Job description
Under the general supervision of the Parks Manager, provides visitor services, resource and wildlife protection, building and grounds maintenance, fee collection, law and safety enforcement, educational and recreational programming, pollution control, public relations, and related duties for the Polk County Parks system which includes natural areas, trails, greenways, recreational facilities, wildlife, and recreational areas.
Illustrative Examples of Work
- Participates in the planning, coordinating, and scheduling of work within assigned county parks and associated greenways, trails, natural areas, wildlife and recreational areas; may direct the work of volunteers and seasonal staff; may oversee concessionaire activities.
- Inspects facilities and premises to identify maintenance needs and safety hazards; reviews work for compliance with work standards; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety and health regulations.
- Answers questions and provides information to the public on park services; informs the public and employees of park rules and regulations and ensures compliance; assists visitors with campsite registration.
- Collects fees from users of park facilities; ensures proper and accurate accounting of receipts; maintains records of park activities and operations including attendance; compiles data and prepares fiscal and statistical reports.
- Participates in specialized natural resource project such as prescribed fire burns, timber stand improvement, wildlife habitat improvement, fishery habitat, reforestation, prairie rehabilitation, wetland restoration, enhancing nature trails, and hazardous material handling.
- Patrols park and related areas enforcing laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of county parks; issues summons, and may arrest persons abusing facilities or violating state, county or local laws and regulations; may counsel, advise, or detain individuals whose actions endanger persons and/or property; cooperates and coordinates with local law enforcement agency activities; keeps management apprised of activities. Prepares various forms, reports, case files, and investigative follow-up on criminal activity. May be required to appear and testify in court.
- Responds to situations, including emergencies, involving public safety and protection of public property; administers CPR/AED and first aid as necessary; implements procedures to ensure a safe park environment and security of public property.
- Participates in the routine care and maintenance of equipment used in the park operations including but not limited to tractors, snow plows, mowers, log splitters, chainsaws, etc; inspects boats in the area as required.
- Participates in the planning, development, and implementation of various park public relations programs including recreational and educational opportunities, talks on flora, fauna, hunter safety, matters of historical interest, etc.; makes presentations to public groups to promote conservation practices.
- Performs related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in parks and natural resource management.
- Knowledge of the Iowa Criminal Code, Iowa Traffic Code, Rules of Civil Procedures, judicial system, and department policies and standard operating procedures.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to conservation and natural resource management.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern law enforcement.
- Knowledge of the constitutional rights of citizens.
- Knowledge of proper investigation principles, practices, and techniques.
- Knowledge of the materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and care of park buildings, grounds, and equipment.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions pertaining to park maintenance and grounds keeping activities.
- Skill and proficiency in the safe use of firearms.
- Skill in the techniques utilized to subdue violent or uncooperative people.
- Skill in the safe operation of motor vehicles.
- Skill in observation, interviewing, and listening.
- Ability to apply knowledge of law enforcement methods, procedures, and techniques to specific situations.
- Ability to inspect buildings, premises, and other facilities to identify hazards and determine appropriate maintenance requirements.
- Ability to enforce park rules and regulations.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
- Ability to safely operate various tools, materials, and equipment necessary for proper park maintenance.
- Ability to operate equipment such as Intoxilyzer, fingerprint and photo identification scanners, a personal computer, and the communication dispatch radio.
- Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and resolving disputes with diplomacy, tact, and persuasion while under stress and/or pressure.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
- Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex laws and ordinances and interpret court orders.
- Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and tact in interactions with members of the public.
- Ability to de-escalate and/or mediate volatile situations.
- Ability to direct, instruct, and coordinate the work of staff involved in park operations.
- Ability to assist and interact effectively with non-English speaking visitors.
- Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods and walk and/or run on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to perform heavy manual labor in inclement weather and lift/carry up to 60 lbs.
- Ability to meet physical and psychological standards as set forth by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
- Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse culture and socio-economic status.
- Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other organizations, volunteers, contract staff, and the general public.
Training and Experience
- Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a degree in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation, or related field, or
- Associate’s degree in park management, natural resource management, outdoor recreation, or related field, and
- Two years’ experience in management of a public park, or
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience which will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.
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