Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Park Ranger 2 In-Training (Statewide)
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Olympia, Washington, United States
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. 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 (you will be asked to provide a syllabus of the academy completed) and will also be required to attend a two‑week BLEA Equivalency Course. Candidates whose law enforcement equivalency cannot be certified would be required to attend the full 18‑week BLEA academy.
These positions are not eligible to telework, as physical in‑office presence is required to perform essential functions.
Duties 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, archaeological sites and other sensitive or endangered sites; they prepare and present interpretive and educational talks to the public regarding park 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. Here is a list of current park vacancies, which will change as positions are filled and new positions are approved to fill:
East Side of the State
Daroga State Park – located in Orondo, WA. Housing available.
Lake Chelan State Park – located in Chelan, WA. Housing available.
Lake Easton State Park – located in Easton, WA. Housing available.
Potholes State Park – located in Othello, WA. Housing available.
Riverside State Park – located in Nine Mile Falls, WA. Housing available.
West Side of the State
Battle Ground State Park – located in Battle Ground, WA. Housing available.
Cape Disappointment State Park – located in Ilwaco, WA. Housing available.
Fort Worden Historical State Park – located in Port Townsend, WA. Housing available.
Ocean City State Park – located in Hoquiam, WA. Housing available.
Rainbow Falls State Park – located in Chehalis, WA. Housing available.
Scenic Beach State Park – located in Seabeck, WA. Housing available.
For more information on Washington State Parks and Recreation, including location information for all Washington State Parks, click here.
Note: Applicants who are selected to move past the first application review will be invited to attend an optional virtual Park Ranger Q&A on January 27, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm PST to learn more about these positions and ask questions of Parks staff.
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.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS
No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.
No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months from the date of application received.
No possession or use of illegal drugs in the last ten years or no more than three lifetime uses of illegal drugs.
No crime committed as an adult, prosecutable under the statute of limitations.
No intentional deception in any stage of the testing process.
No intentional deception in the selection process of any law enforcement agency.
No domestic violence convictions.
No driving under the influence within the last five years.
Must meet the minimum fitness standards for law enforcement positions. Physical Ability Test (PAT) Information.
Possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity to work arduous manual tasks over extended periods.
Willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and long and/or irregular hours and during inclement weather conditions.
Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.
Must not have a substantial amount of driving violations that indicate a disregard for rules or laws.
SUBSTANCE USE INFORMATION
No possession or use of non‑prescribed stimulant, opium, cocaine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, methamphetamine, amphetamine, depressants, hallucinogenic substances, etc., within the last 10 years or no more than three lifetime uses of any combination (excluding marijuana/hashish).
Zero tolerance for the selling or manufacturing of any drugs, including the illegal selling or manufacturing of marijuana.
Zero tolerance for the illegal possession or use of any non‑prescribed drugs while employed or having been employed in a commissioned capacity by a law enforcement agency, including a military position with law enforcement powers.
No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months.
If your past substance use is outside of our current drug policy, you may request a waiver by writing a letter to the screening committee that includes full details of the past substance use and provides justification of why you should be granted an exception to our policy. You can also include any evidence or letters of recommendation to be reviewed along with your letter. Waivers must be attached to your application and received with your application package. For questions regarding waivers or submission, please send all correspondence to Nikki Williams at Nikki.Williams@parks.wa.gov.
REQUIRED TRAINING 1. In-Training Plan – Agency sponsored candidates must attend a 720‑hour, 4–5‑month Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien, Spokane, or a satellite site. Candidates who have already attended an approved equivalent law enforcement academy (not BLEA) will be required to attend a two‑week BLEA Equivalency Course. While attending BLEA, the candidate will be paid as a Park Ranger 1. Washington State Parks will cover the cost of tuition, meals, and lodging while the candidate is at the Academy.
