Job description
Job Information
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, TENNESSEE STATE PARKS, RUTHERFORD COUNTY
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00125058_tsp_park_ranger_1_long_hunter_tdec-job-opp_ps.pdf
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- 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;
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation;
- Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
- Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
- Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment;
- 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.
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.
Summary
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.
Responsibilities
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:
- Conducts interpretive programs to educate the public.
- Interprets information to present to visitors, co-workers.
- 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:
- Identifies condition of individual in any accident and determines level of medical treatment required.
- 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.
- Learns CPR and other emergency medical care procedures.
- Identifies potential emergency situations.
- Participates in search and rescue operations.
- Assists with the implementation of the Tennessee State Park Safety Program.
- Conducts inspections to identify and monitor threats to park resources.
- Follows up on emergency situations and circumstances involved.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:
- Attends and maintains training for required certifications.
Documenting/Recording Information:
- Investigates and documents accidents on park property.
- Prepares law enforcement related records and reports.
- Completes and submits performance review documents for subordinates accurately and promptly.
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:
- Confiscates suspects' weapons, contraband, or personal items to use as evidence.
- Turns over suspects personal items to local law enforcement agents.
- Removes timber and trail construction materials.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material:
- Inspects project area upon completion of job to determine quality of work and safety of facility.
- Inspects and oversees park facilities for safety cleanliness and maintenance needs.
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:
- Executes disciplinary action, if necessary.
- Learns to investigate complaints and reported offences.
- Determines funding needs and sources of funding for the upkeep of the facilities and requisition funding.
- Solicits bids for new contractors for building and maintenance projects.
- Discusses job responsibilities, required skills, state policies, philosophy and goals.
- Purchases supplies and materials.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:
- Monitors rare and endangered species.
- Monitors rare plants.
- Monitors native plant restoration.
- Monitors land use zones and park property including placement of park property boundary markers.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:
- Transports suspects to local law enforcement detention center.
- Utilizes a variety of vehicles and equipment, such as skid steer, forklifts, backhoes, chainsaws, tractors, boats, etc.
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:
- Researches parks natural, cultural, historical resources to develop Interpretive Programs.
- Conducts inspections to identify and monitor threats to park resources.
- 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.
- Identifies and interviews individuals knowledgeable of park resources.
Training and Teaching Others:
- Identifies staff and seasonal employees training needs.
- Conducts water safety and rescue drills with park lifeguards.
- Conducts safety programs.
Processing Information:
- Processes retail operations report, visitation reports, RMI reports (Resource Mgmt. Interpretation Database), etc.
Scheduling Work and Activities:
- Establishes schedules for park staff and volunteers.
- Schedules park interpretive programs, resource management activities, and special events.
Competencies
Competencies:
- Integrity & Trust
- Ethics & Values
- Conflict Management
- Time Management
- Written Communications
- Presentation Skills
- Command Skills
- Perseverance
- Decision Quality
- Creativity
Knowledge:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Communication and Media
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- History and Archeology
- Administration
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Law and Government
- Sales and Marketing
- Biology
- Geography
- Geology
- Clerical
- Economics and Accounting
- Sociology and Anthropology
Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Judgment & Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Management of Material Resources
- Instructing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Management of Financial Resources
- Trouble Shooting
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
- Service Orientation
- Equipment Selection
Abilities:
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Gross Body Coordination
- Written Expression
- Arm Hand Steadiness
- Stamina
- Speech Clarity
- Written Comprehension
- Multi-Limb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
- Speed of Limb Movement
- Deductive Reasoning
- Reaction Time
- Wrist-Finger Speed
- Far Vision
- Originality
- Near Vision
- Depth Perception
- Rate Control
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Problem Sensitivity
- Response Orientation
- Peripheral Vision
- Memorization
- Speech Recognition
- Fluency of Ideas
- Spatial Orientation
- Time Sharing
- Visualization
- Night Vision
- Sound Localization
Tools & Equipment
- Personal Computer
- Telephone/Cell Phone
- Motor Vehicles
- Fax Machine
- Printer
- Boats
- Firearms
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Two-way Radios
- Other Law Enforcement Equipment as required
- Maintenance equipment
- Power Tools