PARK RANGER 1 - 11122026-82698

State of Tennessee; Spencer (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls State Park (Spencer, TN), is seeking an entry-level Park Ranger to enforce laws, provide basic medical response, educate visitors, and manage park resources.

The role requires firearms qualification, US citizenship, a bachelor's degree, and completion of mandatory training at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy. The position includes state park duties and seasonal maintenance responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Eduction and Experience: 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 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 and release records
• Supply a fingerprint sample for criminal history checks
• Have no felony convictions or certain discharges from the armed forces
• Pass a physical examination and a psychological evaluation
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Complete required training at Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy
• All commissioned Officers will complete First Responder training upon hire

Responsibilities

• Serve as a commissioned Officer to provide and maintain park safety and security, including law enforcement and basic first aid
• Educate the public about the Park's resources through interpretive programs
• Provide resource protection and management of natural and cultural resources
• Operate equipment and perform park maintenance and projects
• Plan and support large events, field trips, school visits and outreach activities
• Manage assigned operational responsibilities including staff supervision

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Speaking

Judgment and Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Active Learning and Listening

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Law Enforcement Equipment

Medical Equipment

Trail Tools

Comms Equipment

Vehicles

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

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

Job Information

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

Closing Date/Time 11/25/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $4,608.00

Salary (Annually) $55,296.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Spencer, TN

Department Environment and Conservation

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

This position is at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Van Buren and Bledsoe Counties.

For More Information, Visit The Link Below

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00010588_tsp_park_ranger_1_fcf_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 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.
• Plan and support large special events, field trips, school visits and outreach activities.
• Manage assigned operational responsibilities, which will include staff supervision and assisting with maintenance needs.

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