Park Naturalist jobs in Clarksville, TN

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, DIVISION TENNESSEE STATE PARKS, MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK, DICKSON COUNTY

For more information, visit the link below:

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00011363_tsp_park_ranger_1_mbsp_tdec-job-opp_ps.pdf

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

• 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.

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