PARK RANGER

Job description

Position Number: 22184958 Location: S tatewide Anticipated Starting Salary: $55,929.95 The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) is recruiting for Park Ranger positions statewide. This job posting represents vacancies across multiple Arkansas State Parks. Applicants who successfully complete the hiring process will be considered for available locations when a conditional offer of employment is extended. Final duty station assignments are determined based on departmental needs and candidate qualifications. Preferred Qualifications The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in park management, outdoor recreation, criminal justice, criminology, or a related field; or two years of college coursework, plus two years of experience in a related field. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these requirements, excluding any mandated certifications or licensure. Law Enforcement Requirements All applicants must be able to pass a full background investigation meeting the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training requirements. Candidates must possess, or be able to complete, Arkansas law enforcement certification training in accordance with ACA 12 9 106. Safety Sensitive Designation All ADPHT uniformed law enforcement positions are designated as Safety Sensitive and are subject to random drug testing under departmental policy. In accordance with state law and departmental directive, employees in Safety Sensitive positions are prohibited from the use or possession of medical marijuana, regardless of patient or registry identification card status. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state. Position Information Job Series: Park Law Enforcement – Career Path Classification: Park Ranger Class Code: SPL03P Pay Grade: LES03 Salary Range: $55,930 - $82,776 Job Summary The Park Ranger serves as a certified law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing state laws and park regulations, and protecting natural, cultural, and historical resources within Arkansas’s state parks. Park Rangers engage with the public, respond to emergencies, and support recreational and conservation goals through both enforcement and educational outreach. Primary Responsibilities Patrol park grounds, facilities, campgrounds, trails, and waterways to ensure public safety and security. Duties include patrolling for possible thefts, illegal hunting and vandalism and other violations, making physical arrests, testifying in court, assisting local agencies, and administering first aid. Enforce Arkansas’s traffic and criminal statutes, and park-specific rules or park directives, and regulations, including applicable Arkansas Game and Fish laws. This includes making arrests and issuing warnings and/or citations as needed. Respond to emergencies such as medical events, accidents, lost persons, wildlife encounters, or criminal activity, providing appropriate action or assistance. Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, accidents, or incidents occurring within park boundaries. Serve as a friendly, knowledgeable public contact for park guests, providing guidance, information, and education on park features, rules, and safety protocols. Be the health and safety officer for park events, or as support for law enforcement duties as assigned for events. Assist or lead public programming for health, safety, or security needs. Monitor natural and cultural resources for signs of damage, misuse, or illegal activity. Collaborate with resource management staff to support habitat protection and historical preservation efforts. Maintain accurate records and reports of patrol activities, incidents, arrests, and safety hazards. Complete daily logs, evidence documentation, and case-related paperwork in compliance with agency policies and directives. Assist with park operations including traffic control, campground compliance, and support during high visitation periods or special events. Participate in search and rescue efforts or emergency evacuations as needed. Knowledge and Skills Strong verbal communication skills for public interaction and enforcement. Ability to defuse tense situations and manage conflict calmly and effectively. Sound decision-making under pressure and in potentially hazardous or dynamic conditions. Excellent observational and situational awareness skills. Committed to ethical conduct, impartiality, and public trust. Displays a high standard of personal accountability and integrity. Ability to work cooperatively with other rangers, law enforcement, park staff, and state agencies. Adaptability to changing weather, visitor volume, and emergency scenarios. Minimum Qualifications This position is subject to 24-hour calls, must be able to traverse rough terrain, work a varied shift including weekends, evenings, and holidays, work in inclement weather and carry a firearm while on duty. Licensure/Certifications: . Must be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs. Licensure/Certifications Must be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE. The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.