Hello COSA community!
The City of Lakewood is currently recruiting for a fulltime Park Naturalist/Ranger! This is an exciting position that combines educational programming with public safety duties in a dynamic work environment.
The details of this position are below, and the full posting can be viewed at:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakewoodco
Park Naturalist/Ranger
Location
City of Lakewood, CO
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Department
Community Resources UP1
Job Number
E0150 – June 2022
Closing
7/8/2022 5:00 PM Mountain
Job Summary
HIRING RANGE: $56,628 – $59,774
Primary responsibility is to provide high quality educational programs for park visitors and the Lakewood community. Also provides patrol of park properties, enforcement of rules and ordinances, natural resources protection and preservation, and public safety for the park system. Carries out a variety of duties related to park management and environmental education as directed by the Park Supervisor. The emphasis of the position is in the naturalist area and as a component of the responsibilities will include performing the duties of a park ranger.
Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Park Naturalist Duties
· Responsible for planning, researching, preparing materials for, and conducting interpretive programs and outdoor education for adults and children of diverse ages and backgrounds.
· Organizes various special events and programs intended to educate park users and residents about park ecosystems and wildlife, history, stewardship and other topics.
· Coordinates a variety of special event permit requests.
· Researches, prepares and develops interpretive exhibits for the visitor center and interpretive park signage.
· Work with the Visitor Center Specialist to coordinate all park volunteer programs and supervises volunteers in the naturalist and park steward programs. Leads volunteers on a variety of projects.
· Coordinates the activities of the Park Rangers related to environmental education and safety education. Serves on a variety of City and area work groups and committees.
· Provides high quality park communication and marketing through website coordination, social media postings, brochure development and other written information. Represents the division for media requests, board meetings, HOA’s and similar requests.
· Assists with natural resources and wildlife management activities with emphasis on surveys and data collection.
· Coordinates facility operations such as visitor center custodial, picnic reservations, event scheduling, campground operations, gate/cashier operations, community service programs, swim beach operations and contract coordination. Prepares deposits and completes daily revenue reports.
Ranger Duties
· Effectively responds to emergencies and coordinates response with West Metro, Lakewood Police and other responding agencies. Provides first aid and rescue
· Ensures compliance of city park ordinances and rules through public relations, education, signs, and written information. If necessary, issues city citation for violations.
· Provides a patrol presence on all assigned park properties and trails. Patrols using trucks, ATV’s, foot, mountain bikes, motorboats and occasionally on horseback.
· Assists with visitor center desk, front gate and boat inspection operations by providing leadership to seasonal staff to include visitor center and gate employees and beach attendants, and infrequently, variable rangers.
Reporting Relationships
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision form the Park Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: Provides leadership to variable naturalist/rangers, gate attendants, swim beach attendants and volunteers.
Essential Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree with course work in fields related to natural resources, environmental education, parks and recreation.
Experience: One or more years’ experience in a natural resource’s management field. Strongly prefer experience as a park naturalist.
Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training
· Valid driver’s license, with good driving record, background check and finger printing required.
· Must have or attain within 1 year of hiring, and maintain: Certified Interpretive Guide certification, first responder or higher medical certification (EMT preferred), firefighter Type II (Red Card), water rescue (lifeguard, open water lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, swift water rescue, motorboat operator course including rescue skills, or approved equivalent), Ice Rescue Certification, State Boat Inspector Certification, collapsible baton and pepper spray certification.
KSA’s and Physical/Mental Reqs
· Knowledge of City ordinances, state boating statues and regulations, state fishing rules and regulations.
· Must possess the technical knowledge and physical ability to perform ice and water rescues, if necessary, as well as respond to, and coordinate the response to, other emergency situations including accidents, first aid and wildland fire
· Knowledge of natural resources base within the various parks. Knowledge of basic natural history of species within the parks.
· Excellent public relations skills (dealing with complaints and violations) and ability to prepare and present formal educational programs.
· Ability to issue citations when violations occur and to testify in court proceedings.
· Ability to demonstrate organizational, and leadership skills.
· Ability to work independently and as a team member.
· Ability to use a wide range of tools, including but not limited to rakes, shovels, and small power hand tools.
· Must be able to interact with others in a positive manner.
· Must demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
Technological Skills
Ability to use a computer, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office
RecTrac
Drew Sprafke
Park Supervisor
Bear Creek Lake Park/Open Space
303.697.6154
15600 W Morrison Rd.
MORRISON, COLORADO 80465
