SENIOR COUNTY PARK RANGER

Code: 03280 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, performs the complex work involved in the enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies regarding the use of the park by the public and in providing information to the public pertaining to park use, safety requirements, natural phenomena, and points of interest; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Plans and executes field surveys on forest and range management, wildlife management control, forest disease and insect control, determination of levels of fire hazards, practices in park facilities, recreation activities, visitor activities and similar projects.
• Analyzes findings of field surveys, drafts reports or review drafts of segments of reports, and provides recommendations for action.
• Compiles evaluation reports based on inspections for use by management.
• Drafts guidelines and standard operating procedures in resources management activities, law enforcement and rescue services and recreation program activities.
• Drafts and executes short range plans for identifying resource management projects such as the use of seasonal employees, scheduling operations to fit staffing and other projects with approval of supervisor.
• Writes justifications for proposals.
• 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.
• Participates in first aid and rescue activities.
• May take the lead over a small group of county park rangers.
• May assign work and give instructions to employees.
• May answer questions of the supervisor regarding overall work operations and problems.
• May resolve simple informal complaints of employees and refer all others to the supervisor; may make suggestions as to disciplinary matters, promotions, reassignments, dismissals and other personnel problems.
• May answer questions of other workers regarding procedures, policies, and regulations.
• May monitor work flow and make necessary adjustments and report to supervisor regarding works progress and status; may request advice or needed information regarding problems that arise.
• May give on the job training to new employees and inform them of available services and agency regulations.
• May inform supervisor of the progress and training needs of employees.
• Prepares reports and keeps records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.

<b>AGE:</b> Not less than eighteen (18) years of age at the announced closing date for filing applications.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in work involving the care, maintenance, and protection of park resources and facilities and/or in the conservation of natural, cultural, and other park resources and/or in the explanation and education of the public regarding such resources.

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.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of gathering information.
• Knowledge of the types of emergencies likely to be encountered and of the emergency operations plans likely to be used in a park system.
• Knowledge of the methods used to control potential hazards to natural resources.
• Ability to read and understand the park system policies and policy formulation regarding public system, including land acquisition and development priorities.
• Ability to recognize, prevent, and control potential hazards to natural resources.
• Ability to understand the problems involved in safeguarding buildings and grounds covering a considerable area.
• 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.
• Ability to handle complaints effectively.
• Ability to interpret park rules and regulations.
• Ability to enforce the law, park regulations, and policies.
• Ability to restrain individuals.
• Ability to deal with varied types of persons and to give them clear and accurate directions.
• Ability to write summonses and record information.
• Ability to investigate accidents.
• Ability to direct traffic and collect statements from citizens.
• Ability to deal with the public with courtesy, fairness, and firmness and to enforce regulations tactfully.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations both quickly and effectively.
• Ability to drive all types of motor vehicles.
• Ability to do park maintenance work, cutting trees, planting and transplanting trees and shrubs, clearing trails and doing minor construction and repairs.
• Ability to operate hand and special tools, including a chain saw, wood handling machinery, small engine mowers, tractors, and to maintain the same.
• Ability to use cleaning materials correctly.
• Ability to write reports and maintain records and files.
• 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.

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.

Appointees will be required to successfully complete a training program mandated by the New Jersey Police Training Commission within 18 months of appointment.

Candidates certified from the eligible list of the title may be required to undergo a medical examination administered by the Appointing Authority

Satisfactory completion of thirty (30) semester hours of credit at an accredited college or university with at least six semester hours of credit in one of the following areas may be substituted for one (1) year of the above experience: Park and Recreation management, natural sciences, history, archeology, sociology, police science, urban affairs, criminal justice, and the behavioral sciences.