2. Internal Mandatory Law Enforcement Training – All Park Rangers will be required to attend and successfully pass this training, which will include a curriculum of defensive tactics certifications, firearms qualifications, radio communications, legal updates, and other duties and responsibilities specific to the role of a Park Ranger 2, such as:
Chain‑of‑command structure
Supervision, employees/volunteers
Role and authority
Discover Pass enforcement
Issuing of infractions
Crime recognition and incident reporting
Tactical communications
Must possess or obtain a valid First Aid and CPR certification (provided by Agency).
A commissioning ceremony will conclude the training session.
3. Field Training Program (FTP) – The FTP is a required component of the in‑training to facilitate the Rangers transition from academic learning to actual law enforcement duties in the field. During the FTP, the Ranger will ride with multiple Field Training Officers over the course of 14‑20 weeks, until it has been determined that the Ranger can perform law enforcement independently.
Park Rangers will initially be hired at the Park Ranger 1 classification and will remain at that level until they have successfully passed the Field Training Program. Upon successful completion of Field Training Program, they will promote to the Park Ranger 2 classification where they will serve a minimum 6‑month review period to complete the in‑training plan and gain permanent status.
Ranger Training Program (RTP) – In addition to the requirements of the in‑training, Park Ranger 2’s will go through the Ranger Training Program (RTP). The RTP is a standardized training program to ensure that all Rangers attain the training required of their position, both formal and on‑the‑job training. The Ranger will have to demonstrate specific awareness, knowledge, skills, and ability in a wide range of areas and duties that reflect the varied job duties of the Ranger job class. These duties include, but are not limited to, supervision, performing interpretive tasks, grounds and facility maintenance, resources, stewardship, administrative duties, customer service, and public administration.
The salary range of the Park Ranger 1 job class is $4,320.00 – $5,812.00 monthly. The salary range of the Park Ranger 2 job class is $4,882.00 – $,576.00 monthly. Most newly hired Park Rangers will start in the Park Ranger 1 job class salary range. After successful completion of the In‑Training plan, candidates will advance to the Park Ranger 2 job class salary range.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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. 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 (you will be asked to provide a syllabus of the academy completed) and will also be required to attend a two‑week BLEA Equivalency Course. Candidates whose law enforcement equivalency cannot be certified would be required to attend the full 18‑week BLEA academy.
These positions are not eligible to telework, as physical in‑office presence is required to perform essential functions.
Duties 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, archaeological sites and other sensitive or endangered sites; they prepare and present interpretive and educational talks to the public regarding park 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. Here is a list of current park vacancies, which will change as positions are filled and new positions are approved to fill:
East Side of the State
Daroga State Park – located in Orondo, WA. Housing available.
Lake Chelan State Park – located in Chelan, WA. Housing available.
Lake Easton State Park – located in Easton, WA. Housing available.
Potholes State Park – located in Othello, WA. Housing available.
Riverside State Park – located in Nine Mile Falls, WA. Housing available.
West Side of the State
Battle Ground State Park – located in Battle Ground, WA. Housing available.
Cape Disappointment State Park – located in Ilwaco, WA. Housing available.
Fort Worden Historical State Park – located in Port Townsend, WA. Housing available.
Ocean City State Park – located in Hoquiam, WA. Housing available.
Rainbow Falls State Park – located in Chehalis, WA. Housing available.
Scenic Beach State Park – located in Seabeck, WA. Housing available.
For more information on Washington State Parks and Recreation, including location information for all Washington State Parks, click here.
Note: Applicants who are selected to move past the first application review will be invited to attend an optional virtual Park Ranger Q&A on January 27, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm PST to learn more about these positions and ask questions of Parks staff.
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.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS
No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.
No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months from the date of application received.
No possession or use of illegal drugs in the last ten years or no more than three lifetime uses of illegal drugs.
No crime committed as an adult, prosecutable under the statute of limitations.
No intentional deception in any stage of the testing process.
No intentional deception in the selection process of any law enforcement agency.
No domestic violence convictions.
