PARK RANGER 1 - COMMISSIONED - UNDERFILL

This position is in the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Division of State Parks. The selected candidate will assist with the management of Cave Lake State Park located near Ely, supervising seasonal staff and performing field and administrative duties, including completion of routine and special reports.

About the role

This is a commissioned position with public safety responsibilities, requiring work during various hours and shifts, including holidays, weekends, and in a variety of weather conditions. After-hours call-outs and evening shift rotations are required during the summer. The schedule varies by season. As a state park peace officer, the incumbent writes citations, handles accidents and incidents, resolves disputes, and responds to emergency situations. All personnel in the Park Ranger series perform grounds maintenance, custodial duties, fee collection, interpretive programs, and minor facility maintenance. The candidate provides land management, recreation, and administrative expertise to ensure efficient park operations and ecosystem management.

Cave Lake State Park encompasses 4,560 acres with a 32-acre reservoir as the main attraction, receiving approximately 120,000 visitors annually. Typical activities include camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking. The park has a high desert climate with summer temperatures reaching 80–90+ degrees and winter temperatures occasionally dropping below zero with significant snowfall. The park is located approximately 14 miles from the nearest town, and residency in provided state housing is required. Housing is off-grid, powered by solar and propane.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and participate in day-to-day park operation and maintenance projects.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned seasonal personnel.
• Clean and maintain park buildings, grounds, offices, restrooms, and vehicles.
• Schedule and assign personnel to collect fees, staff visitor centers, and conduct tours.
• Gather, record, and audit information related to visitor use and fees collected; take inventory and submit supply requests.
• Prepare activity reports on areas of responsibility; make reservations and respond to inquiries.
• Operate park weather station, sales outlet, and water safety and control devices.
• Enforce laws and regulations, including state laws, county ordinances, and park rules and policies.
• Investigate accidents, write citations, make arrests, conduct search and rescue operations, and respond to emergencies.
• Interact with other law enforcement agencies to preserve peace and protect park visitors.
• Implement the resource management plan; identify resource problems and develop solutions for preservation and rehabilitation.
• Participate in planning, developing, and conducting special events and interpretive activities (e.g., tours, hikes, displays, exhibits, talks) to inform visitors about park attractions, flora, fauna, cultural and natural history, and environmental education.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major or minor in park management, outdoor recreation management, ecology, forestry, biology, agriculture, education, natural or environmental sciences, horticulture, history/folklore, wildlife management, museum management, park interpretation, business or public administration, criminal justice, or a related field; OR
• Two years of experience organizing, overseeing, and performing park maintenance, interpretive programming, visitor services, and resource management duties; OR
• One year of experience as a Park Ranger Technician III in Nevada State service; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• Ability to work in the geographical location of Cave Lake State Park, including residency in provided state housing.
• Willingness to meet the following selection process requirements:
  • Physical agility exam.
  • Comprehensive background investigation, including urinalysis, polygraph, and psychological examination (cost covered by the hiring agency).
  • Physical examination (cost covered by the hiring agency).
• Pre-employment screening for controlled substances (positions affect public safety).
• Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment.
• Willingness to work call-backs, various hours/shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, and statewide travel.

Skills

• General knowledge of:
  • Basic principles of park operations and maintenance.
  • Basic principles of park and resource management.
  • Natural and cultural history.
  • Accepted land management practices.
  • Interpretation of natural resources and historic areas.
  • Operation of standard hand and power tools used in facility maintenance.
• Ability to:
  • Participate in the operation and maintenance of an assigned state park.
  • Perform custodial and general maintenance duties in park buildings and grounds.
  • Provide information and assistance to park visitors.
  • Maintain records and prepare reports.
  • Participate in planning and providing interpretive programs for park visitors.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
• Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
• Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments: Employees with a performance rating of “standard” or better and eight or more years of continuous service are eligible.
• Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Schedule

The schedule varies by season and includes:

• Various hours and shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Evening shift rotations during the summer.
• After-hours call-outs.
• Statewide travel as required.

State Holidays

The following are legal holidays for State employees:

• New Year’s Day (January 1).
• Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (third Monday in January).
• Washington’s Birthday (third Monday in February).
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May).
• Juneteenth Day (June 19).
• Independence Day (July 4).
• Labor Day (first Monday in September).
• Nevada Day (last Friday in October).
• Veterans’ Day (November 11).
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November).
• Family Day (Friday following Thanksgiving).
• Christmas Day (December 25).

If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed. If it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.