PARK RANGER in Stafford

ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories. Arizona State Parks and Trails is the leader in sustainable outdoor recreation for current and future generations. To learn more about Arizona State Parks and Trails, visit our web site at azstateparks.com. Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas. The agency also includes the statewide trails program, outdoor‑related grants program, the State Historic Preservation Office, as well as the Off‑Highway Vehicle Program, and more. With parks located across the state, the agency strives to make outdoor recreation accessible and available to everyone.

PARK RANGER – ROPER LAKE STATE PARK (must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays; housing is not included). Job Location: 101 East Roper Lake Road, Safford, AZ 85546. Salary: $17.50 – $19.00 per hour. Grade: 16. Closing Date: January 15, 2026.

Job Summary

Under supervision, performs a variety of work activities while providing customer service in the operation of a historic, recreational/natural resources park; interprets natural features of the area, and ensures public safety by enforcing Park rules and regulations. Individual positions may be responsible for some or all of the listed duties and/or other related duties.

Job Duties

Outdoor Recreation & Programmatic

• Hosts visitors; conducts interpretive programs and may lead guided walks or hikes.
• Communicates information in response to visitor questions, direction, guidance, and concern.
• Assists with recreation infrastructure and activities.

Customer Service

• Provides customer service by phone and in-person and respond to publics inquiries about park hours, gatehouse duties, accommodations, reservations to include camping, ramadas, group use, and weddings.

Cash Handling

• Performs cashier duties at Contact Station/Gift Shop.
• Collects and accounts for park fees and store purchases.

Public & Staff Safety

• Promotes the safety of park visitors.
• Enforces Park rules and protects Park resources.
• Utilizes two‑way radio communications system.
• Confers with local officials and law enforcement officers.
• Completes all necessary reports concerning incidents.

Maintenance

• Maintains campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and/or other recreational sites, including litter removal, small engine maintenance, water maintenance to include cattail cutting, hauling debris, working with and supervision of on‑site inmate crews.
• Maintains all restrooms in clean, sanitary conditions. Sweeps and mops floors. Restocks towels, toilet paper, soap dispensers.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

• None specified.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of

• Outdoor recreation and park management, outdoor/environmental and/or history/archaeology education.
• Principles and processes for providing customer service satisfaction, safety, security, sanitation, operation maintenance, and public relations procedures and practices.
• Park rules, department policies, facility operational standards, and emergency response procedures.
• First Responder Training, EMS or First Aid training or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of fees and revenue functions, general office procedures and outdoor parks and recreation.
• May require knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes and law enforcement techniques.

Skill in

• Effective communication both written and verbal, active listening.
• Public speaking both in a lecture setting and impromptu.
• Customer service, critical thinking, and issue resolution techniques to deescalate upset or non‑compliant visitors.
• Park Ranger Senior only: the development of training and education programs involving park safety training or other related programs.
• May require supervisory skills relevant to supervising employees and volunteers and special assignment personnel.

Ability to

• Work unsupervised in a constantly changing and dynamic environment.
• Work and collaborate with coworkers to produce innovative concepts and resolve issues in a way that promotes a positive healthy workplace culture.
• Develop, modify, maintain and manage special assigned programs, projects and or duties specific to the operation of the park and the park goals.
• Interact effectively with a wide variety of customers visiting the facility and successfully meeting their needs.
• Park Ranger Senior only: display non‑supervisory leadership to other team members and Department personnel.
• May require supervisory abilities relevant to supervising employees and volunteers and special assignment personnel.

Work schedule will consist of mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays, which may include working in extreme heat & cold, wind and/or rain.

Selective Preference(s)

Two years of experience equivalent to a Park Ranger Specialist; OR three years of work experience in customer service, library or museum work; OR a Bachelor\’s degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Any combination of training and experience that meet knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a current Arizona Driver\’s license appropriate to assignment.
• Some positions may require certification as an Emergency Medical Technician.
• If needed, ability to obtain certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and/or Waste/Water Management.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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 ‘pid’ leave for newborns or newly placed foster/adopted child

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement

Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State of Arizona employees.

Contact Us

Recruitmenthr@azstateparks.gov

Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation Employer

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 604‑7331. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

Application Support

Having trouble applying for this position? Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542‑4700 for assistance.