Park Ranger ; Lakes Area Commissioned Law Enforcement

Job Title

Park Ranger 3, Fully Commissioned Law Enforcement

Central Lakes Area State Parks – based out of Alta Lake State Park; includes Alta Lake, Bridgeport, Lake Chelan, and Twenty‑Five Mile Creek State Park.

Permanent, full‑time, year‑round position. Dedicated housing available at a subsidized cost. Not eligible for telework; in‑office presence required.

This position leads routine operations within the Central Lakes Area and serves as the primary team leader for implementing the area management plan. The Park Ranger 3 coaches, mentors, supervises, and coordinates multiple long‑term plans and projects while ensuring effective operations.

• Administrative Operations:
  • Assess operational needs and raise issues with the Area Manager.
  • Develop logistical plans for park projects and provide prioritized lists and documentation.
  • Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the park area.
  • Develop staff schedules.
  • Prepare and maintain emergency management plans.
  • Develop and manage special projects with work groups, wildlife departments, and other external entities.
• Lead Law Enforcement Duties:
  • Maintain expertise of rules and regulations necessary for law‑enforcement duties.
  • Schedule appropriate law‑enforcement coverage based on park needs.
• Maintenance Functions:
  • Assign, schedule, and complete lower‑level maintenance projects where journey‑level skills are not required.
  • Ensure all safety requirements are met on job sites.
  • Maintain care and upkeep of park tools and equipment.
• Staff and Volunteer Supervision:
  • Provide oversight and instruction to staff and volunteers in accordance with agency policies and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Ensure staff meet training requirements and complete annual PDPs.
  • Hold staff accountable for meeting expectations and raise significant issues to the Area Manager.
  • Coordinate with the Area Manager on personnel matters as needed.
  • Supervise and provide oversight for work groups and volunteers.
• Leadership and Team Development:
  • Create a collaborative teamwork environment that respects all employees.
  • Address concerns in a timely and effective manner.
  • Communicate positively and supportively with staff.
• Area Representation:
  • Represent the park area to agencies, partners, and the public.

• Two (2) years of experience as a fully commissioned Washington State Park Ranger.
• OR two (2) years of professional experience as a Park Ranger, commissioned Law Enforcement Officer, or equivalent in a natural resources field; AND a Bachelor's Degree (experience may substitute for education on a one‑to‑one basis).
• Completion of a qualifying law‑enforcement academy (BLEA, POST, PLEA, or SLETP).

• Supervisory experience.
• Project planning experience.

• Accountability – Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.
• Communication Effectiveness – Conveys clear, timely, and persuasive messages.
• Customer Focus – Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction.
• Ethics and Integrity – Earns trust through honesty and professionalism.
• Learning and Growth – Adapts to change and learns new approaches.
• Takes Action to Meet the Needs of Others – Collaborates to overcome challenges and find solutions.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Background checks and physical ability tests are required as part of the selection process.