Park Ranger 2 In-Training (Statewide) - State of Washington : Job Details

Job Title: Park Ranger 2 In-Training

Location: Statewide

Close/Review: June 30th, 2024 at 11:55pm

* Please note - on 07/01/2024 there will be a cost of living pay increase of 3% to the listed salary.

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Here's an opportunity for you to apply for what many consider to be a dream job - working as a Park Ranger for Washington's beautiful state parks. As a Park Ranger, you get to work outdoors, share your passion for the outdoors with the public, protect the public and the state's natural resources. There are so many opportunities for learning, growth, and advancement options. While law enforcement is not the only work you'll be performing, these positions at the Park Ranger 2 level, are fully commissioned and armed. If this sounds like your ideal job, we would love for you to apply!

UPDATE Due to recent legislation and the implementation of HB1132, candidates who have not attended a law enforcement academy will be required to attend the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). Park and Recreation will sponsor your attendance and cover the academy fees.

(Candidates who have completed a law enforcement academy (NOT BLEA), are subject to a general equivalency certification (you will be asked to provide a syllabus of the academy completed) and will also be required to attend a two-week BLEA Equivalency Course. Candidates whose law enforcement equivalency cannot be certified would be required to attend the full 18-week BLEA academy.)

Park Ranger 2's are responsible for protecting, preserving, and enhancing our state parks and natural resources, while ensuring the safety and welfare of park visitors; they communicate with the public including providing public information; they identify, improve and protect wetlands, archeological sites and other sensitive or endangered sites; they prepare and present interpretive and educational talks to the public regarding parks resources and related topics; they complete law enforcement activity. The specific duties will have some variation by park location.

This recruitment will be used to fill current and future full-time, permanent, Park Ranger vacancies across Washington State. Park placement is based on many things including candidate preference and agency need. The specific Park locations will be discussed with candidates at a point after the conditional offer of employment has been made. Here is a list of current park vacancies (keep in mind that these vacancies or subject to change):

East Side of the State

* Lyons Ferry State Park - located in Washtucna, WA. Housing available.

* Columbia Hills State Park - located in Lyle, WA. Housing available.

* Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park - located in Coulee City, WA. Housing available.

* Potholes State Park - located in Othello, WA. Housing available.

* Yakima Sportsman - located in Yakima, WA. Housing available.

* Wenatchee Confluence State Park- located in Wenatchee, WA. Housing available.

West side of the State

* Cape Disappointment State Park - located in Ilwaco, WA. Housing available.

* Battle Ground Lake State Park- located in Battle Ground, WA. No housing available.

* Joemma Beach State Park - located in Lakebay, WA. No housing available.

* Larrabee State Park - located in Bellingham, WA. Housing available.

* Deception Pass State Park - located Oak Harbor, WA. Housing available

* Ocean City State Park - located in Hoquiam, WA. Housing available.

* Scenic Beach State Park - Located Seabeck, WA -(Housing might be available)

* Potlatch State Park - located between Shelton and Hoodsport off Hwy 101, WA

* Saint Edward State Park - located in Kenmore, WA. Housing available.

* Belfair State Park - located in Belfair, WA. Housing available.

For more information on Washington State Parks and Recreation, including location information for all Washington State Parks, click here.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* High school diploma or GED.

* United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.

* A valid driver's license (unrestricted, other than corrective lenses).

* Must be 21 years of age by date of hire (approx. 6 months from submitting application).

* Two (2) years of college (Military experience, Commissioned law enforcement experience, Natural Resource, or Recreation field experience will substitute year for year for education).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree.

* Previous work experience in a State or National Park.

* College coursework in Natural Resources or Recreation.

* Bilingual - English/Spanish

* Knowledge of, experience and awareness of Native American tribal culture, perspective, history, language, traditional arts, or cultural practices.

Candidates must have graduated from a qualifying law enforcement academy (or currently be attending one) or must have worked as a commissioned (and armed) law enforcement officer or WA State commissioned Park Ranger within the last 24 months from date of hire. If you have previously worked in a fully commissioned (and armed) law enforcement capacity in Washington State but haven't done so within the past 24 - 60 months, you can still apply. Applications will be reviewed by subject matter experts to determine qualifications. Successful candidates may be required to complete additional equivalency training.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS (Validated through psychological, polygraph examinations and fitness testing):

1. No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.

2. No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months from the date of application received.

3. No possession or use of illegal drugs in the last ten years or no more than 3 lifetime uses of illegal drugs (see substance use section for more information).

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.

9. Must meet the minimum fitness standards for law enforcement positions. Physical Ability Test (PAT) Information.

10. Possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity to work arduous manual tasks over extended periods.

11. Willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and long and/or irregular hours and during inclement weather conditions.

12. Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.

