Initial Posting Date:

09/25/2025

Application Deadline:

10/09/2025

Agency:

Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range:

$4,023 - $5,325

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Park Ranger 1 - Southern Willamette State Parks

Job Description:

Oregon State Parks

Reporting station for this position is in Lowell, Oregon, east of Eugene/Springfield.

Welcome Statement

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

Your New Role

As a permanent Park Ranger 1, you'll be on the front lines of general park operations, maintenance and construction tasks, park safety, and visitor services. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain and repair building fixtures including basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting.

• Perform utility and facility maintenance and construction.

• Maintain water distribution and treatment, including wastewater.

• Construct and maintain trails, footbridges, pathways, signs, and other fixtures.

• Clean restrooms, showers, bathhouses, observation buildings, and maintenance shops.

• As assigned, give direction to individuals or teams concerning work procedures and quality standards.

• Process online campsite reservations, process payments, and register overnight campers.

• Train and oversee the work of seasonal employees, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures related to campground operation and cash handling.

• Seek voluntary compliance with park rules and regulations.

• Render emergency aid and assistance to park visitors.

• Maintain park grounds by planting, pruning, watering, and fertilizing.

• Provide resource interpretation and conservation assistance.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions for these positions, please click here.

What's in it for you:

An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Special Requirements:

• To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

• Must wear OPRD supplied uniform and comply with appearance code while on duty.

• Obtain and maintain the following after being hired:

  • First Aid/CPR Certification

  • Enforcement Officer Status

  • National Playground Safety Inspector Certificate

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping)

OR​

• An Associate’s degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies and 6 months of visitor services experience (e.g., rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping)

Desired Attributes:

• Experience in and working knowledge of basic park resources including overnight campground and day use facilities, operations, maintenance and resource interpretation.

• Experience in customer service and public relations; creating an inviting and inclusive atmosphere where all are welcome and treated equitably.

• Experience in maintaining composure and taking appropriate action during emergency or emotionally charged situations.

• Experience evaluating situations, applying rules and guidelines, determining and carrying out appropriate course of action.

• Experience in the safe use of tools, material and equipment associated with landscape, building, facility and utility system maintenance and experience performing basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, grounds-keeping tasks.

• Experience related to conservation, preservation and protection of significant natural, cultural, or scenic resources.

How to Apply:

Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.

• Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job

• The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis.

• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.

• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.

• Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference”.

• After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.

Additional Information:

• This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

• Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

• For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: John Mullen at John.MULLEN@oprd.oregon.gov.

• For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.