Larimer County Parks & Open Lands Job Expectations
Field / Ranger Intern

Department: Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
Program: Parks and Open Lands
Work Locations: Horsetooth Reservoir Office, Carter Lake Office or Fossil Creek Reservoir Office

ROLE

The Parks and Open Lands Field / Ranger Intern will assist staff with major projects going on in their respective programs. Interns will be exposed to all faucets of park operations but not necessarily serve in the capacity of a park or open lands ranger.

PAY RATE

Unpaid

WORK DAYS AND HOURS, ETC...

10-30 hours a week for 3 months or longer commitment

Must have own transportation to the location you will be interning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist Rangers, Park Mangers and staff with special projects. May help Trail Crew when needed.
• Assist with planning and organizing public outreach events
• Assist with research and /or implementation of a specific project
• Assist in the design and presentation of information to the public including maps, photos, display boards, brochures, flyers, slide and video presentations.
• Assist with updating web site information and current conditions (www.larimer.org/parks.
• Assist with general administrative projects (data base entry, filing, and organizing literature references).

In addition, interns may be involved in any or all of the following activities. All activities below serve the public in an educational capacity. (NO ENFORCEMENT).

Launch Ramp Attendant:

• Typical duties include greeting the visitors at the boat ramps, giving minor assistance to boaters as they approach/depart from the ramp.
• Keep orderly flow of traffic in and out of the launching areas. Encourage visitors (boaters/launchers) to follow the rules, being courteous to one another, waiting their turn, etc.
• Provide minor assistance on the courtesy dock such as catching/holding lines while the boat operator is nearing or departing the dock, and during times of capacity use, assist with the "one off/one on" process when boat capacity is reached.

Deck Hand:

• Typical duties include riding with the boat patrol ranger. Function is to provide an additional set of hands while the ranger is making a contact. The intern will also provide an additional set of eyes that are often helpful in this public safety activity.
• Interns must have the strength and balance to safely ride in the patrol boat going at high speed, (40mph). Life jackets are worn at all times while on the boat. Interns are subject to being put on shore at any time, when in the judgement of the patrol ranger, it is necessary for the safety of the public and or the intern.

Swim Beach:

• Typical duties include assisting the staff stationed at the swim beach parking lot at Carter Lake: Checking for available parking places, and valid parking receipts, as well as providing relief breaks for assigned personnel.

Foot Patrol:

• Typical duties include walking assigned trails, contacting visitors and completing log forms, and encouraging them, by example, to follow rules of "good parksmanship" (staying on trails, not littering, observing general safety practices, etc.) Interns are alert to welfare of the visitors, and able to provide minor aid if required and also pick up litter as you go.

Entrance Station:

• Typical duties include providing back up/relief at the staff at the entrance stations. Activities include: Fee collection, providing information, accountability for fees collected, etc.)

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attends staff meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Good with people
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Attention to detail (double checks work for accuracy and completion)
• Follows instructions (ask questions)
• Organized
• Self motivated (takes initiative)
• Responsible and reliable (gets the job done)
• Valid Colorado driver's license required.
• Enjoy talking on the phone and good phone etiquette
• Friendly and courteous to staff and park visitors and the ability to communicate clearly with them (both oral and written)
• Learn how to correctly operate hand held radios to communicate with other volunteers & staff
• Complete the volunteer orientation and on-the-job training courses
• Summer interns must be able to work weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Provide own transportation
• Team player, work in a group with other staff or volunteers
• Abide by park regulations and safety guidelines
• Wear uniform provided by LCPOL and return upon completion of internship

PARK AND OPEN LAND'S RESPONSIBILITY

• Prepare and train interns through orientation, tour, and on-the-job training
• Provide necessary equipment and supplies
• Obtain feedback from interns
• Recognize and reward interns as valued team members

INTERN'S RESPONSIBILITY

• Be prepared for your assignment by completing volunteer orientation and training
• Provide excellent customer service to staff and park visitors
• Be flexible to work where you are most needed
• Complete time sheets and turn hours worked into the volunteer office (online forms found at www.larimer.org/naturalresources/volunteer)
• Provide own transportation or carpool and be on time

BENEFITS

• Spend time outdoors, hiking beautiful parks and open space trails
• Learn about Colorado's natural resources and local land protection efforts
• Share your knowledge and sense of stewardship with others
• Provide a worthwhile service to your community
• Meet a lot of people with shared interests
• Receive professional training and support
• Be recognized and rewarded for your contributions
• Attend ongoing educational and fun social activities
• Receive a special use park entrance pass after 20 hours of volunteer service in a calendar year. (some restrictions apply)

RISKS: The risks involved for Field / Ranger Intern are listed below.

• Spending time outdoors in the heat. Be sure to drink lots of water to avoid heat stress or heat exhaustion.
• Sunburn. Wear protective clothing, hat and sunglasses as well as apply sunscreen.
• Risks of being on a motorized boat on the water when riding on patrol boat.
• Coming in contact with snakes. Snakes reside in our parks including the Rattlesnake.
• Stress on your body from walking or standing in one place.
• Inclement weather (lightening, rain, etc.)
• Disease, stings, or bites from insects, such as mosquitoes and spiders.

The Larimer County Parks & Open Lands Volunteer Program is not obligated to provide a placement, nor are you obligated to accept the position offered. Opportunities for volunteers are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or age. Larimer County is committed to equality of opportunity.