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Park Intern

St. Croix County
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The purpose of the internship program is to provide a well-rounded educational and professional experience that introduces the student to all areas of park management. Under the direction of the assigned Park Manager and in partnership with other department staff including the Parks Administrator, Administrative Supervisor, Marketing Coordinator, and Financial Associate, the student will be provided with essential learning opportunities through observation and active involvement with all facets of park operations while focusing on the goals of the individual, the department, and the educational institution. This position is responsible for assisting with the administration, operation, construction, maintenance, and conservation of park facilities, trails, and natural areas. This is a 15-week paid internship with a start date of mid-late May and an end date of Labor Day. Hours include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and two summer holidays. Housing may be provided as needed during the internship period.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • When directed by the supervisor, provide day-to-day direction and guidance to volunteers. When available attend and observe new employee interview and selection process.
  • Perform and complete a wide variety of administrative, project related, and department specific assignments as directed by the supervisor.
  • Conduct the sale of admission passes, camping registrations, and collection of revenue for other permits/merchandise. Assist with preparation and submission of property remittances and deposits. Reconcile daily revenue and prepare deposits.
  • Assist the Parks Administrator and Park Manager with planning, managing, and overseeing park development projects, to include drafting of grant applications, proposals, and reimbursements.
  • Cleaning of restroom/shower facilities, day-use areas, campsites, and beaches.
  • Provide information to park visitors.
  • Empty trash and recycling containers and pick up litter.
  • Enforce all County park policies, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Participate in county-required safety training.
  • Complete or assist in minor construction and assembly projects. Perform small repairs to buildings and park structures as needed.
  • Operation of light equipment such as pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers, small power tools, and hand tools.
  • Attend various meetings in lieu of Park Manager.
  • Assist with promotional events, environmental education activities, and special events.
  • Work with other county, state, and federal agencies, non-profit groups, citizen advisory groups, sports clubs, recreational groups, and volunteers to promote the County Park System.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
This section details the essential competencies required to perform the job effectively, including a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes.
Knowledge of the methods, equipment, tools, and materials used in park facility operation, repair, and maintenance.

  • Working knowledge of occupational hazards (OSHA) and safe work practices.
  • Ability to perform manual labor and general maintenance and repair work.
  • Familiarity with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies that pertain to the job, including Wisconsin Statutes and administrative codes.
  • Knowledge of effective customer service practices and the ability to apply them in a public sector environment.
  • Ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and tactfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to adjust to changing priorities, policies, and work demands.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues across departments to achieve common goals.
  • Ability to apply ethical judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provision of open records law and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.
  • Ability in analyzing administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
  • Technical proficiency in the use of standard office software applications, databases, and technology tools relevant to the position (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.), as well as general knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS  
This section outlines the communication abilities necessary for effective performance.  These skills reflect the need to interact with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders in a clear, professional, and effective manner.  

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
  • Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.

REASONING ABILITY
This section outlines the cognitive skills required to perform the job effectively.  This includes the ability to apply logic, make decisions, solve problems, and understand complex information. 

  • Ability to identify and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to make decisions that are sound, well-informed, and timely, even in stressful situations.
  • Ability to analyze situations, consider various perspectives, anticipate potential issues, and make recommendations or decisions based on logical reasoning.
  • Ability to interpret complex information, recognize patterns, and understand the implications of actions or decisions.
  • Ability to think conceptually and understand the relationships between ideas that are not immediately obvious.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This work requires occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, using hands to handle, feel, and perform fine motor skills and repetitive motions, and frequently requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms overhead or below the waist.
  • Work performed may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting for long periods with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
  • Occasionally, work requires strenuous manual labor including, but not limited to digging, shoveling, sweeping, raking, hauling, crawling, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and climbing.
  • Sufficient vision to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, or working with detailed data.
  • Verbal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
  • Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels for tasks such as communicating with the public, colleagues, or over the phone.
  • Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
  • Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Duties are performed daily both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal temperatures and varying weather conditions.
  • Employees can be expected to work varying nights, weekends, and two summer holidays.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • This position requires a valid driver's license.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Current student in Parks and Recreation, Forestry Recreation, Natural Resources, Conservation, or related field. Completion of 30+ college credits preferred.
  • Previous customer service experience.
  • Previous experience operating light maintenance equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, trucks, and tractors preferred.

Expected Pay Range: $17.13 - $19.38/hour
Department: Community Development - Parks
FTE: Part-Time (Seasonal Position) - up to 40 hours per week based on operational needs

St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual's race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.