Position Title: Preserve Ranger

Department/Division: Tifft Nature Preserve

Reports To: Director, Preserve Operations

Status: Full-time/non-exempt

Overview:

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, which comprises the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve, is a highly valued and historied organization in the Buffalo community dedicated to inspiring joyful exploration of science and nature through engaging experiences, unique resources, and exceptional staff. We believe that science creates opportunities and shapes our world. We take pride in providing an environment that inspires curiosity, self-directed learning, and fun for our guests of all ages.

Summary of Position:

As the premier environmental education/interpretation and passive recreation destination in the region, Tifft Nature Preserve offers high quality, engaging programs and experiences while stewarding the living collection of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and inspiring the environmental stewards of today and tomorrow. 

The Tifft Nature Preserve Ranger’s primary responsibility is to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for guests, staff, and other patrons and ensure the security of BSNS property and facilities. The individual in this position will monitor Tifft Nature Preserve on-site through routine patrols of the property on foot and in a BSNS provided UTV or vehicle in a variety of weather conditions while being a resource of information for Tifft’s visitors. The Ranger will also assist with trail and grounds maintenance. It is important that the individual in this position works cooperatively and seamlessly with the staff at Tifft Nature Preserve and the Buffalo Museum of Science to meet the overall objectives of operations at Tifft. This position will be scheduled Thursday – Monday, 37.5 hours per week, with holidays as scheduled, shifts to change seasonally.

Note: this position is unarmed and is not a sworn law enforcement officer

Essential Responsibilities:

• Ensures the safety and security of those entering the Preserve by patrolling the property and access points, and monitoring surveillance and alarm equipment.
• Communicates use guidelines (rules) to users of the Preserve in an effective and polite manner and is able to effectively implement de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Serves as a resource for visitors by gaining and maintaining accurate knowledge about the Preserve, its history, WNY wildlife, and current projects and programs.
• Operates alarm systems, CCTV surveillance technology, and check point reporting systems.
• Performs opening and closing procedures as assigned to maintain safety of BSNS property and facilities.
• Investigates security breaches, incidents, and other unusual behavior.
• Reports irregularities or hazards to Director of Tifft Operations and Vice President of Learning and Tifft Nature Preserve and records details in writing.
• Maintains open communication with staff and volunteers via two-way radio.
• Performs basic CPR and First Aid commensurate with level of training/certification and contacts appropriate authorities for emergency services assistance as necessary.
• Utilizes power and hand tools following all safety protocols as necessary to assist the Director of Tifft Operations with the maintenance of trails and other infrastructure for safe exploration by visitors.
• Uses a plow, snowblower, and shovels to clear snow and provide access to and parking for the Education Center and trails.
• Serves as a welcoming greeter inside the Darling Environmental Education Center on weekends during programs as needed
• Follows BSNS incident reporting procedures and creates comprehensive, effective reports that are shared with the Director of Tifft Operations and Vice President of Learning and Tifft Nature Preserve. Interviews witnesses and obtains signatures as needed as part of the incident reporting process.
• Supports compliance with regulations and standards set by federal, state, and local government agencies. Understands, supports, and abides by the standard of conduct set forth in the BSNS policies, protocols, and handbook.
• Additional duties as assigned

Education, Experience, Skills, and Qualities Required:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nature resource management, environmental science, conservation law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field.
• Experience working in security related field for a minimum of one year, preferred.
• Experience using basic landscaping hand tools, mowers, and cordless power tools.
• Reliable transportation.
• Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing required.
• Valid NYS Guard card in good standing or willingness to obtain and be certified annually.
• Experience using CCTV and related surveillance technology equipment.
• Basic computer knowledge (email, calendar, MS Office programs, etc.).
• CPR and Narcan certified, preferred or willingness to be certified annually.
• Dress in branded, laundered, and neat uniform provided by BSNS.
• Excellent customer service skills, able to communicate with a friendly and professional disposition with staff, customers, and guests.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced setting and produce experiences and products of the highest quality, as well as to sincerely enjoy work and colleagues.

Physical Demands:

• Able to respond quickly to security and safety concerns.
• Able to walk on uneven terrain, stand, bend, kneel, climb, push-pull doors, and sit for long periods of time.
• Able to work outdoors year-round in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to work flexible hours, including weekends, some holidays, and some evenings.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences is an equal opportunity employer, and strongly

encourages expressions of interest from people of color, individuals living with

disabilities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.