No driving under the influence within the last five years.
Must meet the minimum fitness standards for law enforcement positions. Physical Ability Test (PAT) Information.
Possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity to work arduous manual tasks over extended periods.
Willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and long and/or irregular hours and during inclement weather conditions.
Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.
Must not have a substantial amount of driving violations that indicate a disregard for rules or laws.
SUBSTANCE USE INFORMATION
No possession or use of non‑prescribed stimulant, opium, cocaine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, methamphetamine, amphetamine, depressants, hallucinogenic substances, etc., within the last 10 years or no more than three lifetime uses of any combination (excluding marijuana/hashish).
Zero tolerance for the selling or manufacturing of any drugs, including the illegal selling or manufacturing of marijuana.
Zero tolerance for the illegal possession or use of any non‑prescribed drugs while employed or having been employed in a commissioned capacity by a law enforcement agency, including a military position with law enforcement powers.
No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months.
If your past substance use is outside of our current drug policy, you may request a waiver by writing a letter to the screening committee that includes full details of the past substance use and provides justification of why you should be granted an exception to our policy. You can also include any evidence or letters of recommendation to be reviewed along with your letter. Waivers must be attached to your application and received with your application package. For questions regarding waivers or submission, please send all correspondence to Nikki Williams at Nikki.Williams@parks.wa.gov.
REQUIRED TRAINING 1. In-Training Plan – Agency sponsored candidates must attend a 720‑hour, 4–5‑month Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien, Spokane, or a satellite site. Candidates who have already attended an approved equivalent law enforcement academy (not BLEA) will be required to attend a two‑week BLEA Equivalency Course. While attending BLEA, the candidate will be paid as a Park Ranger 1. Washington State Parks will cover the cost of tuition, meals, and lodging while the candidate is at the Academy.
2. Internal Mandatory Law Enforcement Training – All Park Rangers will be required to attend and successfully pass this training, which will include a curriculum of defensive tactics certifications, firearms qualifications, radio communications, legal updates, and other duties and responsibilities specific to the role of a Park Ranger 2, such as:
Chain‑of‑command structure
Supervision, employees/volunteers
Role and authority
Discover Pass enforcement
Issuing of infractions
Crime recognition and incident reporting
Tactical communications
Must possess or obtain a valid First Aid and CPR certification (provided by Agency).
A commissioning ceremony will conclude the training session.
3. Field Training Program (FTP) – The FTP is a required component of the in‑training to facilitate the Rangers transition from academic learning to actual law enforcement duties in the field. During the FTP, the Ranger will ride with multiple Field Training Officers over the course of 14‑20 weeks, until it has been determined that the Ranger can perform law enforcement independently.
Park Rangers will initially be hired at the Park Ranger 1 classification and will remain at that level until they have successfully passed the Field Training Program. Upon successful completion of Field Training Program, they will promote to the Park Ranger 2 classification where they will serve a minimum 6‑month review period to complete the in‑training plan and gain permanent status.
Ranger Training Program (RTP) – In addition to the requirements of the in‑training, Park Ranger 2’s will go through the Ranger Training Program (RTP). The RTP is a standardized training program to ensure that all Rangers attain the training required of their position, both formal and on‑the‑job training. The Ranger will have to demonstrate specific awareness, knowledge, skills, and ability in a wide range of areas and duties that reflect the varied job duties of the Ranger job class. These duties include, but are not limited to, supervision, performing interpretive tasks, grounds and facility maintenance, resources, stewardship, administrative duties, customer service, and public administration.
The salary range of the Park Ranger 1 job class is $4,320.00 – $5,812.00 monthly. The salary range of the Park Ranger 2 job class is $4,882.00 – $,576.00 monthly. Most newly hired Park Rangers will start in the Park Ranger 1 job class salary range. After successful completion of the In‑Training plan, candidates will advance to the Park Ranger 2 job class salary range.
#J-18808-Ljbffr