Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement

Overview

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement
Location: Lacey, WA
Closes: Continuous. This position will remain open until filled. To be considered for the first round of interviews, please submit your application materials no later than March 6, 2026.

Washington State Parks is seeking a strategic, grounded, and service-oriented leader to serve as the next Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement. This role sits at the heart of how the public experiences safety, support, and stewardship in parks across the state. You will guide and mentor a team of rangers and law enforcement professionals who work on the front lines every day, supporting visitors, navigating complex situations, and serving as trusted ambassadors for the outdoors.

Your leadership will influence how staff are trained, supported, and empowered to deliver consistent, high-quality service rooted in professionalism and care.

The Superintendent will strengthen operational systems, enhance statewide coordination, and ensure that policies, practices, and training reflect modern approaches to public safety. This includes balancing compliance with education, cultivating strong relationships with local partners and allied agencies, and championing a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who is ready to make a meaningful and lasting contribution—someone who brings sound judgment, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to supporting both people and mission. If you are energized by complex problem-solving, leading through change, and helping professionals thrive in a dynamic outdoor environment, we invite you to consider this important role.

Washington State Parks protects diverse lands and offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The agency manages nearly 120,000 acres across 124 state parks, recreation areas, heritage sites, and trails, showcasing Washington’s natural and cultural heritage—from rugged coastline and volcanic landscapes to inland forests and lakes.

Washington State Parks operates with a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, and stewardship, ensuring that current and future generations can enjoy safe, meaningful, and memorable outdoor experiences. The agency works to expand partnerships with local communities, tribes, and outdoor recreation organizations to strengthen conservation efforts and enhance recreational opportunities.

The Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement leads the statewide Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement Program, coordinating the development, administration, and operations of public safety, ranger law enforcement, and risk management. This position works with Operations Division leadership, Park Area Managers, other agencies, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with the agency mission.

The Superintendent provides policy direction and strategic leadership to both commissioned and limited-commissioned rangers, focusing on mission-aligned, education-focused, and community-oriented enforcement. The role emphasizes respectful public engagement and professional communication in all interactions. Enforcement actions are escalated only as necessary to ensure safety of people, property, and resources.

• Provide strategic oversight and subject matter guidance of all visitor protection and law enforcement activities.
• Promote a ranger culture rooted in education, public service, and respectful enforcement.
• Lead the agency’s Field Training Program for fully commissioned park rangers to ensure consistent onboarding and mentoring of new officers.
• Train and educate staff in the use of tactical and respectful communication in enforcement interactions, fostering voluntary compliance and minimizing conflict.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tribal, local, and state enforcement partners to support coordinated operations and response.

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, natural resource management,…