Park Ranger- Hardee Lakes

The Park Ranger is responsible for patrolling, ground keeping, custodian and skilled building trade duties and conducts environmental, nature and other interpretive programs. Employees in this class perform duties of average difficulty requiring some initiative and independent judgment under general supervision.

• Patrols park grounds and facilities to ensure compliance by patrons with ordinances and regulations; provides information and guidance to visitors concerning park services; opens and closes gates, takes reservations, collects camping fees and controls traffic; and monitors and oversees aquatic and swimming areas.
• Develops and presents interpretive programs and talks to visitors, students and other groups on nature, environmental, flora, fauna and similar topics; and provides instructions and classes on canoeing, fishing, camping, arts and crafts.
• Assists in maintaining park structures including picnic shelters, table boardwalks, docks, gates, fences, restrooms and other facilities by performing skilled and semi-skilled carpentry, plumbing, painting, masonry, electrical and other building maintenance tasks.
• Assists in maintaining park grounds by planting sod, mowing and edging lawns, planting, trimming and watered trees and plants, spraying pesticides and fertilizers, hoeing trails and performs other gardening, grounds keeping and landscaping tasks.
• Cleans and re-supplies restrooms, picnic shelters and other facilities; and collects and empties trash.
• Assists with debris cleanup after storms and cutting down hazardous trees.
• Assigns reviews and oversees the work performed by less experienced park rangers, lifeguards, community service and volunteer workers.
• Provides inputs on budget requirements; maintains records and prepares reports on attendance, incidents of vandalism, accidents, and emergencies; and prepares and makes bank deposits.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.

Requires a High school Diploma or GED equivalent; and one (1) year of experience in park maintenance and parks interpretive or recreational programs; and two (2) years of experience in building and ground maintenance or construction; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with a temperature-controlled environment, and occasionally outdoors in hot/cold or inclement weather. The Employee is exposed to chemicals, solvents, oils and large moving equipment. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.