Ranger I/II

This position is for a Ranger II in the Water Recreation Division of the Water Department at the Loch Lomond Recreation Area, located at 100 Loch Lomond Way in Felton.

About the Role

Under supervision, the Ranger I/II assists with the protection, preservation, general maintenance, and enhancement of recreation and open space areas, facilities, city properties, and/or watershed facilities in the Water Department. This role provides information and visitor services to the public, performs resource management projects, patrols assigned areas to ensure compliance with municipal rules and regulations, and responds to emergency medical situations. Rangers may oversee seasonal employees or volunteers, lead tasks or projects, and perform related duties as assigned.

The Loch Lomond Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking in a unique mountain lake environment in Santa Cruz County. Learn more at Loch Lomond Recreation Area.

Pay

• Ranger I salary range: $4,780 - $6,725 monthly ($27.58 - $38.80 hourly)
• Ranger II salary range: $5,142 - $7,234 monthly ($29.67 - $41.73 hourly) (current vacancy)

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Ranger I/II vacancies for up to one year.

Responsibilities

• Learn the natural history of the area and apply this knowledge to park maintenance, operations, interpretive, and protection duties.
• Provide general information about the recreation area and its facilities to the public; handle fee collection, reservations, facility and equipment rentals, and related record-keeping; maintain supplies and inventories.
• Perform uniformed patrols; educate and assist visitors.
• Train, lead, and assist seasonal staff in operating the toll gate, park store, boat rental dock, and maintaining related facilities.
• Process purchases, fees, fines, or other transactions; operate cash registers and point-of-sale equipment; prepare receipts, balance money, and prepare deposits; maintain financial records; contact vendors and manage inventories.
• Monitor water quality conditions, collect water samples, and record data from water gauges; act as the shift operator for the on-site water treatment facility.
• Ensure compliance with rules and regulations; issue citations for violations of the Municipal Code related to regional parks, recreational facilities, open space, and/or watershed lands.
• Respond to citizen complaints, resolve conflicts, and write incident reports; contact law enforcement agencies as necessary.
• Provide first-response emergency services, including administering emergency medical aid and completing incident reports; perform fire watch activities and provide fire suppression support upon request from the Fire Department; assist with emergency response operations.
• Construct and maintain parks and open space facilities, such as buildings, picnic areas, signs, irrigation systems, trails, fuel breaks, fences, and gates; perform maintenance and repair work, including minor carpentry, plumbing, and painting; clean restrooms and empty trash receptacles; operate and maintain power tools, construction equipment, and vehicles.
• Assist with developing interpretive flyers, programs, and exhibits on natural history, operations, and resource management practices; conduct interpretive talks and hikes for park visitors, local schools, and the public.
• Assist with resource management by observing and reporting environmental hazards (e.g., slides, erosion, disease, insect activity); recommend removal of hazardous trees and eradication of undesirable flora; perform open space maintenance and resource management projects.
• Direct and train lower-level Ranger employees and volunteers as assigned.
• Assist with coordination efforts in support of facility operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• The Ranger I classification is a training-level role requiring additional on-the-job training to advance in experience, skills, and education. After demonstrating proficiency, incumbents are expected to advance to Ranger II.
• The Ranger II classification is the full journey-level role, capable of performing the full range of Ranger duties.
• The Ranger I/II is distinguished from the Ranger Assistant role by performing tasks in park maintenance, resource management, public assistance, and enforcement of rules and regulations.
• The Ranger I/II is distinguished from the Senior Ranger role, which supervises workgroups within the Ranger program.

Working Conditions

• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, including mountain trails.
• Reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, and grasping in daily duties.
• Near and far vision required for patrolling, inspecting work, and operating equipment.
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens, insect and rodent-borne diseases, poison oak, fumes, dust, air contaminants, stinging insects, mountain lions, feral pigs, and rattlesnakes.
• Climbing ladders, using power and noise-producing tools, driving motorized vehicles and construction equipment, and responding to emergencies (e.g., rescue assistance or fire suppression).
• Some positions may require working around a reservoir and operating watercraft.
• After-hours emergency call-outs may be required.
• Accommodations may be available for otherwise qualified individuals requiring them.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Ranger I: High school diploma or equivalent; six months of public contact experience in a parks-related job (e.g., participating in an outdoor recreational program).
• Ranger II (current vacancy): High school diploma or equivalent; one year of public contact experience interpreting rules and regulations and performing parks maintenance tasks. An Associate degree in environmental studies, forestry, or a related field may substitute for six months of the required experience.

Knowledge

• Use of hand and power tools for grounds keeping, basic carpentry, plumbing, and general maintenance.
• Occupational hazards, safety practices, and procedures related to park maintenance.
• Natural resources management and natural history.

Skills

• Safely operate hand and power tools, construction equipment, and vehicles used in park maintenance.
• Excellent customer service.

Abilities

• Interact courteously and effectively with the public.
• Read, understand, and review documents for accuracy and relevant information.
• Learn to operate resource management tools (e.g., shovels, axes, saws, Pulaskis, McLeods, weed wrenches, rakes).
• Interpret, apply, explain, and enforce procedures, rules, regulations, and codes, including state and local ordinances and the Municipal Code.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; make oral presentations.
• Assist with training staff and volunteers; monitor work activities to ensure safe practices, work quality, and accuracy.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines; respond appropriately in hazardous or emergency situations.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Operate handheld, mobile, and base station radios.
• Organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Assist with the preparation and leadership of interpretive talks and hikes.