Salary: $4,968.00 – $6,676.00 Monthly
Location : Okanogan County – Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 2023-07437
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 09/05/2023
Closing Date: 9/30/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Job Title: Park Ranger 3
Location: Pearrygin Lake State Park, WA (Okanogan Highlands Area). This position is full-time year-round. There is dedicated housing available for this position.
Closes: This announcement will remain open until filled.
As a Park Ranger 3 you will be coaching, mentoring, supervising and leading your park team while coordinating multiple long-term plans and projects important to the successful operation of the park or area. You will be a part of a collaborative environment where you’ll be empowered to share your creative ideas and support area operations through coordination, planning and execution.
This position will serve as the Pearrygin Lake Area Park Ranger 3, leading routine operations within a park or park area and serve as the primary catalyst for implementing the area management plan from a concept or vision into operation. For more information about Washington State parks, click here.
Duties
Under the direct supervision of the Area Manager (Park Ranger 4), this position serves as the Operations Manager for the Okanogan Highlands Area State Parks. The Park Ranger 3 implements area strategies based on the mission and goals as defined by the Area Manager. This position further serves as the expert level Law Enforcement Officer for the area and also supports administration, supervision, maintenance, and public service within the management area.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Perform administrative duties as an Operations Manager for the Okanogan Highlands Area, implementing area strategies based on mission and goals as defined by Area Manager.
- Assess operational needs of park area; raise issues with Area Manager.
- Develop logistical plan for completion of park projects.
- Provide oversight for day-to-day operations of park area.
- Develop staff schedules utilizing data driven evidence when determining proper use of staff time and classifications.
- Emergency Management (First Responder: emergency oversight). Ensure that all necessary plans are in place and up to date.
- Develop and manage special projects in collaboration with work groups, weed boards, wildlife departments and other outside entities.
- Maintain expertise of rules and regulations necessary to perform Law Enforcement duties.
- Schedule appropriate Law Enforcement coverage based on demonstrable park needs.
- Ensure all area Law Enforcement staff attend required quarterly training and in-service.
- Assign, schedule, and complete lower level maintenance projects for park area, where journey level skills are not required.
- Ensure all safety requirements are met on job site.
- Ensure all permitting requirements are met prior to commencement of job.
- Responsible for the care and upkeep of park tools and equipment.
- Provide oversight and instruction to staff.
- Ensure staff meet training requirements.
- Timely complete PDPs on an annual basis.
- Hold staff accountable for meeting expectations; raise issues of significance with Area Manager.
- Coordinate with Area Manager on personnel matters when necessary.
- Supervise and provide oversight for work groups and volunteers.
- Create an environment of collaborative teamwork and respect for all employees. Address concerns in a timely and effective manner.
- Proactively communicate with staff in a positive and supportive manner.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two (2) years of experience as a fully commissioned Washington State Park Ranger
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree **
- Two (2) years of professional experience as a Park Ranger, commissioned Law Enforcement Officer, or equivalent experience in a Natural Resource field.
- Successful completion of a qualifying law enforcement academy (BLEA, POST, PRLEA, or SLETP).
**Experience in a Natural Resource or Recreation field will substitute year for year for education.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Supervisory experience.
- Project planning experience.
NOTE: Applicants that are not currently employed as a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Park Ranger, will first be screened for the required qualifications. It is important that you attach a copy of your qualifying law enforcement academy, and ensure you include this on the education section of the application form. (You must have graduated from a qualifying law enforcement academy and must have worked as a Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer or Commissioned Park Ranger within the last 24 months.) Qualified applicants who are selected to move forward in the process will be emailed the required Personal History Review questionnaire to complete and will be required to submit a complete driving abstract (dated within the last 30 days).
Job Suitability Determination: Successful external applicants will have a history of law abiding behavior and must pass a background investigation, drug and alcohol screening, medical/psychological/polygraph examination, and a physical ability test. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
• Ability to remain flexible to respond to park emergencies.
• Ability to use learned knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals.
• Ability to focus on educating and influencing park users for voluntary compliance.
• Ability to consistently enforce governmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to initiate enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective and reasonable.
• Ability to work with the public, employees and other staff in a friendly, positive and approachable manner in order to create a positive work environment.
• Ability to make independent decisions that achieve desired results.
