The winter of 2020-2021 has come and gone, but during that time there were some successful training pursuits! Though in-person training was limited, Ranger John Ohler safely coordinated two fantastic Maintenance Schools in March. Here's what he shared:
"The two most recent Maintenance Schools held at Janes Island and New Germany were a success. Class sessions focused on a wide variety of typical park maintenance topics including roofing, electric repairs, small engine repair and tune up, plumbing, roofing, bucket truck operations, laminate flooring installation and CDL driver training. A roof was replaced at Janes Island State Park and the Electric classes at both Janes Island and New Germany made field repairs to camper pedestal boxes. The instructors volunteered to share their vast work experience with the students along with some great humor and more than a few "don't make the mistake I made" stories. Thanks go out to the Instructor team and the folks from the local parks who helped with coordinating the projects. We hope to build on the success of these schools with a class this fall. If you have suggestions on topics for the next school, make sure to reach out to the training team staff."
Instructors from the Park Service: Brian Buckel, Charlie Bronson, Ken Dzaack, Kendall Mott, Wayne Suydam, Steve Shortall, John Ohler
Instructors from the Forest Service: Derek Albers and Jim Harris
- Chainsaw Guidelines - If you missed the virtual roll-out you can watch a recording here: Chainsaw Guidelines Virtual Roll-out. The new document is also available to download and print from the MPS Training Division website.
The spring is here and among all of the other duties in the parks, it's time to think about keeping skills and knowledge fresh. Between starting training for seasonal or new employees and updating existing classes for those who have been around for a while, it's sure to be a busy training season!
Check out the MPS training calendar to register for any classes in the next few months. As guidance changes this year based on the current pandemic regulations, some new opportunities and changes to former classes are listed below.
- American Red Cross transition - Please see the next blog post for detailed information about the transition to ARC courses this year. We are very excited about the opportunity to streamline all of our EMS course offerings under one certifying agency and provide digital certificate access to all using Find My Certificate.
- Coffee Chats - Meet with other folks virtually to have your morning coffee (or tea, or soda, or water...) While we are unable to meet as often as previous years for training and other projects, Coffee Chats are a great chance to check in with others and receive some inspiration or just say hi!
- Foundations of Search Operations - This class is slightly varied from the previous Introduction to Search and Rescue class. Listed below, there are two components that must be completed to pass the Foundations of Search Operations class, and a third component to receive a SARTECH III certificate from the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR). This structure may change later in the year based on guidance as pandemic restrictions are lifted. Updates will be listed on the training division calendar and on the training blog if changes occur.
1) Two virtual class sessions (4 hours each)
2) One in person session (8 hours, including Foundations of Search Operations written exam)
3) Complete the SARTECH III virtual exam through NASAR
- Moodle - Onboard training for seasonal employees can be requested by completing the 2021 Seasonal Employee Onboard Training Registration Form. Required classes include: Bloodborne Pathogens, Global Harmonization Systems (GHS), Maryland Driver (if operating a state vehicle, including ORVs), and Portable Fire Extinguisher. Optional classes include: Time Keeping in Workday and Resiliency & Mental Wellness for First Responders and Frontline Workers.
- Sexual Harassment Prevention - Seasonal SHP classes will once again be offered in a virtual, interactive format on a weekly basis from mid-May through July. These classes are open to new seasonal employees and any returning staff that missed the training last year or completed the training in Spring/Summer/Fall of 2019. One "early bird" class is scheduled in April for staff who have already begun their seasonal employment.
SHP training for Classified and Long Term Contractual employees will be offered during the Fall/Winter of 2021, for those staff members who completed the new training in 2019 and are due for their renewal. There will be separate SHP courses scheduled for Supervisors and Non-Supervisors. Classified and LTC employees should NOT attend Seasonal SHP classes.
Please contact Ranger Cineva Smith if you have any questions about which employees are due to complete this requirement in 2021.
NEW this year:
- Admin Chats - To facilitate connection among Administrative Specialists throughout the state, these chats are being held monthly for common questions and solutions to be shared.
- Friday Night Yoga - Join Ranger Maria Reusing to stretch, breathe, and unwind on Friday nights monthly. Check the training calendar for dates!
If you're unsure of whether your required classes have been completed on time, reach out to your regional training division contact below.
Bethany Watts - Western Region Trainer
bethany.watts@maryland.gov
Maria Reusing - Central Region Trainer
maria.reusing@maryland.gov
John Ohler - Southeastern Region Trainer
john.ohler@maryland.gov
Cineva Smith - Training Division Manager
cineva.smith@maryland.gov
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