Natural Resource Officer I/Park Ranger

This classified, permanent full-time position is located at Webster State Park, Parks Division; and is directly supervised by Zach Kesler, State Park Manager Supervisor II. 

The incumbent administers and participates in law enforcement activities in assigned state park areas; enforces license and permit requirements; detects violations, make arrests, collects evidence, prepares cases, and testifies, as required–must be a credible witness in court; coordinates and conducts property and facility inspections; develops, coordinates and maintains a public relations program; represents the department through public speaking, constituent contacts, media contacts, and educational program participation; plans, assigns, reviews, and schedules work performance of park staff responsible for safety, construction, maintenance, land management, development, permit sales, and public relations, as assigned by supervisor; prepares and submits budget and cost estimates; conduct studies and surveys; recommends and participates in training development; and coordinates and actively participates in all aspects of park maintenance.

If an applicant is not currently law enforcement certified, our agency will send the successful applicant to the required training as listed below.  Applicants do not have to be law enforcement certified to apply. 

BENEFITS: Beginning hourly rate, $25.68/hour; immediate group health and life insurance coverage; Kansas Police & Fire (KP&F) retirement; optional deferred compensation, dental and vision options; holidays; and sick, vacation, and parental leave.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree required.  Degree preferred in park or natural resource management or other related degrees as determined by the Department. Experience in park management or natural resources may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency. The successful candidate must pass a background check, must be a credible witness in court, and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: This class requires the employee to be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission. Certification must be obtained before the employee is given permanent status. The employee must complete a basic law enforcement training program recognized by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Commission and annual training as required by K.S.A. 74-5607a.

This class requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties; therefore, to be eligible for appointment to a position in this class, candidates cannot have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C.§ 992 (g) (8) and (9).To be eligible for certification in the state of Kansas, one must also be free of any diversions from a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Act.

Candidates for positions in this class must have the following: be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age at the time of appointment; free of conviction of any crime punishable by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or a state prison; and be required to pass a physical exam administered by the hiring agency.

This class requires that at the time of appointment the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services, a pre-employment physical, and a standard battery of psychological tests required for admission into the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Basic Course.