Park Ranger

City-of-Springfield-; Springfield (MO); On-site; Full time

Job description

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is looking for Park Rangers! This is a full‑time, fully‑commissioned law enforcement position protecting the patrons, staff, and property of 105 park facilities and more than 75 miles of recreational trails.

The Park Ranger division is committed to providing quality service through personal integrity, fairness, communication, and a sense of community pride. Rangers will communicate with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, crime lab, Juvenile Justice Department, and other specialty law enforcement agencies and groups.

This is a great opportunity to work with a highly experienced team of professionals dedicated to providing the safest parks in Missouri!

Positions will work a semi‑set shift determined by the department, but candidates must be flexible based on staffing needs and special events such as the Turkey Trot and Harvest Fest.

This position will be open until filled. Applications received by August 13, 2026 are guaranteed review.

Benefits Include:

• Generous paid leave
• Paid pension retirement
• Paid health insurance
• and MUCH MORE!
• Click here.

About the Springfield-Greene County Park Board

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board strives to provide the very best in parks and recreation facilities, programs, events, and services to our community. The Board includes 105 parks, ranging from neighborhood playgrounds to multi‑use recreational facilities, trails, and natural resource areas. The Board is fully accredited, ranks among the top 2 percent of parks and recreation agencies in the country, and is a recipient of the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal Award and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Learn more about our department at http://www.parkboard.org.

Experience, Education, and Training for Park Ranger

• Must be a high school graduate or have passed the high school equivalency exam, 21 years of age, and a United States Citizen.
• Have two years of law enforcement experience.
• Candidates who possess at least 12 months of experience as a Park Ranger Recruit with the Parks Department, including completion of the Springfield Police Department’s full Police Academy, qualify for Park Ranger.
• Must possess a POST Class A license (or an equivalent law enforcement certification from another state).
• Must be current in POST continuing education requirements up to the prior calendar year.
• Must pass the Missouri state exam and maintain POST requirements, keeping good standing and eligibility as a Commissioned Officer.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within the probationary period.

Experience, Education, and Training for the Park Ranger Recruit

• Must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• 30 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• Class A POST certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A POST program with successful passing of the POST exam within six months of application deadline.
• Two years of experience as a Police Service Representative.
• Two years of experience as a Traffic Services Officer.
• Two years of experience as a 911 dispatcher and/or telecommunicator.
• Two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge.
• Four years of honorable military service in the national guard or armed forces reserves.
• Three years of full‑time successful ownership and management of a business within the last five years.
• Three years of full‑time employment as a correctional or detention officer within the last five years.
• Three years of full‑time employment as a licensed or private security contractor within the last five years.
• Three years of full‑time employment in the professional trade industry within the last five years.
• Three years of full‑time employment providing paraprofessional work experience to the public or community in social services, health care services, and/or education.
• Law‑enforcement experience and/or education is preferred but not required.

Licensing/Certification

• Must be certified through the Missouri Department of Public Safety as a peace officer within twelve months of hire date.
• Must pass state exam and meet and maintain POST requirements.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Possess or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within the probationary period.

Park Ranger: (Salary Range $22.05/hr - $39.19/hr)

For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the Park Ranger job description.

Park Ranger Recruit: (Salary Range $20.41/hr - $32.87/hr)

For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the Park Ranger Recruit job description.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability and Vet

The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre‑employment process should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be made by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.

Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug‑free workplace. Pre‑employment drug testing is required.

All interested candidates must complete the City of Springfield on‑line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.