Park Ranger - Hourly

The Catawba County Park System is currently recruiting an energetic self-starter who wants to work on a part-time basis in an innovative outdoors environment as an Hourly Park Ranger. As an Hourly Park Ranger, you will support the Park System team by assisting with park maintenance, improvement and beautification projects, enforcing park ordinances, and public relations activities. The ideal candidate is a team player who enjoys working with people and being physically active. The ability and desire to work evenings is needed. Hourly staff work no more than 19 hours a week with no guaranteed schedule or amount of hours and no benefits associated with position. Hours may change during fall and winter seasons as park hours are adjusted.  For more information on Catawba County Parks, visit: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/parks/

The position will primarily be located at Riverbend and Mountain Creek Parks.

• Perform park maintenance duties, including grounds, landscaping, trails, facilities and equipment following established maintenance plans, and maintain all relevant logs
• Inspect and patrol grounds, trails, facilities and equipment for safety/maintenance issues and address/correct any problems
• Perform natural habitat preservation/restoration activities according to departmental plans
• Perform minor service/repairs to various equipment and maintain service logs
• Enforce park rules and ordinances
• Open and close parks according to established schedule and procedures
• Provide positive public and community relations through direct interactions with park visitors and collaborations with community partners
• Implement approved park programming in alignment with Park System programming plan and in coordination with Park Superintendent

• High School diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of experience in parks/recreation, park maintenance/mechanical work, or other specifically related experience; OR
• Associate’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources/Forestry, Horticulture or other related degree and 1 year of experience in parks/recreation, park maintenance/mechanical work, or other specifically related experience; OR 
• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources/Forestry, Horticulture or other related degree; park maintenance/mechanical work, or other specifically related experience

Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred.  

Additional Requirements:  

• A valid driver’s license with a safe driving record
• First Aid and CPR certified or the ability/willingness to obtain upon hire 
• Excellent customer service skills with strong interpersonal skills, positive upbeat attitude, and a demonstrated sensitivity to diverse populations with varying needs
• Sound judgement and the ability to work independently and problem solve 
• Self-starter who enjoys working hands on and has a high level of physical ability/capacity
• Collaborative and adaptive team player
• Ability/willingness to learn how to operate machinery such as:   bobcat, tractors, trail motorcycle, mountain bike, e-bike, etc.
• Ability to successfully operate, service, and perform minor repairs to equipment such as chainsaws, weed eaters, and assorted hand tools and perform skills such as painting and simple carpentry, etc. 
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office)
• This is considered Physical/Heavy Work, lifting up to 75 pounds. Must be in good physical condition and possess stamina to walk/bike longer distances (5-10 miles) on a regular basis to monitor and maintain trail system, conduct tours, and assist patrons. 

Salary : $18