Park Ranger

Position Description

Responsibilities

• Maintain park grounds, trails, facilities, and equipment year-round according to established maintenance plans
• Inspect and patrol park areas for safety or maintenance concerns and resolve issues proactively
• Perform minor service and repairs on tools, equipment, and facilities; maintain service logs
• Support natural habitat preservation and restoration efforts
• Open and close parks according to established schedules and protocols
• Enforce park ordinances and serve as a resource for visitor questions and concerns
• Implement approved park programming and assist with community events and public engagement
• Promote a positive image of the park system through respectful, inclusive visitor interactions and partnerships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field; OR
• Associate’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field and 1 year of experience in parks, recreation, park maintenance, mechanical work, or other specifically related experience; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of experience in parks, recreation, park maintenance, mechanical work, or other specifically related experience

Additional Requirements

• A valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Forest Service Chainsaw Certification and CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Ability or willingness to learn how to operate, maintain, and perform light repairs on tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters, tractors, mountain bikes, trail motorcycles)
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to excellent customer service
• Collaborative, hands-on, problem-solving mindset with sound judgment and self-initiative
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital logs/reporting
• This is considered Physical/Heavy Work, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds frequently. Must be in good physical condition and possess stamina to walk/bike longer distances (5-10 miles) on a regular basis to monitor and maintain trail system, conduct tours, and assist patrons.

Catawba County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Catawba County Benefits
As of 7/1/2024:
You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include:


Health Care

• Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
• Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
• Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
• Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.

• Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee’s children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee’s adult children (ages 18-26) or employee’s spouse if covered on the county’s health insurance.
• Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

• Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Time off for activities that support our local schools.
• Continuing educational assistance.
• Discount tickets to recreational venues.
• Employee appreciation days/activities.
• Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

• Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
• 401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
• Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
• Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
• Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee’s annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
• Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).