Park Ranger Senior

Park Ranger Senior – Kartchner Caverns (Cave Unit)

Must work weekends, evenings and holidays. No housing is included.

The Park Ranger Senior serves as a resource supervisor leading daily cave operations, ensuring the preservation and protection of the Kartchner Caverns Cave Unit. This unique role oversees conservation practices, supervises staff and volunteers, maintains safe cave operations, supports training, provides tours and interpretive programs as needed, and collaborates closely with the Cave Resource Manager to protect this exceptional natural resource.

• Administer and supervise day‑to‑day operations for the Cave. Prepare the schedule for the opening and closing of the cave and oversee tasks that maintain the health of the cave ecosystem and safety standards.
• Provide inventory and purchasing of Cave Unit supplies.
• Lead, develop, and mentor staff, manage human resource practices, and conduct one‑on‑one sessions with supervised staff.
• Develop and provide cave tours and outreach programs for park visitors.
• Assist the Resource Manager with oversight of facility care standards, annual operating plan development, and implementation.
• Review and recommend policies, principles, and laws related to Park operations and natural resource protection.
• Maintain and support the cave lighting system and coordinate maintenance and lighting projects with the Southern Region Construction Services team.
• Perform other duties as assigned to the position.

• Knowledge of outdoor recreation, park management, environmental conservation, and historical or archaeological education; park rules, policies, operational standards and emergency procedures; first responder training; cave resources and conservation methods; fees and revenue functions; federal, state and agency laws; emergency medical procedures.
• Skills in effective written and verbal communication; active listening; public speaking in lecture and impromptu settings; customer service; conflict resolution; training and education program development; supervisory skills for employees and volunteers.
• Abilities to work independently in a dynamic environment; collaborate with coworkers to develop solutions; manage special programs, projects, or duties; interact with visitors; work in extreme temperatures and high humidity.

The ideal candidate is a passionate cave enthusiast with strong leadership and problem‑solving abilities, who collaborates effectively across teams and is motivated to work in a unique environment focused on stewardship, safety, and long‑term resource protection.

• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Class D driver’s license.
• Obtain CPR or First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• All newly hired State employees must complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program.

• Affordable medical, dental, life and short‑term disability insurance plans.
• Top‑ranked retirement and long‑term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation time accrued at 4 hours bi‑weekly for the first 3 years.
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi‑weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Parental leave up to 12 weeks per year.

Eligible for the Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State employees.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 604‑7331. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.