13. Must not have a substantial amount of driving violations that indicate a disregard for rules or laws.

SUBSTANCE USE INFORMATION:

The Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission (WSPRC) drug standards for Park Rangers are: (1) No possession or use of non-prescribed stimulant, Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc., as defined in RCW 69.50.201-214, within the last 10 years or no more than 3 lifetime uses of any combination (excluding marijuana/hashish). Possession is defined as illegal control, touching, holding, selling, or trafficking of any illegal, non-prescribed drugs. (2) Zero tolerance for the selling or manufacturing of any drugs, as defined in RCW 69.50.201-214, including the illegal selling or manufacturing of marijuana. (3) Zero tolerance for the illegal possession or use of any non-prescribed drugs (as defined in RCW 69.50.201-214), while employed or having been employed in a commissioned capacity by a law enforcement agency, including a military position with law enforcement powers. (4) No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months (from the date of application received).

If your past substance use is outside of our current drug policy, you may request a waiver by writing a letter to the screening committee that includes full details of the past substance use and provides justification of why you should be granted an exception to our policy. You can also include any evidence or letters of recommendation to be reviewed along with your letter. Waivers must be attached to your application and received with your application package. For questions regarding waivers and or submission please send all correspondence to: [email protected].

REQUIRED TRAINING:

1. In-Training Plan

Agency sponsored candidates must attend a 720-hour, 4-5-month Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien, Spokane, or a satellite site. Candidates who have already attended an approved equivalent law enforcement academy (not BLEA) will be required to attend a two-week BLEA Equivalency Course. While attending BLEA, the candidate will be paid as a Park Ranger 1. Washington State Parks will cover the cost of tuition, meals, and lodging while the candidate is at the Academy.

2. Internal Mandatory Law Enforcement Training

All Park Rangers will be required to attend and successfully pass this training which will include a curriculum of defensive tactics certifications, firearms qualifications, radio communications, legal updates, and other duties and responsibilities specific to the role of a Park Ranger 2, such as:

* Chain-of-command structure

* Supervision, employees/volunteers

* Role and authority

* Discover Pass enforcement

* Issuing of infractions

* Crime recognition and incident reporting

* Tactical communications

* Must possess or obtain a valid First Aid and CPR certification (provided by Agency).

A commissioning ceremony will conclude the training session.

3. Ranger Training Program (RTP)

The RTP is a standardized training program to ensure that all Rangers attain the training required of their position, both formal and on the job training. The Ranger will have to demonstrate specific awareness, knowledge, skills, and ability in a wide range of areas and duties that reflect the varied job duties of the Ranger job class. These duties include, but are not limited to, supervision, performing interpretive tasks, grounds and facility maintenance, resources, stewardship, administrative duties, customer service, and public administration. The RTP contains a law enforcement component described in more detail below.

4. Field Training Program (FTP)

The FTP is a required component of the RTP designed to facilitate the Rangers transition from academic learning to actual law enforcement duties in the field. During the FTP, the Ranger will ride with multiple Field Training Officers over the course of 14-20 weeks, until it has been determined that the Ranger can perform law enforcement independently.

Park Rangers will initially be hired at the Park Ranger 1 classification, as a training step. Incumbents will remain at the Ranger 1 level for a minimum of 12 months. Incumbents must successfully complete all of the above training requirements to advance to the Park Ranger 2 classification within 18 months of the initial date of hire. All Park Ranger 2's will serve a minimum 6-month trial service period after completion of the In-Training Plan.

The salary range of the Park Ranger 1 job class is $3,883.00 - $5,214.00 monthly. The salary range of the Park Ranger 2 job class is $4,385.00 - $5,900.00 monthly. Most newly hired Park Rangers will start in the Park Ranger 1 job class salary range. After successful completion of the In-Training plan, candidates will advance to the Park Ranger 2 job class salary range.

HOW TO APPLY:

To ensure consideration you must complete the online job application at Parks.wa.gov/jobs. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

To be considered, your application package must include ALL of the following:

* Complete online application that includes all past work history (including current and previous supervisors' names and phone numbers) and education, going back at least ten (10) years.

* Letter of Interest.

* FIVE (5) names of professional references including phone numbers and email addresses. We will be contacting your current/previous supervisors. You do NOT need to attach letters of recommendation; we will be contacting them. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.

* Complete Supplemental Questionnaire - The answers to your supplemental questions will be initially reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure you meet our Park Ranger law enforcement standards. Throughout the process, your answers will continue to be reviewed along with your law enforcement tests results to verify your answers. Responses not supported in your application, will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment. If you are currently a WSPRC employee, it could also affect your current or future employment with the agency. Bottom line - take your time answering these questions, and remember absolute honesty is essential!

* Veterans - Candidates with prior military experience must submit a member 4 copy of their DD214, DD256, or NGB22.

* Transcripts - Candidates with college education/credits must attach unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts that show the degree received and credits completed. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit:

* Certificate from a Law Enforcement Academy or syllabus from the Law Enforcement Academy completed (if applicable).

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This job posting will be use to fill multiple vacancies. For more information:

Diversity Policy Statement

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Applicants needing assistance with the application process, please contact Molly Brown at 360-###-#### or [email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hearing impaired may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-### ####. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) ###-####.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or [email protected].

For information or questions about the recruitment, qualifications, or waiver process please contact Molly Brown at 360-###-#### or email [email protected]