Park Ranger

King-County,-W; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

King County Parks is seeking dedicated Park Rangers to act as environmental stewards in Renton, WA. This role involves providing customer service, ensuring safety, and promoting an inclusive environment for park visitors.

Responsibilities include engaging with the public, documenting incidents, and collaborating with park teams. Candidates should have outdoor education experience or similar qualifications. The position offers a dynamic work environment across various terrains and conditions.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of outdoor education experience or park ranger experience.
• Proficient in documenting incidents and communication.
• Ability to work in urgent or emergency circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service and safety assistance in parks.
• Engage with the public and conduct community outreach.
• Document incidents using GIS technology.

Skills

Customer service experience

Conflict resolution

Strong communication skills

Collaboration with teams

Tools

Microsoft Suite

GIS technology

Job description

About the Role

King County Parks is looking for dedicated and community‑minded Park Rangers to serve as environmental stewards and goodwill ambassadors in our parks, trails, and open spaces. As a Park Ranger, you will play a mission‑critical role in ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all visitors by providing on‑site customer service, safety assistance, and public education. The position requires regular visits by vehicle, bicycle, and foot across both urban and backcountry parks and trails in all seasons. You will engage directly with the public, conduct community outreach, document and report incidents using GIS technology, address park code violations, and coordinate with emergency services when needed.

What You Will Be Doing

• Maintain a positive and welcoming presence to park users and assist those through education on park rules, policies, and laws.
• Promote safe use of parks and an inclusive environment for all.
• Partner with the Ranger Supervisor and other Park employees to support stakeholders and events.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle and bicycle and navigate various terrains daily.
• Document interactions daily using computer databases and keep stakeholders updated.

Qualifications You Bring

• Previous Park Ranger experience or at least 2 years of outdoor education experience or leading volunteer events in parks.
• Demonstrated customer service or public‑facing experience involving answering questions, providing guidance, and interacting effectively with the public.
• Experience resolving conflicts and de‑escalating situations with members of the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and other software or databases for reports and work programs.
• Strong documentation skills for incident reports and communication with authorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with a diverse community, including during stressful encounters.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various teams and agencies in urgent or emergency circumstances.

Physical Requirements

• Work in all weather, walking, hiking, and biking on uneven terrain for multiple hours per day.
• Ride a two‑wheel, non‑electric mountain bike around uneven terrain during a full shift.
• Safely drive a vehicle and potentially tow and place mobile message boards and safety devices.

Required Licenses / Certifications

• WA State Driver’s License.
• CPR/AED and wilderness first aid training completed within the first 6 months of employment.

It Would Be Great If You Also Bring

• Fluency in multiple languages or experience with translation tools.
• Training in de‑escalation techniques.
• Experience in a public service setting.

Working Conditions

• Work Location: Central Maintenance Facility, 3005 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056.
• Work Schedule: 40‑hour week. From October – April: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM. From May – September: Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
• Union: Not represented by a union.

Contact

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Jessica Fuqua at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions.