JOB
Job Title: Park Ranger 2 In-Training
Location: Statewide
Deadline: This posting is scheduled to close on July 14, 2026, but the hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time if there is a large applicant response. It is in the applicant's best interest to apply as soon as possible.
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This recruitment will be used to fill multiple full-time permanent Park Ranger 2 in-training positions. When applying for these positions, you are entering your name into a candidate pool to fill vacancies in all statewide locations.
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, and 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!
**Note** Candidates who have not attended a law enforcement academy will be required to attend the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). Parks 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.
These positions are not eligible to telework, as physical in-office presence is required to perform essential functions. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES 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; and 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 2 vacancies across Washington State. Park placement is based on many things, including candidate preference and agency need. The specific Park locations available will be discussed with candidates at a point after the conditional offer of employment has been made. What follows is a list of current park vacancies as of July 1, 2026, which will change significantly during the candidate recruitment process as positions are filled and new positions are approved to fill:
East Side of the State
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Potholes State Park - located in Othello, WA. Housing available.
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Riverside State Park - located in Nine Mile Falls, WA. Housing available.
West side of the State
North:
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Camano Island State Park - located in Camano, WA. Housing is not available.
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Fort Worden Historical State Park – located in Port Townsend, WA. Housing available.
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Penrose Point State Park - locate in Lakebay, WA. Housing available.
South:
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Battle Ground Lake State Park - located in Battle Ground, WA. Housing is not available.
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Grayland Beach State Park - located in Grayland, WA. Housing available.
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Ike Kinswa State Park - located in Silver Creek, WA. Housing available.
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Ocean City State Park - located in Hoquiam, WA. Housing is not available.
Scenic Beach State Park – located in Seabeck, WA. Housing available.
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For more information on Washington State Parks and Recreation, including location information for all Washington State Parks, click here.
Note: Applicants who are selected to move past the first application review will be invited to attend an optional virtual Park Ranger Q&A on August 11, 2026, from 6pm to 7:30pm PST to learn more about these positions and ask questions of Parks staff. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
About Parks:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission provides policy direction for one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is (are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.
Applicants will be required to successfully complete a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to: driving record, fingerprints, polygraph, psychological examination, and criminal and employment history. The entire recruitment process, including these background examinations, typically takes four (4) to six (6) months to complete. Applicants must be able to meet reasonable time standards outlined for completion of each recruitment phase/testing element or receive an approved exception from HR. 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.
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. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected].
For information or questions about the recruitment, qualifications, or waiver process please contact Nikki Williams at [email protected].
All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
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