PK AST 12R - Seasonal Park Ranger

Government of British Columbia; Nelson; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial government agency is seeking Park Rangers to maintain facilities and safeguard conservation efforts. This role involves direct interaction with the public and authorities to ensure safety and preservation of park values. Ideal candidates should possess relevant educational backgrounds and hands-on experience in outdoor management and tools. Successful applicants will work in various locations across BC and participate in a dynamic team committed to public service.

Qualifications

• Completed related degree or two-year diploma in an Outdoor Recreation Management or Natural Resource Management.
• Two or more years of related experience in park operations, conservation, or outdoor recreation.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence or equivalent from another province.

Responsibilities

• Maintain park facilities to ensure they are clean and enjoyable.
• Interact directly with visitors to provide safety and guidance.
• Enforce park rules to maintain order and protect park values.

Skills

Experience with hand tools

Experience operating boats

Experience with ATVs and UTVs

Experience in managing public interactions

Knowledge of the Park Act

Education

Completed related degree or two-year diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management or Natural Resource Management

Secondary school graduation

Tools

Chainsaws

Power tools

GPS devices

Job description

The Team:

Park Rangers are part of an established team committed to delivering outstanding public service while safeguarding the natural and cultural values of BC’s parks. Approximately 65 seasonal (auxiliary) Park Rangers work alongside 134 regular, full‑time Park Rangers across the province, collaborating with park operators, Indigenous Guardians, BC Parks’ program staff, and other government agencies. Together, they protect BC’s parks and provide safe, enjoyable experiences for all visitors. With a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, the team values passion, dedication, and flexibility as they work to make BC Parks accessible and welcoming to everyone.

The Role:

As a Park Ranger, you are on the front lines of supporting both the conservation of natural spaces and the enjoyment of BC’s parks by the public. This role is responsible for hands‑on maintenance, ensuring park facilities are clean, enjoyable, and accessible to all visitors. Representing BC Parks, you interact directly with visitors and contractors, offering information, guidance, and enforcing park rules to ensure safety and protect park values. Park Rangers uphold the Park Act and other statutes, making your role key to maintaining order and protecting the park and environment. This role offers a truly unique opportunity to work outdoors, connect with diverse communities, and be part of a passionate team dedicated to BC’s special provincial parks. Visit the BC Parks Park Ranger Careers webpage to learn more about Park Ranger opportunities in British Columbia.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Completed related degree or two (2) year diploma in an Outdoor Recreation Management or a Natural Resource Management related field (related field may include: Biology, Geology, Geography, Recreational Planning, Outdoor Recreation, Forestry, Fisheries, Anthropology); OR,
• Secondary school graduation (or equivalent) and two (2) or more years’ related experience (related experience can include: park system (operations), conservation, outdoor recreation, forestry, any earth sciences, recreation planning, public safety /enforcement).

Preference may be given to those with one (1) or more of the following:

• Experience maintaining and safely using hand tools, power tools, brush‑cutters, chainsaws and winches.
• Experience maintaining and safely operating boats and other vessels on the ocean, lakes, and rivers.
• Experience maintaining and safely operating ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, 4X4 pick‑up trucks, and other off‑road vehicles and trailers.
• Experience working in and around aircraft including helicopters, float planes, and commercial charter aircraft.
• Experience building facilities and undertaking construction projects.
• Experience safely handling firearms, managing human‑wildlife conflict, and using bear traps, aversive conditioning, chemical immobilization and euthanasia to resolve wildlife conflict or dispatch injured wildlife.
• Experience with conducting multi‑day backpack or marine excursions, including living and working in inclement or adverse weather conditions, performing physical labour, and hiking long distances carrying heavy packs or equipment.
• Experience using electronic equipment including satellite phones, GPS devices, tablets, smartphones, desktop and laptop computers, portable radios and other electronic communication devices.
• Experience working alone or in isolation.
• Experience in researching, reviewing and complying with safety related legislation, regulations and policy, including PPE requirements, check‑in requirements, safety program policy compliance and other safety program experience.
• Experience working in diverse and multi‑faceted team environments with co‑workers, supervisors, partners, volunteers, other agencies and the public to accomplish projects and goals.
• Experience in managing the public, addressing non‑compliance, enforcing regulations, providing education, and dealing with contentious issues in high stress circumstances.
• Experience applying compliance tools, and taking enforcement actions including issuing warnings, violation tickets, evictions, administrative penalties and sanctions, and preparing investigative packages.
• Experience identifying and taking action to repair or mitigate hazardous conditions and responding to emergencies.
• Experience working previously as a park ranger or student ranger for BC Parks.

Mandatory Training & Certification:

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or equivalent from another Canadian Province; a BC Class 7L/7N, or other learner’s permit, are not considered equivalent).
• Current and WorkSafeBC recognized Occupational First Aid Level Basic (OFA 1), Intermediate (OFA 2) or Advanced (OFA 3) Certificate.
• Successful completion of Enhanced Security Screening, including fingerprint screening.
• Completion of BC Parks Law and Its Administration (BCIT PRKS 1010 or 0010 course). This course can be obtained through the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT). Course information can be found at: https://www.bcit.ca/study/courses/prks1010. Note: if you have already successfully completed the BCIT PRKS 3110/3120 courses, BCIT course 1010 is not required.
• Maintains a current Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence.
• Possesses a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or higher marine certification issued by Transport Canada.

Other training that may be required dependent upon location:

• Marine Radio Operator’s Certification
• Swift Water Rescue Training Course
• S100 – Fire Suppression (fire suppression training)
• ATV operator training course
• Avalanche Safety Training (AST 1 or higher)
• Chainsaw Safety Training course
• Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessor certification
• Snowmobile Operator training course

For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail].

About this Position:

These are auxiliary (temporary) opportunities in various locations, which may include (but are not limited to) the following: Coast Area (Victoria, Parksville, Black Creek, Port McNeill*, North Vancouver, Squamish, Cultus Lake, Sechelt); South Area (Kamloops, Bowron Lake, Williams Lake, Hagensborg*, Penticton, Vernon, Manning Park, Nelson, Cranbrook); North Area (Atlin*, Dease Lake*, Smithers*, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Fort St John, Fort Nelson*, Prince George, Valemount*, Moberly Lake, Liard River*); the * denotes a bi-weekly isolation allowance add to pay.
To learn more about these BC communities, search for them via the following link: https://www.supernaturalbc.com/.
Board and lodging and relocation expenses are not provided for auxiliary opportunities. Some locations may provide accommodations, details will be provided.
These positions have full time on-site requirements.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
Applicants who do not fully meet the required qualifications may be considered for this position, but at a lower classification.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary vacancies.
Enhanced Security Screening will be required.

It is anticipated new Park Ranger hires will be required to travel to attend mandatory Park Ranger training in Manning Park from April 27th to May 8th, 2026. Details on this training session will be confirmed in the offer letter for successful candidates.

Working for the BC Public Service:

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non‑status], Inuit, or Métis) applicants originating from the land known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award‑winning employer and offers employees great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.

How to Apply:

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you’ve worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history, including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) and your job related responsibilities for each job in your employment history. Additionally, ensure it emphasizes relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that align with the specific job requirements and preferred qualifications listed in the job profile for this position. Resumes will be reviewed to confirm questionnaire responses and used for screening purposes.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.