Public Safety Intern
Harry S. Truman Reservoir is located in west central Missouri where the Ozarks meet the Plains. One of the largest lakes in the state, Truman Lake offers endless recreational opportunities: boating, water sports, hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, an ATV park, etc. While the lake is located in a more rural setting, larger cities like Kansas City and Springfield are an easy 90 minutes away.
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
