At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Park Ranger, you'll maintain park facilities, ensure visitor safety, and manage outdoor spaces.
- Company: Join Arizona State Parks and Trails, dedicated to preserving natural and cultural resources across 30 parks.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, paid holidays, and a solid retirement plan.
- Why this job: Make a difference in nature conservation while gaining hands-on experience in a vibrant outdoor setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or a degree in related fields is preferred; passion for the outdoors is essential.
- Other info: Must be available to work weekends and holidays; driving is required for this role.
Overview
Arizona State Parks and Trails is the leader in sustainable outdoor recreation for current and future generations. It protects and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas, includes statewide trails, outdoor grants, historic preservation, and the Off‑Highway Vehicle Program. The agency strives to make outdoor recreation accessible and available to everyone.
Job Summary
Under supervision, perform a variety of tasks assisting the park manager with park events, administrative and maintenance activities while providing customer service in the operation of a recreational, historic, or natural resource park. Interpret natural features and historic objects for visitors and ensure public safety by enforcing park rules and regulations. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Job Duties
Outdoor Recreation & Programs
- Host visitors, help train staff and volunteers, conduct interpretive programs, and lead guided walks or hikes.
- Provide information in response to visitor questions, direction, guidance, and concerns.
- Update social media (Facebook, Instagram) and create interpretive videos to promote the park, nature, and conservation.
Customer Service
- Provide customer service by phone, in‑person, or other methods to respond to public inquiries about park hours, accommodations, and reservations.
Cash Handling & Administrative Functions
- Perform cashier duties at Contact Station/Gift Shop, run reports, collect and account for fees for park admission and store purchases/souvenir orders.
- Assist with day‑to‑day operation needs such as events, store ordering, monthly inventory.
Maintenance
- Inspect and maintain park infrastructures and equipment, perform trail maintenance, general plumbing, preventative maintenance, landscaping, minor electrical repairs, and troubleshooting.
- Repair and install restroom fixtures, build fences, and perform other assigned duties related to the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Park rules, fee and revenue functions; techniques for display and interpretation of objects/artifacts and general/natural resources to visitors.
- Basic maintenance strategies and general office procedures.
- Public relations and information dissemination; service orientation; critical thinking; active listening.
- Driving and operating automotive equipment; basic curatorial techniques; natural resource management.
- Repair and preventative maintenance skills in landscaping, plumbing, electrical, and general construction/building maintenance.
- Multi‑tasking; de‑escalation techniques.
- Research of natural or historical information; performing math calculations; first aid techniques.
- Oral and written communications; interpersonal relationships; train new staff in policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Work experience in customer service or maintenance in a park‑related setting; or a Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
- Must possess a current Arizona Driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
- Some positions may require certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, Grade 1 Water Distribution Systems Operator, Certified Interpretive Guide, First Aid CPR.
Benefits
- 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 4.00 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 for newborns or newly placed foster/adopted child.
Retirement
Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.
Contact
Recruitmenthr@azstateparks.gov
Equal Opportunity
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by calling (480) 604‑7331.
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PARK RANGER employer: State of Arizona
Contact Detail:
State of Arizona Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PARK RANGER
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Arizona State Parks and Trails' mission and values. Understanding their commitment to conservation and community engagement will help you align your passion for nature and public service with their goals during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience in park maintenance or customer service roles. Volunteering at local parks or participating in outdoor events can provide you with relevant skills and demonstrate your dedication to the role of a Park Ranger.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former park rangers and professionals in the field. Attend local conservation events or workshops to build connections that could provide insights into the job and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the physical demands of the job by engaging in regular outdoor activities. Being fit and capable of handling heavy lifting will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to the responsibilities of a Park Ranger.
We think you need these skills to ace PARK RANGER
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Park Ranger position. Understand the responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience related to park management, maintenance, or customer service. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle the tasks mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include any relevant skills such as maintenance techniques, public relations, and safety practices. If you have certifications like First Aid or Emergency Medical Technician, mention these as they are valuable for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only expresses your interest in the position but also connects your background to the mission of Arizona State Parks and Trails. Show your passion for conservation and community service.
How to prepare for a job interview at State of Arizona
✨Know Your Parks
Familiarise yourself with Arizona State Parks and Trails, especially Lyman Lake State Park. Understand its history, key features, and the types of recreational activities available. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your maintenance skills, particularly in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Provide specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to handle repairs and upkeep of park facilities.
✨Safety First
Since public safety is a crucial part of the Park Ranger role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safety protocols and how you would enforce park rules. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, such as first aid or emergency response.
✨Customer Service Mindset
As this role involves interacting with park visitors, showcase your customer service experience. Share examples of how you've handled difficult situations or provided excellent service in previous jobs, emphasising your communication skills and ability to engage with the public.