Park Ranger Trainee

The Park Ranger Trainee position is an entry-level Parks position responsible for rental transactions, paddle craft decontaminations, gate house operations and assisting rangers at Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge. This position is ideal for candidates considering a career as a Park Ranger or Park Naturalist, but may not yet be qualified for such positions. This position receives full training to inspect for invasive species and other plant species on personal watercraft, protection of natural resources from non-native species that threaten wildlife, drinking water/irrigation, and all water-related outdoor recreation. This is a highly visible position, which is responsible for providing information and courteous service to visitors. This position requires the ability to multi-task, learn and use new technology, work quickly and accurately, and independently handle a high volume of visitors at peak times. Park Ranger Trainees will also have the opportunity to work directly alongside Park Rangers in their daily duties to receive Park Ranger training. This position works from mid-April through September 30th. Recreation staff have the primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of program participants. Must be willing and able to work a varied schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays. 

This position is for those 18 years old or older who will acquire the benefits below:

• Receive CPR, First Aid and AED certification good for 2 years
• Gain Colorado Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination hands-on training to prevent invasive species from entering into the Standley Lake
• Provide the opportunity to shadow boat and land rangers as well as aid with environmental education programs
• Free access to City of Westminster Recreation Facilitates

The availability of work hours for this position will be determined by these factors: program length, weather, and budget. The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational, and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing, and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space, and trails. This position works toward the accomplishment of the department’s mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Job Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:

• Work independently as well as with others
• Objectively handle a wide variety of public contact situations
• Learn applicable municipal codes and pertinent park regulations
• Demonstrate excellent skills in guest relations
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Assist the public and City staff in a friendly and helpful manner establishing effective working relationships
• Educate visitors on Standley Lake natural recreation and historical information 
• Use tools and supplies for light cleaning
• Work in a high-usage/fast-paced leisure facility environment

All employees are expected to provide excellent customer service, communicate in an effective manner both verbally and in writing, display professionalism and integrity, work efficiently, effectively and accurately, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, solve problems, display good judgment, take ownership for delivering a high-quality product or service, have regular and punctual attendance, and effectively handle emergency situations.

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks

1. Provides nature education to park visitors by distributing brochures, promoting ANS education, answering questions about park information and regulations, and assisting with programming
2. Protects the park ecosystem including vegetation and wildlife
3. Performs cleaning and light maintenance of the paddle craft rental station, nature center, and park equipment, as well as park grounds
4. Conducts visitor contacts on trails to provide park information and promote stewardship efforts utilizing e-bikes, UTV’s or on foot
5. Logs daily contacts, activities and ANS decontaminations consistently and accurately
6. Assists the Boat, Camp, Land, and Interpretation Rangers
7. Perform paddle craft decontaminations
8. Assists and/or job-shadows Park Rangers and Naturalist in their daily duties as assigned
9. Frequent cash-handling and direct customer interactions. 
10. Maintains regular and punctual attendance

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. Documents and reports visitor complaints
2. Communicates appropriately with other Lake staff on reports, observations and visitor issues

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Experience in Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Natural Recreation or a similar field is helpful
• Must be First Aid, CPR and AED certified or willing to acquire certification

Preferred:

• Some college-level coursework in Parks, Environmental Education, Recreation, Natural Resources or a related field 
• Currently seeking education in a career as a Park Ranger or Park Naturalist

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Physical Requirements
Due to the nature of work, sufficient physical stamina and strength are needed for:

• Stand or walk for the majority of up to a 10-hour shift
• Frequent sitting to perform designated office tasks and to survey park for hazards and potential problems; constant standing and walking over uneven terrain in all weather conditions to address hazards and potential park violations with public; occasional running to address emergency situations
• Frequent squatting, bending, kneeling, balancing, reaching overhead and below shoulder, and twisting to perform park maintenance and other related duties; occasional crawling and climbing to perform various park duties
• Frequent light and firm grasp to safely use tools and equipment; constant fine manipulation and handling to perform maintenance and other duties
• Occasional step up/down from vehicles and stairs; constant actuate mechanism to safely operate equipment; normal near and far acuity to observe park for potential hazards and maintenance issues, and hearing to communicate with public, groups, and staff
• Occasionally lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds

 
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is constantly performed outdoors with exposure to extreme temperatures. Position performs related duties and maintenance seasonally at a highly public, municipal park. This is a highly active, visible position within a multi-use municipal park, where periods of high activity and stress may exist.

Required Materials and Equipment
Two-way radios to communicate by voice to other lake personnel and/or dispatch, computers, telephone, mobile phones, various tools, e-bikes, UTV’s and first aid equipment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check, and substance screen. There may be additional pre-employment requirements depending on the nature of the position.

We are a caring, courteous, team-oriented organization committed to public service excellence. Employees thrive in a culture that is respectful, professional and diverse. Our work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees. Westminster is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $17 - $21