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A Park Ranger's probationary period is for 24 months.
Lateral Transfer applicants must have already completed their 24 month probationary period.
Vacancy Locations:
Please click the park name below to be directed to the park website:
LAKE JAMES STATE PARK (McDowell)
MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK (Stanly)
Primary Purpose of Position:
Love being outside and exploring some of North Carolina’s most beautiful places? Maybe you’d like working at a state park. The Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking an enthusiastic team member to fill our Park Ranger II positions. A Park Ranger II provides educational programming, natural resource management, law enforcement/emergency services, temporary and permanent employee supervision, administration, operations, and maintenance. The Park Ranger II is a commissioned law enforcement officer and will enforce state laws and park regulations through patrol, education, warnings, citations, and arrests. DisasterRecoveryJob
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Utilizes a methodical and logical approach to investigate and enforce criminal laws, state park rules and regulations.
Enforces state laws and park regulations through patrol, education, warnings, citations, and arrests via vehicle and/or foot patrols. Coordinates with local, state or federal agencies as necessary. - Performs Law enforcement actions and court processes to clearly and concisely present evidence.
- Issues camping permits, opens and closes facilities, and purchases equipment and supplies.
- Supervises Park Ranger I and temporary positions; and if required may serve as acting park superintendent.
- Recognizes emergency situations and takes appropriate action.
- Manages, directs and assists large tour groups in the park.
- Assists park visitors as necessary to resolve complaints or problems.
- Leads interpretive and educational (I&E) activities for the public regarding the ecology and history of the park.
- Manages the park's boundary line maintenance program, monitors natural resources.
- Researches assigned natural resources, develops and implements resource management plans and I&E programs.
- Communicates effectively through interpersonal interactions and written documents.
- Responds to safety or law enforcement issues in the park and other park locations as necessary.
- Provides first aid, emergency medical response, and emergency rescue for park visitors and provides assistance to other agencies.
- Provides security assistance for large events and other public programming.
- Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs of park facilities, vehicles, and/or equipment.
Position/Physical Requirements:- Prior to Employment: Selected candidates are required to have successful results in physical and psychological examinations to include drug testing and a background investigation as required by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education, Training and Standards Commission.
- Within 18 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission.
- Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; includes evening shifts and weekends on a rotating schedule.
- Must work weekends and holidays on-call rotation.
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license within 90 days of employment.
- Considered Emergency Staff and may be required to work on adverse weather days, during emergencies, and special events.
- Some positions may have housing available, and it is a requirement that the candidate who accepts the position reside in the housing provided.
Within 12 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:- Successfully complete CPR Certification
- Successfully complete Wildland Fire Suppression
- Successfully complete Division Sponsored Chainsaw Training
Within 30 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:- Successfully complete Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Successfully complete Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (FUNSAR)
To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
Qualified candidates must have or be able to:
- Demonstrated experience interpreting and/or incorporating laws, rules, and/or regulations that affect a large segment of the public, work unit, and/or program.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating law enforcement activities between other law enforcement agencies.
- Demonstrated experience researching, preparing, and/or conducting educational programs.
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See of oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.
Bachelor’s degree preferably in Parks and Recreation and/or Natural Science from an appropriately accredited institution
AND
one year of experience in area of assignment;
OR
Equivalent combination of training and experience.
Necessary Special Qualifications
Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards CommissionTheNorth Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education.
Conservation:To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina's natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system;
Recreation:To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and
Education:To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural and cultural heritage.
To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-to-do/state-parks
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visitwww.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!
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The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.
We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
Application Process
Please watch our video here that walks you through each step of the application process.
Be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your Application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Employment Eligibility
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
Sign On Bonus Eligibility
To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act.
NEOGOV Technical Assistance
If you are having technical issues logging into your account or applying for a position, please review the Get Help/FAQ's information on the website. If you are still experiencing technical issues with your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division of Parks and Recreation
Kenedi Small121 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-707-9354
employment@dncr.nc.gov