Park Ranger 2

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 48,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department seeks a Park Ranger 2 to independently coordinate complex volunteer programs and park operations at Silver Falls Management Unit, near Salem. You will protect natural and cultural resources, maintain facilities and assist with interpretation and visitor services.

The role requires experience in visitor services or maintenance, and a degree in park-related fields. This is a permanent, full-time position with competitive benefits and a focus on safety and

Qualifications

• Four years of visitor services experience (e.g., rule enforcement; interpretation; events) and/or maintenance experience (such as construction trades, landscaping).
• Associate's degree plus 2.5 years of visitor services and/or maintenance experience.
• Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of visitor services and/or maintenance experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and carry out complex volunteer services, park maintenance, operation, and resource/conservation tasks.
• Protect, maintain, operate, repair and improve park lands, resources, structures, facilities, equipment and systems within the Silver Falls Management Unit.

Skills

visitor services experience

maintenance experience

Education

Associate's degree in Park & Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management or Environmental Studies

Bachelor's degree in Park & Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/10/2026

Application Deadline: 09/21/2026

Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range: $4,312 - $5,988

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Park Ranger 2

Job Description:

Silver Falls State Park

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 2, independently plan and carry out personally, or by conducting others, complex volunteer services program, park maintenance, operation, facility and resource conservation and/or interpretation tasks to protect, maintain, operate, repair and improve state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment and systems within the Silver Falls 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:

• Four 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 in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management or Environmental Studies AND 2.5 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

• A Bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies AND 1 year 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:

• Skills and knowledge of complex overnight park resource and facility operations and maintenance.
• Skill in mentoring, coaching and training employees and volunteers in park maintenance, operation and/or interpretive skills.
• Skill in maintaining composure and taking appropriate action during emergency or emotionally charged situations.
• Experience leading and inspiring a team of Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants, and volunteers, and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Experience with web-based reservation system, completing deposits, develop operating procedures, training new and seasonal staff on policy and procedures.
• Experience conducting and coordinating volunteer activities: recruiting, scheduling and/or training park hosts, individual volunteers and volunteer groups, ensuring that required forms, records and reports are completed, coordinating volunteer projects and activities to meet park needs.
• Skill in excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, visitors, stakeholders, and contractors.

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: Jason Wagoner [e-mail].
• For questions on application process, email: [e-mail].
• Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook
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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.