikes, and answering routine questions on points of interest in the park and surrounding areas.
Prepares reports and keeps records and files.
Issues permits and takes count of visitors to the park.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
AGE:
Not less than eighteen years of age at the announced closing date for filing applications.
NOTE: Appointees will be required to successfully complete a training program mandated by the New Jersey Police Training Commission within 18 months of appointment.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
NOTE: Candidates certified from the eligible list of the title may be required to undergo a medical examination administered by the Appointing Authority.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Ability to understand the problems involved in safeguarding buildings and grounds covering a considerable area.
Ability to read and understand the procedures that are useful in issuing summonses, making arrests, and prosecuting violators.
Ability to deal with varied types of persons and to give them clear and accurate directions.
Ability to read and understand procedures used in controlling traffic and maintaining order among visitors and preparing reports of conditions noted and actions taken.
Ability to recognize, prevent, and control potential hazards to natural resources after a period of training.
Ability to relate the pertinent information about particular areas, including the common trees, plants, and animals, the history of landmarks, and the location of facilities after a period of training.
Ability to deal with the public with courtesy, fairness, and firmness and to enforce regulations tactfully.
Ability to fight fires after a period of training.
Ability to drive all types of motor vehicles after a period of training.
Ability to do park maintenance work, cutting trees, planting and transplanting trees and shrubs, clearing trails and doing minor construction and repairs after a period of training.
Ability to write reports and maintain records and files.
Ability to respond to emergency situations both quickly and effectively.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
