Park Ranger 1

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SEIU represented

Job summary

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a permanent, full-time Park Ranger 1 to protect and maintain state park lands and resources. This role involves carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscape maintenance, plus interpretation and resource restoration within the Tryon Creek/Milo McIver units.

The position requires two years of visitor services and/or maintenance experience or an Associate's degree (or higher) with six months of relevant experience; a background check and

Qualifications

• Two (2) 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).
• An Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (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).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Protect, maintain, operate, and repair state park lands, resources, structures, facilities, equipment, and systems using carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscape skills.
• Provide resource interpretation, cultural and natural resource restoration, and park rule enforcement.
• Support maintenance and operational needs of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department programs and properties within the Tryon Creek/Milo McIver Management Unit.

Skills

Visitor services

Maintenance

Education

Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/08/2026

Application Deadline: 09/16/2026

Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range: $4,124 - $5,458

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Park Ranger 1

Job Description:

Tryon Creek State Natural Area - Oregon State Parks

Near Portland, 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 tasks to protect, maintain, operate, and repair state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment, and systems. This work involves using skills in the building trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, and landscape maintenance, as well as specialized program skills, including resource interpretation, cultural and natural resource restoration, utility infrastructure operation, and park rule enforcement. In this role, you will support the maintenance and operational needs of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department programs and properties within the Tryon Creek/Milo McIver Management Unit.

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 (2) 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 or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (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.

• This position is required to work nights, weekends and holidays especially during the summer season.

Desired Attributes:

• Knowledge of basic park resources, facility operations, resource interpretation, and landscape, building, facility and trail maintenance.

• Skill in the safe use of tools, materials and equipment associated with landscape, building, facility and trail maintenance.

• Skill in providing excellent customer service to a diverse visitor base and promoting a culturally diverse work environment.

• Skill in maintaining a variety of trail types including natural surface, equestrian, and multi-use paved bike trails.

• Skill in giving direction concerning work procedures to individuals or teams composed of staff and volunteers to accomplish tasks and achieve established goals.

• Skill in performing basic plumbing, carpentry, painting and grounds-keeping tasks.

• Experience collaborating with partners such as non-profit friends groups and watershed councils in a park setting.

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 Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

• For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Sam Gibson, [e-mail]

• For questions on application process, email: [e-mail].

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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.