Park Ranger 2 in-training

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple full-time permanent Park Ranger 2 in-training positions. When applying for these positions, you are entering your name into a candidate pool to fill vacancies in all statewide locations.

Here’s an opportunity for you to apply for what many consider to be a “dream job” – working as a Park Ranger for Washington’s beautiful state parks. As a Park Ranger, you get to work outdoors, share your passion for the outdoors with the public, and protect the public and the state’s natural resources. There are so many opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement options. These are also permanent positions – no more seasonal or non-permanent work! While law enforcement is not the only work you’ll be performing, these positions at the Park Ranger 2 level are fully commissioned and armed. If this sounds like your ideal job, we would love for you to apply!

**Note** Candidates who have not attended a law enforcement academy will be required to attend the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). Parks and Recreation will sponsor your attendance and cover the academy fees. Candidates who have completed a law enforcement academy (NOT BLEA), are subject to a general equivalency certification and will be required to attend a two-week BLEA Equivalency Course. 

Park Ranger 2’s are responsible for protecting, preserving, and enhancing our state parks and natural resources, while ensuring the safety and welfare of park visitors. They communicate with the public, including providing public information; they identify, improve and protect wetlands, archeological sites and other sensitive or endangered sites; they prepare and present interpretive and educational talks to the public regarding parks resources and related topics; and they complete law enforcement activity. The specific duties will have some variation by park location.

This recruitment will be used to fill current and future full-time, permanent Park Ranger 2 vacancies across Washington State. Park placement is based on many things, including candidate preference and agency need. The specific Park locations available will be discussed with candidates at a point after the conditional offer of employment has been made. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED.
• United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• A valid driver’s license (unrestricted, other than corrective lenses).
• Must be 21 years of age by date of hire (approx. 6 months from submitting application).
• Two (2) years of college, Military experience, Commissioned Law Enforcement experience, Natural Resource, or Recreation field experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous work experience in a State or National Park.
• College coursework in Natural Resources or Recreation.
• Bilingual – English/Spanish
• Knowledge of, experience and awareness of Native American tribal culture, perspective, history, language, traditional arts, or cultural practices.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability – Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results.
• Communication Effectiveness – Conveys clear, timely and persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
• Customer Focus – Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the services offered by the organization.
• Ethics and Integrity – Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
• Learning and Growth – Adapts to change and applies new approaches, learns to navigate systems, processes, tools, and technology, and increases and develops knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Takes Action to Meet the Needs of Others – Collaborates with others to overcome challenges and find solutions, increases access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others, and helps and supports people and communities from all backgrounds.

Please see the position posting for more information about law enforcement standards, our substance use policy, and required training, as well as detailed information on how to apply.