Summer Park Ranger Lead

Bellevue Parks & Community Services offers hands-on, real-world experience for students and early-career professionals interested in environmental education, public service, recreation, and natural resource management. Our department stewards more than 2,700 acres of parks and open spaces and over 80 miles of trails, while delivering recreation and environmental education programs that serve thousands of community members each year.

Through the Summer Park Ranger Program and our Visitor Centers, seasonal staff play an active role in supporting safe, welcoming parks and meaningful visitor experiences. Rangers serve as public-facing ambassadors, engaging visitors, providing environmental interpretation, promoting stewardship of Bellevue’s natural and cultural resources, and supporting day-to-day park operations.

This role offers valuable professional skill-building in communication, customer service, teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental education, all while working closely with experienced Parks professionals in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Equity and inclusive access are central to our work; we are committed to removing barriers and ensuring that Bellevue’s parks and programs are welcoming and accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

If you’re passionate about community, the outdoors, and making a positive impact, working as a Summer Park Ranger in Bellevue is a meaningful way to build experience, serve the public, and help care for the places we all share.

Job Summary

Do you enjoy being outdoors, supporting others, and helping people feel welcome in shared public spaces? The Summer Park Ranger Lead is a seasonal position with the City of Bellevue’s Parks & Community Services Department, Natural Resource Division. This role is well suited for someone with prior park ranger or similar experience, students and recent graduates who are interested in parks, environmental stewardship, public service, or community engagement, and who value teamwork, learning, and inclusive public spaces.

In this position, you’ll help support and mentor Summer Park Rangers by sharing knowledge, assisting with training, and offering guidance throughout the season. You’ll also play an important role in creating a welcoming environment for park visitors by answering questions, sharing information about park rules and natural resources, and helping ensure parks are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all backgrounds.

The Summer Park Ranger Lead is a highly public-facing role that blends leadership, customer service, and hands-on park work. You’ll patrol parks and trails, assist with programs and events, help secure facilities in the evenings, and support a variety of seasonal operations. You’ll work as part of a collaborative ranger team and report to the Lake Hills Greenbelt Park Ranger, with support and training provided throughout the season.

The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with required training sessions in April and May. Schedules average 40 hours per week, with shifts typically between 8:00 AM–4:30 PM and 3:30 PM–midnight. Rangers work together to patrol parks, walk trails, lock gates and restrooms, and engage respectfully with visitors across Bellevue’s park system.

City Council Vision Statement: Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past.

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Vision: In Bellevue everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive. 

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Mission: We build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services. 

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Equity Statement: A System of Fairness Equity acknowledges and removes disparities in opportunities, power, and resources so that everyone can reach their full potential to thrive. Bellevue Parks & Community Services practices equity, which is the responsibility of every individual in the department. Equitable access is a right, not a privilege, and is fundamental to our mission of serving all people. Through equitable policies and practices, we cultivate ties that connect people to the fabric of our community 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the City of Bellevue Park Ranger Program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.
• Conduct daily park patrols on foot, by bicycle, and using a City vehicle, including gate and restroom lockups and facility closures.
• Review end-of-shift logs, data collection, reports, and record-keeping for accuracy and professionalism.
• Mentor Seasonal Park Rangers and provide guidance when the direct supervisor is unavailable, typically during evenings and weekends.
• Assist with the training and onboarding of new Seasonal Park Rangers.
• Deliver excellent customer service to park visitors by answering questions and sharing information about park rules, programs, facilities, and natural resources.
• Educate visitors about park rules and regulations, inspect trails and facilities, issue notices for rule violations, and remove litter within park properties.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies within the park system.
• Support Natural Resource facilities, visitor centers, the Ranger Station, Bellevue Marina at Meydenbauer Bay, and other locations as needed.
• Assist with interpretive programs such as nature walks, education sessions, facility tours, canoe trips, workshops, and special events.
• Complete operational tasks including opening and closing facilities, answering phones, greeting visitors, conducting surveys, scheduling, monitoring rentals, cleaning transient camps, and keeping facilities clean and organized.
• Oversee and distribute program marketing materials (e.g., updating kiosks, distributing brochures, and managing website content) under the direction of the Summer Park Ranger Program Supervisor.
• Communicate professionally, respectfully, and courteously with park patrons and City staff.
• Participate in team meetings and required training sessions.
• Provide administrative support and assist with programming needs across other Parks & Community Services Department areas as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have worked at least one prior season as a City of Bellevue Park Ranger or in a similar role.
• Strong customer service skills, including clear written and verbal English communication, and the ability to engage the public in a courteous, diplomatic, and professional manner.
• Completion of at least two years of college in natural resource management, environmental education, or a closely related field—or two years of similar previous experience—preferred.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Google Drive, and mobile applications.
• Ability to explain park rules and regulations clearly and tactfully while maintaining a positive visitor experience.
• Ability to maintain organized, accurate, and timely patrol logs, activity reports, and incident reports.
• Experience presenting natural history, environmental interpretation, or other public outreach programs is desired.
• Previous experience working in the public sector is preferred.
• Ability to load, unload, and ride a bicycle, and to walk patrol areas as required, including areas that benefit from closer observation or increased visitor interaction.
• Ability to safely drive, park, back up, and maneuver a standard-sized pickup truck.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions in the field.
• Successful completion of a National Criminal History check is required.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license by the date of hire and maintain a driving record that meets City standards; an original driver’s abstract is required at the time of interview.
• Ability to obtain or currently hold Lifeguard Certification.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
• Work involves walking, talking, driving, biking, hearing, and using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, as well as reaching with hands and arms. Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work may involve driving or riding in a City vehicle for up to eight hours per day to access patrol sites.
• The position may require pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying up to 50 pounds.
• The work environment is typically moderately quiet.
• Duties may occasionally require climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling.
• Employees must be willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, rain, and snow.

This is a Variable, non-exempt, non-union position.  

Definition of a Seasonal Employee: Must be pre-approved by Human Resources to ensure compliance with the legislation.

• Regularly scheduled to work up to 40 hours per week for which the customary annual employment is six months or less.
• “Customary” means that the nature of the position typically lasts for six months or fewer and that the period of employment begins at approximately the same time each year.
• NOTE: Will be considered full-time and eligible for medical coverage if hours average 30 hours per week or more over a 12-month measurement period (or 130 hours per month).

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, you’ll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You’ll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It’s what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

QUETIONS ABOUT THE POSITION

Contact Laura Harper LHarper@bellevuewa.gov  

QUETIONS ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing. 

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader)

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf (Download PDF reader)

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

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