Public Safety Intern
Saylorville Lake is a 5,520 acre multi-purpose reservoir within a 26,000 acre project located just north of the Greater Des Moines Metro Area in Iowa (Des Moines being the Capitol) where 2011 census figures show the population just over 580,000. Our County’s data (Polk County) shows there are 22,000 registered boats in our county alone. Saylorville Lake is one of a few large bodies of water in Iowa offering a superb location for the boating public to utilize their vessels. Our lake currently has 7 boat ramp recreational areas with 2,547 boat trailer and car spaces available with visitation ranging from approximately 20,000 visits annually at low utilized ramps to well over 100,000 visits annually at our higher utilized boat ramps. Saylorville Lake's watershed includes Polk County Conservation Board and an Iowa DNR State Park.
Primary ResponsibilitiesProvide educational outreach and interpretive programming, as part of a team that encourages public safety. This includes all aspects of recreation safety on USACE lands and waters to include water, boating, bicycling, hiking, camping, and hunting. The primary focus will be on water and boating safety for all ages, but with an emphasis on targeting the highest risk group of 18-35 year old males. Interns will perform a variety of tasks including developing outreach mechanisms for this target audience; updating bulletin boards; maintaining life jacket loaner stations; organizing events; conducting campfire talks, hikes, and tours; and interacting with park visitors. Interns may be used for search and rescue and as a second (safety) person for boat patrols made by park rangers. Secondary ResponsibilitiesIncrease safety awareness through communication and lead by example anytime you are near the water or participating in water-related activities. Provide valuable information on how to improve our programs by maintaining open communication with rangers and managers, passing on ideas for improvement gathered during daily contact with visitors. Keep our parks friendly places for outdoor recreation and socialization. Assist park rangers and other employees by performing routine tasks pertinent their natural resources/recreation management and public safety programs. Minimum Qualifications
- Desire to meet and interact with persons from varied ages and backgrounds.
- Desire to promote all aspects of recreation safety, including boating and water safety
- Appearance should be neat and a positive reflection of the organization.
- Valid driver’s license
- Ease and comfort using a computer and the Internet
- Ability to remain calm in busy situations.
- Cognitive and verbal ability to answer visitor questions and communicate park rules.
- Physical ability to navigate campground loops, swim areas and visit campsites, lift 20 lbs and carry 25 feet (position may require extended periods in the outdoors during adverse conditions such as heat, cold or rain.)
Desired Experience (Not Mandatory)
- First Aid, CPR, AED training
- Knowledge and experience in interpretive programming
- NASBLA approved boater education course certification or equivalent
- Customer service or work with public, especially children and young adults.
- Previous park or outdoor recreation experience as employee or volunteer.
- Familiarity with boat and water safety and use of water rescue equipment
- Ability to swim
- Fluent in the Spanish language and experience in or working with Hispanic cultures.
- Basic knowledge of boat maintenance, use, and care of outboard engines
