Park Ranger 1** - 05112023-45914

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, TENNESSEE STATE PARKS DIVISION, CARTER COUNTY
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/01003892_tsp_park_ranger_1_sycamore_shoals_tdec-job-opp_ps.pdf

Minimum Qualifications

Other Requirements

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position;
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position;
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment;
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces;
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons;
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application;
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy or have successfully completed the equivalent of the prescribed course.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
• Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation;

During their careers, most rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the state. While employee work location preference is considered, there is no guarantee that a ranger will remain stationed in only one area.
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Job Overview

Summary: Under immediate supervision, is responsible for park security and conservation work of routine difficulty; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features: This is the entry-level class in the Park Ranger sub-series. An employee in this class learns to provide park resource law enforcement and protects park resources. This class differs from that of Park Ranger 2 in that an incumbent of the latter acts at the working level.

• An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory two-year training period. Marginal or inadequate performance during the initial two year training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Work Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:

• Communicates regularly with subordinates and peers in regards to operational goals, initiatives and priorities.

Controlling Machines and Processes:

• Handles and maintains a firearm for the protection of oneself and others in the park.

Performing General Physical Activities:

• Employs defensive tactics, chemical weapons, and restraints, and if necessary, deadly force.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others:

• Enforces the laws of Tennessee and the rules and regulations of Tennessee State Parks.

Assisting and Caring for Others:

• Maintains security In Tennessee State Parks.
• Identifies potential criminal and illicit activities.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates:

• Supervises Seasonal Interpretive Recreators in their provision of programs.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:

• Interprets information to present to visitors, co-workers.
• Conducts interpretive programs to educate the public.
• Recalls oral histories to preserve park history and local culture.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events:

• Identifies and inventories park fauna, flora, historic, prehistoric, and geologic features which can serve as subject matter for park interpretive programs.

Coaching and Developing Others:

• Conducts and approves performance evaluations for assigned subordinates.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:

• Learns CPR and other emergency medical care procedures.
• Conducts inspections to identify and monitor threats to park resources.
• Implements a park resource management plan in order to protect and control park, flora/fauna life and to protect cultural, historical, and natural park resources.
• Assists with the implementation of the Tennessee State Park Safety Program.
• Identifies potential emergency situations.
• Identifies condition of individual in any accident and determines level of medical treatment required.
• Participates in search and rescue operations.
• Follows up on emergency situations and circumstances involved.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:

• Attends and maintains training for required certifications.

Documenting/Recording Information:

• Completes and submits performance review documents for subordinates accurately and promptly.
• Prepares law enforcement related records and reports.
• Investigates and documents accidents on park property.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:

• Presents evidence gathered in a criminal arrest or investigation to a court, judge, or jury.
• Promotes and markets park interpretive programs through various media outlets.

Thinking Creatively:

• Creates and presents Interpretive Programs.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:

• Plans park interpretive programs including tours of the park, oral presentations, exhibits, and displays.

Handling and Moving Objects:

• Turns over suspects personal items to local law enforcement agents.
• Removes timber and trail construction materials.
• Confiscates suspects' weapons, contraband, or personal items to use as evidence.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material:

• Inspects and oversees park facilities for safety cleanliness and maintenance needs.
• Inspects project area upon completion of job to determine quality of work and safety of facility.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others:

• Coordinates all emergency services with local emergency organizations.
• Assists with coordinating activities with friends groups and other volunteer organizations.

Developing Objectives and Strategies:

• Assists with the writing of the emergency management plan.
• Utilizes research information to assist in determining resource management strategies.

Performing Administrative Activities:

• Purchases supplies and materials.
• Executes disciplinary action, if necessary.
• Solicits bids for new contractors for building and maintenance projects.
• Learns to investigate complaints and reported offences.
• Discusses job responsibilities, required skills, state policies, philosophy and goals.
• Determines funding needs and sources of funding for the upkeep of the facilities and requisition funding.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:

• Monitors native plant restoration.
• Monitors rare and endangered species.
• Monitors rare plants.
• Monitors land use zones and park property including placement of park property boundary markers.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:

• Utilizes a variety of vehicles and equipment, such as skid steer, forklifts, backhoes, chainsaws, tractors, boats, etc.
• Transports suspects to local law enforcement detention center.

Selling or Influencing Others:

• Makes presentations to civic groups, schools, clubs, and the general public concerning park activities and programs, in order to promote agency programs and provide information.
• Creates partnerships, cultivates, sustains, and develops relationships that will secure funding/financial investors.

Getting Information:

• Conducts scientific studies and research in conjunction with other entities to determine issues with park natural resources.
• Seeks and secures funding, such as grants, etc.
• Researches parks natural, cultural, historical resources to develop Interpretive Programs.
• Identifies and interviews individuals knowledgeable of park resources.
• Conducts inspections to identify and monitor threats to park resources.

Training and Teaching Others:

• Conducts safety programs.
• Identifies staff and seasonal employees training needs.
• Conducts water safety and rescue drills with park lifeguards.

Processing Information:

• Processes retail operations report, visitation reports, RMI reports (Resource Mgmt. Interpretation Database), etc.

Scheduling Work and Activities:

• Schedules park interpretive programs, resource management activities, and special events.
• Establishes schedules for park staff and volunteers.

Competencies (KSA'S)

Competencies:

• Ethics & Values
• Conflict Management
• Integrity & Trust
• Creativity
• Time Management
• Perseverance
• Decision Quality
• Presentation Skills
• Written Communications
• Command Skills

Knowledge:

• Sales and Marketing
• Biology
• Administration
• Geology
• Education and Training
• Customer and Personal Service
• Geography
• Computers and Electronics
• Clerical
• History and Archeology
• Public Safety and Security
• Law and Government
• Economics and Accounting
• Personnel and Human Resources
• Communication and Media
• Sociology and Anthropology

Skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Persuasion
• Social Perceptiveness
• Writing
• Complex Problem Solving
• Trouble Shooting
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Time Management
• Instructing
• Judgment & Decision Making
• Reading Comprehension
• Negotiation
• Monitoring
• Management of Material Resources
• Management of Personnel Resources
• Coordination
• Management of Financial Resources
• Active Learning
• Equipment Selection
• Service Orientation

Abilities:

• Sound Localization
• Wrist-Finger Speed
• Written Expression
• Arm Hand Steadiness
• Visualization
• Night Vision
• Depth Perception
• Speech Recognition
• Oral Comprehension
• Memorization
• Near Vision
• Deductive Reasoning
• Spatial Orientation
• Time Sharing
• Written Comprehension
• Far Vision
• Response Orientation
• Problem Sensitivity
• Rate Control
• Fluency of Ideas
• Information Ordering
• Peripheral Vision
• Oral Expression
• Finger Dexterity
• Speech Clarity
• Gross Body Coordination
• Manual Dexterity
• Originality
• Stamina
• Reaction Time
• Speed of Limb Movement
• Multi-Limb Coordination
• Inductive Reasoning
• Control Precision

Tools and Equipment Used

• Cameras
• Motor Vehicles
• Telephone/Cell Phone
• Printer
• Power Tools
• Two-way Radios
• Personal Computer
• Maintenance equipment
• Firearms
• Fax Machine
• Boats
• Binoculars
• Other Law Enforcement Equipment as required