Larimer County Parks & Open Lands
Volunteer Park Ranger Assistant Expectations

Department: Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
Locations: Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir
Reports to: Volunteer Facilitator and or Park Ranger Supervisor

Volunteer Park Ranger Assistants donates their time providing support to land and water rangers in the following areas: Launch Ramp Attendant, Deck Hand, Swim Beach, Foot Patrol, and South Gate Attendant. Periods of need are Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, from Easter through Labor Day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

In general, the Volunteer Park Ranger Assistant MAY be involved in any of five activities. If you aren't comfortable with an activity listed below it's not required that you participate in all 5 of them. All activities below serve the public in an educational capacity. (NO ENFORCEMENT).

Launch Ramp Attendant:

• Typical duties include greeting the visitors at the ramp, giving minor assistance to boaters as they approach/depart from the ramp.
• Our presence is key in the orderly flow of traffic in & out of the launching areas. We encourage the boaters/launchers to follow the rules, being courteous to one another, waiting their turn, etc.
• We provide minor assistance on the courtesy dock such as catching/holding lines while the operator is nearing or departing the dock, and during times of capacity use, volunteers assist with the "one off/one on" process.

Deck Hand:

• Typical duties include riding with the boat patrol ranger. In this activity our function is to provide an additional set of hands while the ranger is making a contact. The volunteer also provides an additional set of eyes that are often helpful in this public safety activity.
• Volunteers participating in this activity 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. Volunteers 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 or the volunteer.

Swim Beach:

• Typical duties include assisting the staff stationed at the swim beach, north end of dam #1. Activities here include 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 near the lake, or shoreline, contacting park visitors, and encouraging them, by example, to follow rules of "good parksmanship" (staying on trails, not littering, observing general safety practices, etc.) Volunteers are alert to welfare of the visitors, and able to provide minor aid if required. (We also pick up litter as we go).

South Gate:

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

• Friendly and courteous to staff and park visitors and the ability to communicate clearly with them
• Have the physical mobility to get on and off boats
• Have no fear of the water (for those wanting to help with boat patrol)
• Learn how to correctly operate hand held radios to communicate with other volunteers and staff
• Complete the volunteer orientation and on-the-job training courses
• Must be able to work a 4-5 hour shift on a weekend day or holiday from Easter through Labor Day
• Provide own transportation
• Wear a lifejacket when riding in patrol boat
• Willing to work outdoors
• Team player, work in a group with other volunteers
• Abide by park regulations and safety guidelines
• Wear a vest and nametag provided by LCPOL

• Prepare and train volunteers through orientation, tour, and on-the-job training
• Organize and schedule volunteers in an efficient and timely manner
• Provide necessary equipment and supplies
• Evaluate training and obtain feedback from volunteers
• Recognize and reward volunteers as valued team members

• Be prepared for your assignment by completing volunteer orientation and training
• Be responsible to schedule a substitute, if unable to meet scheduled obligations
• Provide excellent customer service to staff and park visitors
• Be flexible to work where you are most needed
• Pick up and return visitor handouts, hand held radio if needed, and traffic safety vest on your scheduled work day
• Complete time sheets and turn hours worked into the volunteer office (by phone or email is acceptable)
• Provide own transportation or carpool
• Be on time

RISKS

The risks involved for volunteer ranger assistants 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.