Park Ranger ; South Area Commissioned Law Enforcement

Park Ranger 3

Location: South Beach Area State Parks (Twin Harbors State Park, Westport, WA)

Job type: Full‑time, permanent, year‑round (no telework)

Closes: July 8, 2026, 11:59 pm PST

This position leads routine operations within the South Beach area, serving as the primary team leader for implementing the area management plan. The Park Ranger 3 coaches, mentors, supervises, and leads a park team while coordinating long‑term plans and projects. The role also serves as the expert level Law Enforcement Officer for the area and supports administration, supervision, maintenance, and public service within the management area.

Responsibilities:

• Perform administrative duties as operations manager: assess operational needs, develop logistical plans, provide oversight of day‑to‑day operations, develop staff schedules, prepare for emergency management, and manage special projects with work groups and external entities.
• Lead Law Enforcement duties: maintain current expertise in laws and regulations, schedule coverage based on park needs.
• Participate in maintenance functions: assign and complete lower‑level maintenance projects, ensure safety requirements, care for tools and equipment.
• Supervise staff and volunteers following agency policies, statewide regulations, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement: provide oversight and instruction, ensure training requirements are met, complete PDPs annually, hold staff accountable, coordinate personnel matters with the Area Manager, and oversee work groups.
• Provide leadership to area staff: create a collaborative and respectful environment, address concerns timely, and communicate positively.
• Represent the area to visitors, staff, and external partners, maintaining a positive public image.

Required Qualifications:

• Two years as a fully commissioned Washington State Park Ranger, OR
• Two years professional experience as a Park Ranger, commissioned Law Enforcement Officer, or equivalent in a natural resource field, plus a bachelor’s degree (experience in a related field may substitute one year of education), AND
• Successfully completed a qualifying law‑enforcement academy (BLEA, POST, PLEA, or SLETP).

Desired

Qualifications:

• Supervisory experience.
• Project planning experience.
• Completion of trail maintenance classes.
• WA State Certified Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Core Competencies:

• Accountability: personal responsibility for quality and timeliness.
• Communication Effectiveness: clear, timely, and persuasive messaging.
• Customer Focus: build and maintain satisfaction with services.
• Ethics and Integrity: honest and professional interactions.
• Learning and Growth: adapt to change, apply new approaches, and develop knowledge.
• Takes Action to Meet the Needs of Others: collaborate to overcome challenges.

NOTE: Applicants not currently employed as a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Park Ranger will first be screened for the required qualifications. Attach a copy of your qualifying law‑enforcement academy transcript or certificate.

Job Suitability Determination: Successful applicants must pass a background investigation, drug and alcohol screening, medical/psychological/polygraph examination, and a physical ability test.

Employment Standards for Law Enforcement Positions:

• No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.
• No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months.
• No possession of illegal drugs within the last ten years.
• No crime committed as an adult under the statute of limitations.
• No intentional deception in any stage of the testing or selection process.
• No domestic violence convictions.
• No driving under the influence within the last five years.
• Must meet minimum fitness standards for law enforcement positions.
• Will be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and irregular hours, including inclement weather.
• Must possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity for arduous manual tasks.

Empowerment Statement: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty days following the listed position(s) being filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, veterans, and members of the 2

SLGBTQ+ community.