PARK RANGER

Job Information

Opening Date/Time: 07/09/2026 12:00 AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time: 07/22/2026 11:59 PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly): $4,562.00 - $6,825.00

Salary (Annually): $54,744.00 - $81,900.00

Job Type: Full‑Time

Location:

Rock Island, TN (Rock Island State Park, Warren County)

Department:
Environment and Conservation

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

• Be willing and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least 21 years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have 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 criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for a fingerprint‑based criminal history check.
• Have no felony conviction 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 an equivalent course.
• All commissioned Officers of the Tennessee State Parks will complete 63 hours of First Responder (Emergency Medical Care) or an equivalent State of Tennessee course upon being hired and maintain their First Responder certification.

During their careers, most rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the state. While employee work location preference is considered, there is no guarantee that a ranger will remain stationed in only one area.

Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

This position is part of the Tennessee State Parks Park Ranger series for TDEC. It is the entry‑level classification. Under immediate supervision, the incumbent 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, and coordination of park operations and maintenance.

• An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class 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.

• Attend required training and become proficient with law‑enforcement equipment and knowledge to investigate illicit activity and enforce park rules, regulations, and state laws to ensure visitor safety and protect park resources.
• Provide emergency medical response appropriate to the level of training and certification received, using medical assessment and patient‑management equipment to determine the level of care and facilitate transport to additional medical care.
• Maintain general safety and security for the park, perform search and rescue operations, conduct routine inspections of all park facilities and features, document and report safety issues, and address threats to natural, cultural, and security resources.
• Provide resource‑based interpretive and recreational programming, presenting professional programs, workshops, displays, and exhibits that support the park’s interpretive themes and the mission of Tennessee State Parks.
• Identify, protect, and promote natural and cultural resources, organizing activities such as boundary marking, trail management, scientific studies, fire management, habitat…