Larimer County Parks & Open Lands Job Expectations
Volunteer Trail Ranger Assistant

Department: Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
Program: Open Lands
Location: Horsetooth Mountain Park, Devil's Backbone Open Space, Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, Rimrock Open Space and additional properties as they open up to the public.

The trained Trail Ranger Assistant serves at trailheads or on trails in the Larimer County Parks and Open Lands system. They serve as eyes and ears for Rangers and resource managers. They report problems of trail maintenance, keep data on wildlife sightings, provide information to visitors, etc. They may be called upon to provide assistance to hikers in need, or to answer questions about plants, animals, geology, regulations and/or Parks & Open Lands programs. In their assignment at the trailhead, they will serve as a first line educator about the trail, its characteristics and nuances.

• Provide excellent customer service to visitors and staff while sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge of the natural resources
• Remain professionally neutral in areas of public policy, politics, religion, etc. when "on duty" as a Trail Ranger Assistant
• Make safety your first priority
• Assist with special events and community outreach festivals
• Assist in the collection or creation of props for naturalists and on-site naturalists to use to enhance their programs

• Be enthusiastic & helpful - if you don't know the answer, offer to put them in touch with someone who does.
• Be friendly, courteous and professional when dealing with staff and visitors
• Enjoy interacting with the public and answering their questions
• Ability to assess the situation in order to communicate effectively
• Posses a basic knowledge of natural science and an interest in the outdoors as well as a willingness to learn
• Complete a general volunteer orientation and free basic training course and certification activities
• Agree to a background check
• Good physical condition (ability to hike 2-3 miles)
• Provide your own reliable transportation
• Abide by Parks and Open Lands regulations and safety guidelines
• Commit to participating in a specific number of public events over time (hikes, festivals, etc.)
• Trail Ranger Assistants must be18 years of age or older (unless obtaining prior approval)

• Prepare and train volunteers to carry out Volunteer Trail Ranger Assistant duties
• Match volunteers with the kinds of groups that complement their personality and comfort levels.
• Organize and schedule volunteers in an efficient and timely manner
• Provide necessary equipment and supplies (as budget allows)
• Provide training enhancements to meet the interests of continuing Volunteer Trail Ranger Assistants
• Provide resource information and make available for check out
• Evaluate training and performance of volunteers
• Recognize and reward volunteers as valued staff members

• Be knowledgeable and prepared for Volunteer Trail Ranger Assistant assignments
• Communicate your preferences for kinds of groups and assignments with the Education Coordinator
• Provide excellent customer service to staff and visitors
• Be responsible to find a replacement, if unable to meet your scheduled obligations
• Provide your own reliable transportation
• Provide your own "creature comforts" as needed - water, raingear, sunglasses, sun screen.
• Be on time

• Possible heat exhaustion from too little water
• Rattlesnakes in summer
• Weather related risks such as lightning, cold, heat, etc.
• Hoarseness due to projecting your voice above the wind
• Visitors that may become confrontational

The Larimer County Parks & Open Lands department is not obligated to provide a placement, nor are you obligated to accept the position offered. From time to time photos may be taken of you while you are on-duty. These photos may be used for publications such as the Open Lands Annual Report or the Open Lands Calendar or other public outreach materials. Opportunities for volunteers are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or age. Larimer County is committed to equality of opportunity.