Park Ranger 1

oregon; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a permanent, full-time Park Ranger 1 for the Detroit Lake Management Unit. You will protect, maintain, and operate state park lands, natural and cultural resources, and facilities through hands-on trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscape work.

Responsibilities include interpretation, resource restoration, utility system operation, and enforcing park rules to support daily operations and long-term care of OPRD

Qualifications

• Two years of visitor services experience and/or maintenance experience required.
• Associate degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Protect, maintain, and operate state park lands, resources, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Perform hands-on trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscaping.
• Interpret and enforce park rules; provide safety information to visitors.

Skills

Visitor services experience

Maintenance experience

Registration systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or related field

Tools

Registration systems

Job description

Initial Posting Date:

09/21/2026

Application Deadline:

09/30/2026

Agency:

Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range:

$4,124 - $5,458

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Park Ranger 1

Job Description:

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area - Oregon State Parks

Near Salem, Oregon

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, full-time, Park Ranger 1, you will carry out a wide range of duties to protect, maintain, and operate state park lands, natural and cultural resources, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure within the Detroit Lake Management Unit. This role involves hands‑on work in multiple building and maintenance trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscape maintenance. You will also apply specialized skills such as resource interpretation, cultural and natural resource restoration, utility system operation, and enforcement of park rules. Together, these responsibilities support the day‑to‑day operations and long‑term care of OPRD properties and programs.

For a complete review of the position and responsibilities 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.

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)

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.

Desired Attributes:

• Skill in safely operating tools, materials, and motorized equipment for grounds maintenance, trail work and facility repairs.
• Experience performing basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, and grounds‑keeping tasks, including operating mechanical equipment and assisting with utility system maintenance.
• Ability to carry out custodial duties, including cleaning and maintaining public restrooms and facilities.
• Skill in explaining facility or park rules, answering public questions about programs or services, encouraging visitor compliance, and identifying safety hazards.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with experience communicating effectively and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in essential software, including computerized registration systems, Word, Excel, email, maintenance or incident‑reporting programs, along with experience making change and preparing simple cash reconciliation reports.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work, lead or train volunteers, assign tasks, and ensure materials and equipment are available.
• Experience performing campground operations, including collecting visitor fees, registering campsites, checking campers in and out, and enforcing campground rules.

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 RecreationDepartmentuses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

• For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Bob Rea, email: [e-mail].
• For questions on application process, email: [e-mail].
• Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook Instagram

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.