PARK RANGER 1** - 11032026-82327

State of Tennessee; Crossville (TN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Tennessee, Department of Environment and Conservation, Cumberland County, seeks an entry-level Park Ranger at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville. The role includes law enforcement, first responders, and public safety within the park, under supervision.

Requires a bachelor's degree and US citizenship, plus successful completion of required training. Recruitment includes a criminal background check and fitness/psychological evaluations. On-site work at the park is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 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.
• Pass a physical examination and psychological evaluation as per ADA.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Complete a Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy course or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Commissioned Officer responsible for ensuring safety and security of park resources and guests.
• Enforce park rules and regulations, perform law enforcement duties, and provide first responder and basic first aid services.
• Manage assigned operational responsibilities and assist park team with management of all operations and visitor services.
• Support park and natural area goals of resource protection and management, including invasive removal and restoration.
• Provide interpretive programming related to the park story and mission.

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 11/03/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 11/03/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 11/16/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $4,608.00

Salary (Annually) $55,296.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Crossville, TN

Department Environment and Conservation

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

This position is located at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Tennessee. Candidates must be a state-commissioned officer recognized by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy or be willing to become commissioned.

For More Information, Visit The Link Below

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00009920_tsp_park_ranger_1_cmsp_tdec-job-opp_ps_ua.pdf

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

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 responsible for ensuring the safety and security of park resources and guests by enforcing park rules and regulations, performing law enforcement duties, and providing first responder and basic first aid services.
• Manage assigned operational responsibilities and assist park team with management of all operations and visitor services.
• Support Park and natural area goals of resource protection and management in invasive removal, restoration of natural and cultural areas, and visitor education of resource significance.
• Operate equipment and engage in general maintenance and upkeep of the part to include, but not limited to, trail construction and maintenance, erosion control, hazardous tree management, facilities maintenance, and other park projects.
• Provide interpretive programming experiences related to the park story and mission, with emphasis on the park's CCC history and natural resources.
• Assist with the management of seasonal operations.

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