Definition

Positions at this level independently perform journey level Park Ranger duties either:

• Fully commission law enforcement ranger performing law enforcement ranger duties; or
• A limited commission law enforcement ranger performing operational management to oversee operations as the highest level position at a satellite park within a Park Area, as designated in writing by the Assistant Director of Operations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Works under general supervision to provide fully commissioned law enforcement, or limited law enforcement commission and management of operations at a satellite park.

Typical Work

Supervises and works with subordinates on development, construction and maintenance of park structures, camp sites, water and sanitary systems, recreational, camping, picnicking, interpretation, and other park facilities;

Inspects work in progress and upon completion to ensure that plans and specifications have been followed;

Disseminates information to the public; establishes and maintains cooperative relations with the general public, contractors, and officials of other public jurisdictions;

Protects park properties; exercises commissioned police power;

Manages an ELC, including all phases of purchasing, collection of visitor fees, coordination with visitor groups, maintenance of facilities and equipment, submittal of project work requests, budgeting expenditures, requisitioning equipment and supplies, operating within the allotted budgets and completing all ELC related reporting requirements;

Performs other duties as required.

Legal Requirement(s)

All positions require an unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver’s license.
Must be 21 years of age by date of hire.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

A Bachelors degree with 24 quarter/18 semester hours in parks and recreation, history, or a natural resource field
 

                                                                                 AND

One year of experience as a park ranger, commissioned law enforcement officer or equivalent experience in a natural resources field. 

                                                                                AND

Fully commissioned officers must have graduated from a qualifying law enforcement academy (or currently be enrolled) or must have worked as a commissioned law enforcement officer within the last 24 months from date of hire or worked as a commission Park Ranger with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission within the last 24 months. Training and Officer experience must meet Washington commission regulatory requirements. 

                                                                                OR

Some positions may require prior successful completion of Park Ranger Law Enforcement Training sanctioned by Washington State Parks.
Experience as a park ranger, commissioned law enforcement officer or experience in a natural resources or outdoor recreation field will substitute year for year for education, provided that 24 quarter/18 semester hours in parks and recreation, history, or a natural resource field have been attained.
Note: Military experience or natural resource or recreation field experience will substitute year for year for education.

Class Specification History

New Class. Replaces 97110 Park Ranger 2, effective January 1, 2006.
Revise class. Revises desirable qualifications. Reduced experience from 18 months to one year and added history as a desirable major; effective March 4, 2008.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work statements, knowledge and abilities and minimum qualifications, adopted 06/13/2019, effective 07/01/19.