We’re hiring a ranger!

Would you like to work with us on environmental education programming and park monitoring? We’re hiring a part-time interpretive park ranger position!

Posted 6/13/23

Interpretive Park Ranger – Environmental Education Services

Position Summary:

Overton Park Conservancy seeks an Interpretive Park Ranger to support the Conservancy’s mission and goals by providing extensive customer service and programming to park visitors and supporters. The Park Ranger is responsible for keeping Overton Park welcoming and safe to ensure an excellent visitor experience, and will support Park programming by hosting and leading environmental education programs for youth. This position will report to the Operations Manager. This is a part-time position, with a schedule that includes Saturdays and Sundays as mandatory work days.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Act as ambassador to Overton Park to promote community programs and events, and inform park visitors about the amenities of Overton Park and the surrounding area.
• Develop education programs in collaboration with the Programs Manager; prepare content, and deliver programs for young learners.
• Communicate with Programs Manager to coordinate youth programs with broader Conservancy programming.
• Communicate and educate visitors of appropriate park behavior and provide educational materials where applicable (regarding leashing dogs, vehicles on grass, motorized vehicles in Old Forest, vendor permitting, smoking on playground)
• Patrol the park (via foot, bicycle, and motorized vehicle) to conduct inspections of equipment and facilities, and observe conditions; monitor, document, and report on maintenance issues, potential safety issues, park conditions, and trends.
• Assist with maintaining park cleanliness by picking up litter, performing light maintenance, restocking restrooms, and restocking dog waste bag stations.
• Assist with outreach, planning, set-up, execution, tear-down, and close-out of a variety of programming, volunteer, and fundraising activities hosted by the Conservancy.
• Attend all mandatory staff meetings and required training. 
• Follow all Overton Park Conservancy rules, policies, & procedures. 
• Maintain excellent communication with all staff & customers through verbal & written means. 
• Rangers will educate and encourage proper use of the park but are not security personnel. Should any security concerns arise, rangers will communicate with the Memphis Police Department, Memphis Fire Department, or other agencies as required.
• Collect, report and relay to staff park trends and maintain a data journal; such as improvements in education approach to park issues, park trends, busy park hours, etc
• Greet rental customers and ensure the facilities are ready for them.
  

Qualification Requirements:

Basic Requirements: 

• Experience working with and teaching young people, particularly in the fields of the environmental/natural sciences.
• Experience working with diverse groups of people. 
• Experience providing excellent customer service to a wide range of the general public. 
• Experience working as part of a team and being proactive in actions and attitude. 
• Experience engaging, educating, and discussing policies and procedures with the public. 
• Be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal and sex offender background check. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of environmental and ecological concepts and processes, including basic knowledge of bioregional flora and fauna preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to be outgoing, positive, friendly, assertive, independent, and self-directed. 
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing information and situations by using critical thinking skills and leadership skills. 
• Ability to multitask while being observant of the big picture. 
• Ability to execute complex tasks in a precise, accurate & timely manner.
• Ability to maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail, and to follow up with others as required.
• Basic conflict resolution capabilities. 
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor & composure in difficult situations and in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment, problem solving skills, and reason. 
• Ability to manage time effectively & prioritize work assignments with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to accept constructive criticism and supervision. 
• Ability to manage the physical and emotional needs of a group of participants in various outdoor conditions.

Typical Physical Conditions: Must be able to communicate with management, colleagues, and the public. Requires driving motor vehicles and long periods of walking and standing to monitor park areas and host programming activities. This position requires lifting of items up to 25 pounds and set-up/take-down of special events. 

Typical Working Conditions: Work is performed in an outdoor environment in all exposures to outdoor weather conditions including exposures to dust, pollen, noise, etc. Work involves contact with the public. Requires the ability to operate equipment such as computers, handheld devices, and smartphones. Ongoing daily technology communication with supervisor and daily written reports. Work schedule includes working weekdays and weekends, and occasionally evenings and holidays. 

This position is a part-time, 20 hour per week, hourly position requiring mandatory weekend shifts, with potential for expansion into full-time in the future. Compensation range for this position is approximately $16 to $20 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Employees who are fluent in both English and Spanish will qualify for additional compensation. Benefits include paid time off, holidays, and health insurance coverage. 

Overton Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, etc. 

How to Apply:

No phone calls, please. Send cover letter and résumé to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed beginning in July, 2023.