Park Ranger (Seasonal)

Job Title: Park Ranger

Department: Conservation

Status: Seasonal (This position will not exceed 6 months)

Pay: $14.38 per hour

Reports to: Lead Ranger

Benefits: Parking pass, Jekyll Island Amenity Passes, Georgia Defined Contribution Plan

Closing Date: Open until filled

Note: This position may work up to 40 hours per week from the date of hire through September with an expected start date on or about June 1, 2025. Weekends and holidays are required.

Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, the Park Ranger’s primary responsibilities include patrols, using bicycles (manual or electric assist) and motor vehicles, of Jekyll Island’s beaches and outdoor–recreation spaces in coordination with the Jekyll Island Authority Lead Ranger. The Seasonal Ranger will actively engage as frequently as possible daily in positive, proactive, clear, and when necessary, authoritative communication with Jekyll Island visitors and residents using beaches and other outdoor recreation spaces to provide them with general information about Jekyll Island as well as specific information about rules, regulations, and conservation stewardship. The position will be supervised by the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Lead Ranger.

Description Of Duties

• Performs ranger patrols, by manual or electric assist bicycle (e-bike) and atv/utv vehicles, on Jekyll Island’s beaches and in all outdoor-recreation spaces to maintain an interactive, informational, and authoritative enforcement presence in these areas as scheduled through mid-September or mid-October depending on date of hire.
• Engages visitors and residents utilizing recreation spaces, in a positive, proactive, clear and authoritative manner to provide general and specific information about rules, regulations, and conservation stewardship.
• Provides general information about Jekyll Island while demonstrating particular expertise about the island’s environment and JIA Conservation efforts.
• Works cooperatively with co-workers, managers, and general public in an effort to provide effective outreach to visitors and guests of Jekyll Island’s beaches and outdoor recreation spaces.
• May lead interpretive tours or assist with public educational programs given by the Conservation department.
• Picks up stray trash, marine debris, and other items left behind in assigned areas by visitors.
• Assists with response to wildlife concerns on the beach and in other outdoor public recreational spaces.
• Alerts emergency personnel of any situation requiring their attention.
• Collects and records data as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications And Required Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g., environmental science, ecology, biology, outdoor-recreation and tourism management, education, etc.). Applicants currently pursuing a related degree will also be considered.
• Excellent face-to-face interpersonal skills, positive demeanor, and the ability to project confidence and authority are required.
• Ability to convey accurate information and guidance with authority in candid, informal settings as well as planned tours and presentations.
• Familiarity with coastal Georgia environments and wildlife.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Ability to self-manage and prioritize time to maximize productivity.
• Ability to safely operate an off road vehicle or bicycle in close proximity to beach visitors for extended periods of time.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Must have visual clarity to operate motor vehicle and identify potential enforcement concerns, or people requiring assistance, from a distance.
• Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• More than 50% of the day is spent communicating, talking, and hearing. Sensory abilities required include vision, hearing, listening, and touching.
• More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent sitting, standing, and/or walking.
• Between 25 and 50% of the day is spent standing, sitting and walking as well as reaching, grasping and using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Less than 25% of the day is spent lifting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling and grasping.
• Work will be performed mostly outdoors and may include exposure to adverse outdoor conditions for extended periods, including cold, heat, direct sunlight, rain, high humidity, and biting insects. Work may also include extended exposure to vehicle vibrations and the possibility of interaction with potentially dangerous animals, including dogs and alligators.
• Noise level is considered normal to loud, may require shouting.
  
  

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4024 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we are unable to provide information on the application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request accommodations by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4024.

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required, including credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.

Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island is a Drug Free Workplace.