PARK RANGER

Overview

This position is part of the Tennessee State Parks Park Ranger series for TDEC. This is the entry-level classification in the TSP Park Ranger Series. Under immediate supervision, this classification is responsible for law enforcement, emergency medical response, safety and security of the park and general public, resource-based interpretation, resource management, supervision of full and part-time employees, supporting park operations, and providing maintenance within a state park.

This class differs from a TSP Park Ranger 2 in that an incumbent of the latter performs at the working level. This class differs from that of TSP Park Ranger 3 in that the latter performs leadership responsibilities and increasingly complex work.

An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory two-year training period. Inadequate performance during the initial two-year training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Location:

Morristown, TN
Department:
Environment and Conservation
Opening Date/Time: 02/03/2026 12:00 AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time: 02/16/2026 11:59 PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly): $4,562.00
Salary (Annually): $54,744.00
Job Type: Full-Time

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, TENNESSEE STATE PARKS DIVISION, HAMBLEN COUNTY

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Necessary Special

Qualifications:

Applicants for this class must:

• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy or have successfully completed the equivalent of the prescribed course.
• All commissioned Officers of the Tennessee State Parks will complete 63 hours First Responder (Emergency Medical Care) or State of Tennessee equivalent course upon being hired and maintain their First Responder certification.

Examination Method:
Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

• Attends required training and becomes proficient in utilizing law enforcement equipment and knowledge to investigate illicit activity and enforce park rules and regulations as well as state laws to ensure visitor safety and to protect park resources while maintaining order within the park. Documents law enforcement incidents and enters reports within required deadlines.
• Provides emergency medical response appropriate to the level of training and certification received within their scope of practice under the approved medical protocols. Utilizing medical assessment and patient management equipment as indicated to determine the level of care appropriate to the patient's condition and get them to the further medical care that they need.
• Provides general safety and security for the park. Performs search and rescue operations to locate lost parties. Conducts routine inspections of all park facilities, and features to document and report or resolve safety issues such as issues with fire alarm systems, playground safety standards, OSHA and TOSHA compliance issues, and security issues with unsecured equipment, buildings or to resolve threats to natural and cultural resources or other security concerns as observed.
• Provides resource-based interpretive and recreational programming. Utilizing best practice standards to present professional programs, workshops, displays, and exhibits that support their park's interpretive themes and support the mission of Tennessee State Parks while keeping in mind universal accessibility standards.
• Utilizes best…