• Ability to collect data, make sound decisions from data gathered, and evaluate consequences.
• Have the demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes required to effectively supervise and lead personnel.
• Ability to establish clear performance expectations, coach and mentor employees, provide regular feedback, and correct behavior when necessary.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Ability to orally communicate effectively on a one-on-one basis and in small groups.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Accountability- Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of his/her 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.
Inclusiveness – Actively contributes to a work environment that embraces building relationships and recognizing the value of cultural, ethnic, gender and other individual differences, to enhance the attainment of organizational goals.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS (Validated through Psychological & Polygraph examination and fitness testing):
1. No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.
2. No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months from the date of application received.
3. No possession of illegal drugs in the last ten years.
4. No crime committed as an adult, prosecutable under the statute of limitations.
5. No intentional deception in any stage of the testing process.
6. No intentional deception in the selection process of any law enforcement agency.
7. No domestic violence convictions.
8. No driving under the influence within the last five years.
9. Must meet the minimum fitness standards for law enforcement positions.
10. Possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity to work arduous manual tasks over extended periods.
11. Willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and long and/or irregular hours and during inclement weather conditions.
12. Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.
13. Must not have a substantial amount of driving violations that indicate a disregard for rules or laws.
FITNESS STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS:
Applicants that are not currently employed as a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Park Ranger will be required to pass a Physical Abilities Test (PAT). For more information click
Supplemental Information
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application at This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH THE FOLLOWING:
1. Cover Letter specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
2. Three professional references.
EXTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST ALSO ATTACH:
3. Copy of your qualifying law enforcement certificate.
**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.**
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment – one that embraces and values the full spectrum of all community members’ contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:
- Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability.
- Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences.
- Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society.
- Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to all people of this state today and in the future.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strengthens our ability and commitment to serve all citizens.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and sustaining a working environment that includes, welcomes, and respects diverse identities of race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and more. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are invited to apply. Persons desiring any accommodations in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hearing impaired may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Molly Doherty at or 360-902-8678.
For information about the position, please contact Cindi Confer Morris at or (509) 996-2370.
Washington State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve staggered six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency. The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Our Mission
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington’s most treasured lands, waters and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.
Our Vision
Washington’s state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate and proudly support.
Washington State Parks employs more than 700 permanent staff and more than 350 seasonal and temporary staff throughout the state. The headquarters office is located in Tumwater, and region offices are located in Burlington, East Wenatchee and Tumwater.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Are you currently employed as a fully commissioned Park Ranger with Washington State Parks?
- Yes
- No
02
How many years of experience do you have as a fully commissioned Washington State Parks Park Ranger?
- 0 to 1 year
- 1 to 2 years
- 2 to 3 years
- 3 to 4 years
- 4 or more years
- None of the above
03
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- Less than two years of college credit
- Two years or more of college credit/no degree
- Associates Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- None of the above
04
Which of the following best describes your educational focus or degree?
- Criminal Justice
- Natural Resources
- Natural Sciences
- Other Degree
- None of the above
05
If you selected “Other Degree” in the above question, please identify the focus of your degree. If this does not apply, type N/A.
06
How many years of experience do you have as a Park Ranger, Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer, or equivalent experience to a Park Ranger in a Natural Resource field?
- 0 to 1 year
- 1 to 2 years
- 2 to 3 years
- 3 to 4 years
- 4 or more years
- None of the above
07
In regard to question #6, please list the dates of employment, positions held, location and name of employer. If this does not apply, type N/A.
08
LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY: Have you successfully completed one of the following qualifying law enforcement academies?
- BLEA
- POST
- PLEA
- SLETP
- Other qualifying Law Enforcement Academy
- I have not attended a Law Enforcement Academy
09
LE ACADEMY: If you graduated from “Other qualifying law enforcement academy”, please list the following: 1. Name and location of the law enforcement academy. 2. Date of completion. If this does not apply, type N/A.
10
LAW ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATE (EXTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY): The application process requires that you attach a copy of your qualifying law enforcement certificate. Have you submitted the required document?
- YES
- NO
11
DRIVING HISTORY: Do you possess a valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver’s license AND two (2) years of driving experience?
- YES
- NO
12
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience by listing the last 10 years of employment and accounting for any gaps between jobs.
- YES
- NO
Required Question