PARK RANGER 2 - COMMISSIONED

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, collect and account for fees, present interpretive programs, and perform minor maintenance to facilities. The candidate provides land management, recreation, and administrative expertise to ensure efficient management of the park's operations and ecosystems.

Cave Lake State Park encompasses 4,560 acres with a 32-acre reservoir as the main attraction, receiving approximately 120,000 visitors each year. 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 0 degrees 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 letters and telephone inquiries.
• Operate park weather station, sales outlet, and water safety and control devices.
• Enforce laws and regulations, including applicable State laws, county ordinances, and park rules and policies.
• Investigate accidents, write citations, make arrests, conduct search and rescue operations, respond to emergency situations, and interact with other law enforcement agencies.
• Implement the resource management plan; identify resource problems; develop solutions and initiate projects for resource preservation and rehabilitation.
• Participate in planning, developing, and conducting special events and interpretive activities such as tours, hikes, displays, exhibits, talks, and visitor centers.
• Perform related duties as assigned under the general supervision of a Park Supervisor.

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 related field, and one year of professional park ranger experience in park operations and maintenance; OR
• One year of experience as a Park Ranger I (Commissioned) in Nevada State service; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• Ability to work in a remote geographical location with extreme weather conditions.
• Park residency in provided state housing is required.
• Statewide travel is required.
• Pre-employment screening for controlled substances, including a comprehensive background investigation (urinalysis, polygraph, psychological examination), physical agility exam, and physical examination (costs covered by the hiring agency).
• Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours call-outs.
• Ability to render emergency medical assistance, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Skills & Knowledge

• General knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the assigned park and surrounding areas.
• Understanding of ecological concepts and laws, policies, and practices related to park operations.
• Knowledge of personnel practices and principles used in supervision.
• Familiarity with inventory techniques required to maintain operating supplies.
• Basic fire suppression techniques as applied to grass, brush, and forest areas.
• Ability to make oral and visual presentations to groups about State parks.
• Ability to enforce laws and regulations and perform law enforcement duties.
• Ability to work effectively in situations involving argumentative or combative individuals.

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.
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
• No Nevada state income tax.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility due to public sector employment.
• Longevity Payments: Eligibility for employees with eight or more years of continuous service and a performance rating of “standard” or better.
• Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Schedule

• Variable by season, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours call-outs.
• State holidays observed:
  • 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 on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.