Public Safety Intern
Lake Shelbyville is an 11,100 acre lake located in South Central Illinois approximately 25 east of Mattoon, IL and 60 miles southeast of Springfield. The project office is located on the eastern edge Shelbyville, population approximately 5000. The authorized project purposes are flood control, recreation, environmental stewardship and water supply
The Lake Shelbyville Project is an oasis for those that enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. The lake is 11,100 surface acres and there is 23,000 acres around the lake managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project is one of the largest sections of government managed land in the region. Recreation opportunities abound and are diverse.
Visitors can enjoy activities on land or water. Some of the activities include hiking, biking, camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, water skiing, wildlife observation, fishing and hunting. There are numerous recreational areas around the lake. These areas may include one or more of the following; boat ramps, beaches, campgrounds, picnicking, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails.
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
