JOB TITLE: PARK MANAGER TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 54310

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Park Manager job series describes professional work managing state parks for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

DEFINITION: This is specialized trainee-level work in park operations administration and management.

An employee in this job receives formal and on-the-job training to develop understanding and competence in managing, operating, and maintaining state parks and directing related recreational and educational activities. Work involves assisting an experienced park manager with physical plant administration, operation, and maintenance; visitor services and safety; and environmental education. Work includes providing assistance in maintaining park grounds, structures, facilities, and equipment; directing concession, recreational, and educational activities to ensure optimum use of facilities; and implementing state park policies. Work also includes communicating with the public to exchange information, ensuring compliance with park rules and regulations, and assisting with emergency response activities or search and rescue operations. Work is performed with increasing independence as training progresses and experience is gained. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level park manager who reviews the work in progress and upon completion for effectiveness and adherence to policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in formal and on-the-job training to learn state park operations management, facility and grounds maintenance, recreational planning and facility scheduling, environmental education, and the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Assists with determining purchasing and budgetary needs, preparing purchase and budget requests, and monitoring expenditures according to the approved budget.

• Assists with preparing contracts for park services, such as garbage disposal, latrine pumping, plumbing, and electrical maintenance services.

• Participates in developing plans to remodel, construct, renovate, or repair park facilities and structures by determining equipment, supplies, and workforce needs; determining costs of supplies, equipment, and payroll hours; and reviewing and commenting on plans for major park development or construction.

• Participates in developing, reviewing, and implementing changes to proposed park fees, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards.

• Assists with concessionaire and activity-related lease compliance by monitoring rental payments, conducting on-site inspections, and confirming required insurance coverage is maintained.

• Assists with facilitating park recreational and educational activities by preparing special use agreements, identifying activities permitted and facilities available, and explaining park-provided services.

• Assists with the security and visitor services program by answering questions from the public, ensuring park facilities are used in a safe manner, and monitoring adherence to park rules and regulations.

• Assists with ensuring all park grounds, structures, facilities, and equipment are properly maintained according to the park maintenance program.

• Prepares letters, reports, and correspondence.

• Operates motor vehicles to travel to various work sites.

• Performs related duties as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of outdoor recreational activities.

• Knowledge of park programs, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of park operations, maintenance, and safety.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to perform math functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Ability to deliver formal presentations.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities.)

• A bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, forestry, engineering, natural sciences, landscape architecture, or a closely related field;

or

• Two years of paraprofessional or technical experience providing administrative, maintenance, visitor, safety, or environmental education services in a public park or recreation area; and an associate degree in parks and recreation, forestry, engineering, natural sciences, landscape architecture, or a closely related field;

or

• Four years of paraprofessional or technical experience providing administrative, maintenance, visitor, safety, or environmental education services in a public park or recreation area;

    or      

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• All employees must pass psychological testing (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)). Failure to pass this test is a basis for removal from the position.

• All employees must pass Pennsylvania State Police and FBI criminal background checks. A record of conviction of a criminal offense for which more than one year in prison can be imposed as punishment is a basis for removal from the position.

• Certain employees must obtain and maintain commission as a State Park Officer.

• Certain employees must obtain valid certification in standard first aid and adult, child, and infant CPR approved by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent.