Park Ranger - Natural Resource/Patrol/Event Support

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is hiring a Seasonal Intermittent Park Ranger for the Natural & Historical Resources Division. This role involves conducting wildlife projects, performing field patrols, and supporting educational programs and events. The position requires flexible hours, particularly during early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with an expected workload of 20-30 hours per week. A relevant degree and outdoor experience are preferred. This is not a remote position.
About the position

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), specifically the Prince George's Department of Parks and Recreation, is seeking a Seasonal Intermittent Park Ranger to join the Natural & Historical Resources Division. This role is essential for conducting various natural resource and wildlife projects, performing field patrols, assisting with educational programs, and providing event support. The Park Ranger will be required to work during specific hours, particularly between dusk and dawn, especially during deer management activities that occur on select days from January through March. The position demands flexibility in scheduling, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with a general expectation of 20 to 30 hours of work per week, and potential for 40-hour weeks during peak seasons in January through March and June through August. The responsibilities of the Park Ranger include conducting wildlife and natural resource work, performing routine patrols of fishing and hunting sites, and overseeing both undeveloped and developed parks. The ranger will also engage in wildlife habitat conservation projects and assist with outdoor education programs. Additionally, the ranger will support department-wide events as assigned, ensuring that all activities align with the park's mission and regulations. The role requires a proactive approach to wildlife management, including conducting deer population surveys, maintaining deer exclosures, and enforcing hunting and fishing regulations. The ranger will also be responsible for data entry, analysis, and reporting related to deer population studies, as well as creating maps using GIS-based software. Candidates for this position should possess a college degree in a relevant field such as education, natural resource management, environmental science, or wildlife management. Experience in parks, public interaction, and program facilitation for diverse age groups is essential. Preferred qualifications include hunting experience, particularly with deer, and familiarity with fishing. The role requires physical capability, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Basic computer skills and organizational abilities are also necessary, along with a valid driver's license. This position does not offer benefits, and candidates must be prepared for a complete background investigation prior to hire.

Responsibilities
• Conduct wildlife and natural resource work.
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• Perform routine patrols of fishing and hunting sites.
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• Patrol undeveloped and developed parks.
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• Engage in wildlife habitat and conservation projects.
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• Assist with outdoor education programs.
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• Support department-wide events as assigned.
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• Conduct deer population surveys on park land.
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• Build and maintain deer exclosures on park land.
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• Gather and analyze data from exclosures.
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• Maintain sign-in kiosks at recreational hunting sites.
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• Conduct routine patrols and enforce hunting and fishing regulations.
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• Assist in the preparation and implementation of a Park Police-based Sharpshooting Program.
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• Create maps using GIS-based software.
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• Assist with nuisance wildlife management.
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• Perform data entry, analysis, and reporting on deer population studies.
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• Safely use chainsaws, brush mowers, and hand tools.
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• Provide support for department events and programs.
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• Assist with nature and recreational programs.
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• Conduct outreach events at parks and trailheads.

Requirements
• College degree in appropriate field such as education, natural resource management, environmental science, wildlife management, or related field.
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• Experience working in parks, dealing with the public, and conducting programs for all age groups.
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• Experience with hunting wild game, specifically deer, preferred.
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• Experience with fishing preferred.
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• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
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• Able to carry/lift up to 50 pounds.
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• Knowledge of wildlife or natural resources management.
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• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings/nights and weekends/weekdays.
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• Required to work from 2:00pm to 2:00am during select days from January through March.
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• Organizational skills and basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).
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• Comfortable working outdoors in inclement winter weather, or hot summer weather.
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• Basic knife handling skills and comfortable around firearms.
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• Ability to read a map and create maps using GIS-based software is preferred.
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• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Hunting experience and comfort handling/field dressing deer carcasses.
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• Related education experience in wildlife management or science-related background.
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• Previous park ranger work or park-related experience.

Benefits