Park Ranger

City of Tukwila; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tukwila is seeking a Park Ranger to engage directly with the public, conduct community outreach, document and report incidents, and address park code violations through voluntary compliance. The role will assist park users and coordinate with emergency services and law enforcement when needed.

Under the direction of Parks and Recreation leadership, you will deliver customer service in Tukwila’s parks, trails, and recreation facilities, supporting a safe and welcoming environment for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of customer service or education-related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Engage with the public to provide information and assistance.
• Conduct community outreach and relate park information to visitors.
• Document and report incidents, violations, and concerns.
• Address park code violations through voluntary compliance when possible.
• Assist park users with resources and guidance.
• Coordinate with emergency services and law enforcement as needed.

Skills

Public engagement

Customer service

De-escalation

Oral and written communication

Investigative techniques

Safety awareness

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of Tukwila is in search of a Park Ranger who will engage directly with the public, conduct community outreach, document and report incidents, address park code violations through voluntary compliance, assist park users using various resources and skills, and coordinate with emergency services and law enforcement when needed.

About the City

The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17 miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.

Mission Statement

To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting, and healthy environment for our residents, businesses, and guests.

Core Values:

Caring–We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy and kindness.

Professional –We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all.

Responsive –We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve.

About Tukwila Parks

Tukwila is home to over 150 acres of open space including parks, multi-use trails, Foster Golf Links, and the Tukwila Community Center. The mission of the Tukwila Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors through a quality system of public spaces, programs and events that enhance and promote opportunities for health and fitness, personal growth, relaxation, community connection, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.

About the Position

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation, or their designee, this position provides customer service to park patrons to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience while visiting Tukwila’s parks, trails and recreation facilities and attending or participating in city activities and events.

Why Choose the City of Tukwila?

• Competitive salary with annual step increases.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, plus a retirement pension plan.

Salary Range

Salary Range:$6,189 – $7,521 per month (T16). This position is represented by Teamsters 763 Note:We don’t typically hire at the top of the range.

Veteran’s Preference

Veteran's Preference is available in accordance with state laws. Attach DD214 or NGB Form 22 for eligibility.

Selection Process

The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at [e-mail].

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeofparksandrecreationbusinessandbestmanagementpractices.
• Knowledgeandfamiliaritywithparksandtrails,publicfacilities,equipmentandtypical maintenance and operational practices.
• Knowledgeofapplicablelocal,State,andFederallaws,codes,regulations,andordinances.
• Skilledininterpersonalcommunicationsandproficientintechniquestogainandmaintain compliance to rules, regulations and safety protocols.
• Knowledgeofinvestigativetechniquesandprocedures.
• Musthaveexcellent communication skills and demeanor.
• Musthaveexcellent oral, interpersonal,andwrittencommunicationsskills.
• Demonstratedknowledgeandproventrackrecordinprovidingexcellent customerservice.
• Stronginterpersonalandorganizationalskillsincludingtheabilitytomeetdeadlinesina timelymanner.
• Excellentsituationalawarenessandabilitytodiscerndifficultsituations.
• Mustbeabletogenerateaccuratedocumentationandreports.
• Demonstrated experience resolving conflicts or addressing concerns with members of the public in a professional, calm, and effective manner; ability to find common ground during tense situations and de‑escalate situations when possible.
• Abilitytoexercisegoodjudgmentandkeepmanagementinformedofpotentiallysensitive and/orcontroversialissues.
• Ability to operate a City vehicle, bicycle and walk for extended periods of time.
• Abilitytouseacomputerforreporting,communication,anddocumentation.
• Abilitytoremainflexibletochangingpriorities.

Working Conditions:

• Dutiesmaybeperformedinavarietyofsettingsandconditions,bothinatypicalofficesetting, ina vehicle, and in field situations (i.e., in buildings, outside, sitting, or standing, walking, hiking, etc.).
• Dutiesmayincludeworkingoutsideinnaturalareas(streams,hillsides)withuneventerrainunder varying weather conditions.
• Positionmayrequireclimbingladdersandliftingofupto20pounds.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• WA State Driver’s License and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate motor vehicles; and have a valid Washington State Driver's license without a record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• HighSchooldiplomaorequivalent;
• Experience: 1-year relevant work experience related to customer service and education, park maintenance and operations.

Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Special Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to read and write the English language.
• Must be able to pass a background check, including a criminal history check, motor vehicle record (MVR) check, and reference checks, conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
• Must pass the web-based Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) awareness training (2 weeks).
• CPR/AED and wilderness first aid training must be completed within the first 6 months of employment and will be city-paid.

A criminal history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Any criminal record will be evaluated on an individualized basis after a conditional offer of employment, considering factors such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and its relevance to the duties of this position.

Preferred Requirement

• Academy Certification: Graduation from a National Park Service (NPS) approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is highly desirable at the time of hire.

Other Considerations

• Training Cost Reimbursement Agreement: The selected candidate having graduated from NPS approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy will be eligible to have their academy training costs reimbursed by the City of Tukwila after two consecutive years of employment with the City.

• Required Academy Training & Graduation: Qualified candidates lacking graduation from an NPS approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy will be required to attend the 2027 Skagit Valley College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy in Mount Vernon, Washington (January 4, 2027 – May 1, 2027) or equivalent seasonal law enforcement training at City of Tukwila expense.