The Park Ranger 1 is a Limited Commission Law Enforcement Officer, but they’re also entrusted to perform a wide range of duties: they are stewards, advisors, hosts, managers, caretakers, and the one who is responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of the park.

The BENEFITS of becoming a Park Ranger are the ability to work outdoors, competitive salary with benefits, retirement benefits, transfer opportunities, promotional opportunities and the advantage of being part of a team that supports one of the most diverse State Park systems in the nation.

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time, permanent, Park Ranger 1 position for Larrabee State Park located in Whatcom County, Washington.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the park manager listed in the “Supplemental Information” section of this publication.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
• Ability and willingness to effectively manage emergency situations.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Ability to complete forms and reports accurately and timely.
• Ability to consistently enforce and follow governmental laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to focus on educating and influencing park users for voluntary compliance.
• Ability to interpret and represent agency policies, procedures, direction, and mission.
• Ability to maintain tools and keep workspaces organized.
• Ability to make independent decisions that achieve desired results.
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively with individuals.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work with the public, employees and other staff in a friendly, positive and approachable manner in order to create a positive work environment. Have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes required to effectively lead personnel.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly.
• Knowledge of interpretive methods and techniques.
• Skilled in using logic and proven methods when facing challenges.

WORK CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity to work arduous manual tasks over extended periods.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays and long and/or irregular hours.
• Willing to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Must not have a driving record that indicates a disregard for rules and regulations. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, hit and run, reckless driving, or an accumulation of driving violations will be evaluated.
• Must possess a valid First Aid and CPR certification.

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING:
Non-permanent Park Ranger 1’s will be required to attend and successfully pass a mandatory one-week training in mid-May.  This training will include a curriculum of defensive tactics certifications, basic first aid and adult/infant CPR (w/AED), radio communications, legal update, and other duties and responsibilities specific to the role of a Park Ranger 1, such as:

• Chain-of-command structure
• Supervision of non-permanent employees/volunteers
• Role & authority
• Discover Pass enforcement
• Issuing of infractions
• Crime recognition and incident reporting
• Lawful and effective use of pepper spray
• Tactical communications

Job Suitability Determination: Successful applicants will have a history of law abiding behavior and must pass a background investigation. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. Information obtained in this process will remain confidential.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS:
1. No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.
2. No use of illegal drugs in the last three years.
3. No possession of illegal drugs in the last ten years.
4. No crime committed as an adult, prosecutable under the statute of limitations.
5. No intentional deception in any stage of the testing process.
6. No intentional deception in the selection process of any law enforcement agency.
7. No domestic violence convictions.
8. No driving under the influence within the last five years.

SPECIAL NOTES:
Applicants will be required to successfully complete a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to: driving record, fingerprint, criminal history and employment. Applicants will be required to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. Background investigations are part of the pre-employment selection process and are not a commitment to employment.

Candidates are hired on a conditional basis; contingent upon showing the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. As well, candidates must show they are capable to perform defensive tactics to the standards prescribed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

These positions are covered by a union shop provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and pay dues or as a non-member pay agency shop fee, non-association fee or a representation fee. The union shop provision shall be effective no later than the 30th day following the effective date of the appointment.

For more information: http://www.dop.wa.gov/recruitment/JobSeekerServices/Pages/UnionInformation.aspx

• Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
• Abstract of your driving record*

• Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability;
• Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences;
•  Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society;
• Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future; and
• Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.