State Park Ranger

Description

Ponderosa State Park is on the lookout for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to become a valued member of our Ranger team!

Nestled along the shores of beautiful Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho, Ponderosa State Park spans over 1,000 acres of lush forests and pristine waterfront. The park offers a wealth of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, wildlife viewing, and picnicking spots with breathtaking lake views. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Payette Lake. 

Ponderosa State Park is continuously evolving with exciting opportunities, including the expansion of interpretive programs, improvements to visitor amenities, and the ongoing preservation of the park's natural beauty. As a Ranger, you'll play a crucial role in these initiatives, ensuring the safety and memorable experiences of our visitors while contributing to the conservation of this cherished natural gem.

Join us amidst the serenity of Payette Lake and the majesty of the Ponderosa pines as a Ranger at Ponderosa State Park. Your role will involve safeguarding our natural wonders, captivating visitors with informative programs, and crafting unforgettable memories in this idyllic 1,000-acre haven.

Housing: Housing is available for an immersive and rewarding experience!

Learn more about Ponderosa State Park by visiting: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/ponderosa/

 Example of Duties: 

1. Visitor Services and Resource Protection. 

• Provides information to visitors and the public regarding park history and geology, plants, and animals. 
• Conducts nature walks. 
• Develops and presents interpretive and environmental awareness programs for park visitors, school groups, and organizations. 
• Performs research for programs and displays Informs visitors of pertinent regulations of the Department as well as other partner organizations such as the Department of Fish and Game and Department of Lands. 
• Collects fees. 
• Ensures compliance with outdoor recreation program and park rules and regulations. 
• Works with local enforcement agencies to give warnings, surcharges and citations.
• Patrols park to protect and preserve park resources from vandalism and abuse. 
• Promotes public safety. 
• Serves as liaison between the park and other enforcement agencies.
•  Administers first aid, organizes, markets, and implements special events. 

2. Administrative. 

• Works with other park staff to hire, train, schedule, and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers. 
• Prepares and maintains reports, expense transmittals, records, logs, and inventories. 
• Purchases supplies and materials. 
• Prepares research reports and procedure manuals. 
• May represent the department at meetings with the public, user, and/or special interest groups and partner agencies. 

3. Park Maintenance. 

• Maintains park facilities and grounds to ensure resource preservation and visitor safety. 
• Performs a variety of basic craft activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry. 
• Operates and repairs vehicles, trucks, mowers, groomers, backhoes, and hand and power tools. 
• Fells and removes hazardous trees. 
• Designs, modifies, and fabricates equipment; inspects the area and takes corrective action for hazardous conditions and defective equipment. 

These positions involve various skills including public relations; natural resource management; park building and grounds maintenance; park and recreation rule compliance, and conflict resolution of visitor and user issues. 

This position involves working nights, weekends, and many holidays, in all weather conditions, and with potentially caustic materials and pesticides. It also involves lifting items weighing 40 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds, bending, stooping, and climbing ladders. 

A background check administered by the Department may be required. 

Given the high volume of applications for the Ranger position, we strongly encourage applicants to submit comprehensive resumes and cover letters. To provide clarity on our desired expectations, we've prepared a sample resume and cover letter: Example Resume and Cover Letter for Ranger Position

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Some knowledge of outdoor recreation and/or natural resource management. Typically gained by completing at least 9 college-level credits in a natural resource and/or outdoor recreation field AND at least six months of experience working with natural resource issues and/or outdoor recreation; OR, at least twelve (12) months experience as a Ranger (or similar position) in a city, county, state or federal park and recreation system. 
• Experience providing service to a variety of customers. Typically gained by at least 6 months of experience answering questions, providing direction, and asking questions to determine the needs or purpose of the visit. 
• Experience supervising the work of others. Typically gained by at least six (6) months' work experience assigning work or training new/existing staff. 

Preferred Candidates will have:

• Experience operating and maintaining vehicles/equipment. Typically gained by at least six months of experience skillfully operating lightweight over-the-road type vehicles and equipment such as cars and pickups (manual shift not automatic), lawnmowers, weed eaters, trimmers, etc., and operating heavy equipment and vehicles such as tractors, trucks, backhoes, front end loaders, etc.
• Experience performing construction and building maintenance. Typically gained by at least six months of experience skillfully performing basic carpentry tasks such as roof repair, erecting drywall, installing windows or doors, minor home repair, and performing basic plumbing tasks such as repairing/replacing faucets, sinks, drains, and toilets. 
• Some knowledge of Interpretation/Environmental Education. Typically gained by successfully completing at least three (3) college-level credits, one (1) agency-sponsored workshop, that included park interpretation or environmental education; OR, at least six (6) months of work experience creating and leading interpretive experiences such as campfire programs, school tours, and nature walks in a park and recreation or school system.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO

 WHY IDPR? We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. IDPR manages 30 state parks, trails and attractions throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators. 

BENEFITS: We offer a competitive benefits package which includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance. There is generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start. There are ten paid holidays in a year; participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems; multiple saving plans and optional 401K; life insurance; wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities and more. 

To learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation please visit: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/

Benefits: The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

*Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.