PARK RANGER 1 - 10202026-81927

State of Tennessee; Soddy-Daisy (TN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee invites applications for an entry-level Park Ranger position in the Department of Environment and Conservation. Based at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park, you will perform law enforcement, emergency medical response, safety and resource interpretation for visitors and staff.

The role requires a bachelor's degree and compliance with specialized qualifications, including physical exams, background checks, and firearms certification.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least 21 years of age on date of application.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Agree to release records involving criminal history.
• Pass fingerprint-based background check.
• No felony convictions or dishonorable discharge.
• Pass physical examination.
• Pass psychological evaluation.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Complete required training course at Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Commissioned Officer to provide park safety and security, including law enforcement, first responder, and basic first aid services.
• Educate the public about the Park's resources through interpretive programs and events.
• Provide resource protection and management of natural and cultural resources.
• Operate equipment and perform park maintenance and upkeep.
• Participate in community outreach programs with local partners to promote the park.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Speaking

Judgment and Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Active Learning and Listening

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Law Enforcement Equipment

Medical Equipment

Hand Tools

Computer/ Cell Phone & Radio

Vehicles and Equipment

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 10/20/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 10/20/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 11/02/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $4,608.00

Salary (Annually) $55,296.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Soddy Daisy, TN

Department Environment and Conservation

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, HAMILTON COUNTY

This position is located at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park in Hamilton County.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check.
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment.
• Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy or have successfully completed the equivalent of the prescribed course.
• All commissioned Officers of the Tennessee State Parks will complete 63 hours First Responder (Emergency Medical Care) or State of Tennessee equivalent course upon being hired and maintain their First Responder certification.

During their careers, most rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the state. While employee work location preference is considered, there is no guarantee that a ranger will remain stationed in only one area.

Examination Method

Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Overview

This position is part of the Tennessee State Parks Park Ranger series for TDEC. This is the entry-level classification in the TSP Park Ranger Series. Under immediate supervision, this classification is responsible for law enforcement, emergency medical response, safety and security of the park and general public, resource-based interpretation, resource management, supervision of full and part-time employees, supporting park operations, and providing maintenance within a state park. This class differs from a TSP Park Ranger 2 in that an incumbent of the latter performs at the working level. This class differs from that of TSP Park Ranger 3 in that the latter performs leadership responsibilities and increasingly complex work.

• An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory two-year training period. Inadequate performance during the initial two-year training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Commissioned Officer to provide and maintain park safety and security, including law enforcement, first responder, and basic first aid services.
• Educate the public about the Park's natural, cultural, and historical resources through interpretive programs, recreational programming, and events.
• Provide resource protection and management of natural and cultural resources through invasive species removal and restoration and preservation of resources.
• Operate equipment and engage in general maintenance and upkeep of the park to include, but not limited to, trail building/maintenance, boundary surveys, hazardous tree management, erosion control, facilities maintenance, and other park projects.
• Participate in community outreach programs by partnering with local businesses, area officials, and volunteers to promote the park, integrate the community, and impact economic development.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies

• Instills Trust
• Manages Conflict
• Decision Quality
• Communicates Effectively
• Directs Work

Knowledges

• Customer and Personal Service
• Communications and Media
• Public Safety and Security
• Biology
• History and Archeology

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning and Listening

Abilities

• Speech Recognition
• Limb and/or Full Body Flexibility
• Written Comprehension
• Reaction Time
• Prolonged Stamina

Tools & Equipment

• Law Enforcement Equipment (i.e. firearms, handcuffs, baton, oleoresin capsicum spray)
• Medical Equipment (E.g. AED's, Medical oxygen tank, Blood pressure cuffs, etc.)
• Hand Tools (fire management/trail tools)
• Computer/ Cell Phone & Radio
• Vehicles and Equipment