Recreation Technician

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

The State Application is required. This position is open until filled. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary.  Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.   This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association). 

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation. 

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Special Information:

Flathead Lake State Park consists of six unique park units located around Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The park units on the east side are Wayfarers, Yellow Bay, and Finley Point, and the west side units are West Shore, Big Arm, and Wild Horse Island. In addition to boating, swimming, and fishing, each park unit offers unique experiences including camping, rental picnic shelters, group camping, hiking, sightseeing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Whitefish Lake State Park provides one of three public access points to beautiful Whitefish Lake. Nestled between the lake and the railroad tracks, this park offers camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.

Lake Mary Ronan is located 7 miles west of Flathead Lake. This is a secluded, quiet park and lake that boasts good fishing, camping, picnicking and swimming.

There are four positions available, distributed at the following park units: Big Arm Unit (1); Finley Point Unit or West Shore (1); Wayfarers Unit (1); Whitefish Lake State Park (1); and/or possibly Lake Mary Ronan. Positions begin mid-May and end mid-September. Housing is not provided.

Recreation Technician positions typically work 24 hours one week and 32 hours the next week, totaling 56 hours per pay period. There are typically two work shifts in each park unit: one is Sunday thru Tuesday and every other Saturday, and the second shift is Wednesday thru Friday and every other Saturday. Some positions may be five eight-hours days per week. Daily shifts are 8 hours per day, with a 30-minute lunch break.

There is a potential to live onsite in the applicant's own RV or camper at Lake Mary Ronan State Park. This position might include 2 days per week travel to work 8 hours at West Shore-Flathead Lake State Park. If approved to live onsite, there must be an additional person that will volunteer for the park which will compensate for the free RV hook-ups, etc.

Physical labor is required for the Recreation Technician position. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and perform moderate physical activity for extended periods and strenuous activity for short periods. The majority of work is performed in an outside park environment, possibly in adverse weather conditions. The position may require some travel outside the park property primarily for training purposes. The incumbent will be required to work weekends and holidays.

This position requires an effective working knowledge of a wide variety of skills, including good customer service skills, problem-solving, accounting, computer operation using specialized reservation program software, janitorial maintenance, and first aid/CPR/AED. CPR/AED and First Aid by date of employment is highly preferred. Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions. Must organize tasks efficiently, establish positive working relationships with co­workers and management, work well with the public, and be able to communicate effectively. Must have the ability to understand and effectively explain Park and Department policies and regulations to the public. Must be able to effectively deal with angry or verbally abusive individuals who are dissatisfied with FWP policies and actions. Ability to use tact, courtesy, poise, alertness, and good judgment in public contacts. Must possess working knowledge, including site location and available recreational opportunities for public recreational sites in the surrounding area.

Job Duties:

This position is responsible for providing good customer service, fee collection, campground reservation system operations, and cleaning of park facilities. Performs recreation fee collection and campground reservation system operations. Closes and balances cash drawer daily when the entrance station is not staffed by another staff member. Contact visitors to provide park and tourist information, and fee payment procedures, and encourage positive use of park facilities following guidelines defined in Montana State Park's "Seasonal Employee Handbook." Conduct periodic campground rounds. Staffs entrance station when assigned. Provide good customer service including answering questions and providing information on park rules and regulations to visitors. Provide emergency assistance and/or medical aid to the level of training. Monitor and assist with traffic control and parking on high-use days. Removes, transports, and properly disposes of trash and debris from campsites, buildings, and park grounds. Inspect and clean toilet facilities multiple times per day. Works effectively as part of a team with other staff, volunteers, and park rangers. Opportunities to gain training in trail management, noxious weed management, interpretation, and other visitor services. Other duties as assigned.