Seasonal Ranger

Boyce Thompson Arboretum; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Ranger for a seasonal, full‑time role from October through April. You will patrol grounds during open hours, assist guests with safety and directions, and respond to emergencies while upholding policies for a positive guest experience.

The position includes light groundskeeping and requires a customer‑focused attitude, plus prior public safety and first aid experience. Located at the Arboretum, the job emphasizes outdoor work and wildlife monitoring.

Qualifications

• Customer service oriented and ability to create a positive relationship in all interactions.
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills with diverse audiences.
• Ability to de‑escalate potential conflicts and respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Interacts daily with visitors, answering questions and providing aid as needed.
• Patrols Arboretum grounds, ensuring rules are followed and safety concerns are addressed.
• Enforces Arboretum policies and safety procedures.
• Serve as the main closing staff member on all scheduled days by locking the entrance gate an hour before closing.
• Act as first responder to emergencies; coordinate police and/or fire department response.
• Assist with maintaining inventory of first aid supplies and kits.
• Assist with checks of first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
• Monitor wildlife and human/wildlife interactions per policy.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

De‑escalation

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year of relevant experience

Arizona Type D driver's license

First aid knowledge

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Ranger is responsible for the safety and security of the Arboretum and responding to all calls for aid. The Ranger patrols the grounds during open hours, interacting with guests responding to emergencies and assisting with monitoring wildlife. This position will provide support and enforcement of all policies as they pertain to safety and the guest experience on the grounds. The Ranger will also perform light groundskeeping tasks as time allows. A positive attitude and great customer service is a must. Prior experience in public safety and first aid is highly desirable.

This is a Seasonal position and will be Full-Time from October - April.

ABOUT US

Turn Your Passion for the Outdoors into a Career

Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.

Founded in 1924 by mining pioneer William Boyce Thompson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Situated on 374 breathtaking acres at the base of Picket Post Mountain and bordering the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work environment unlike any other.

Our living collection showcases extraordinary plants from the world's deserts and arid regions alongside the native beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Every day brings opportunities to experience nature firsthand, with miles of scenic trails, spectacular mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the grounds. It's not unusual to encounter javelina, bobcats, roadrunners, hummingbirds, and a variety of native and migratory birds while working and exploring the Arboretum.

As an independent nonprofit organization, we're united by a shared passion for conservation, education, horticulture, and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors. We value teamwork, stewardship, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Located just 30 minutes from Mesa and one hour from downtown Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying the beauty, adventure, and tranquility of the Arizona outdoors.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community that inspires connection with nature every day,we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interacts daily with visitors, answering questions and providing aid when needed. Provides directions and guidance to guests regarding the garden paths and highlights.
• Patrols Arboretum grounds, ensuring visitors adhere to rules and monitor for any safety concerns. The Ranger is responsible for proactively addressing issues that may arise.
• Enforces Arboretum policies and safety procedures per direction of the Head Ranger/Safety Officer.
• Serve as the main closing staff member on all scheduled days by locking the entrance gate one hour before closing, informing all visitors of the Arboretum’s closing time, ensuring all visitors have left the Arboretum, and closing/locking the exit gate upon the last visitor’s exit
• Act as the first responder to all emergencies, including medical emergencies or other unusual occurrences; coordinate police and/or fire department response, if required
• Assists with maintaining inventory and stock of first aid supplies and kits
• Assists with regular checks of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
• Use situational awareness to anticipate and solve problems
• Responsible for parking and traffic control coordination on high-traffic days as directed by Head Ranger/Safety Officer.
• Provides a friendly, professional and courteous demeanor at all times when interacting with arboretum visitors, staff, volunteers, and onsite partners.
• Trash/litter removal from parking lots, gardens, and frontage road, assist with bathroom cleanup on heavy visitation days.
• Monitoring of wildlife and human/wildlife interactions per Arboretum policy and guidelines or as directed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of relevant experience.
• Retired Public Safety and first responder highly desirable.
• Knowledge of first aid and emergency response required.
• A current Arizona Type D driver's license required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Customer service oriented and ability to create a positive relationship in all interactions.
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with various audiences.
• Ability to de‑esc… (text continues exactly as original)
• Must pass a background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to occasionally perform work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 110 degreesF.
• Ability to communicate with fellow staff, applicants, stakeholders, visitors, and donors. Communication will include one‑to‑one, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work in astandingposition for up to 8 hours at a time.
• Ability to work in a sitting position for up to 8 hours at a time.
• Ability to drive a golf cart.
• This position willalsorequire the ability tostand, bend, crouch, walk,lift,andcarry.
• Ability to lift50 poundswith assistance.
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and move throughout the arboretum office and grounds, occasionally traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions, and perform repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Fully functional vision is required to perform essential duties of the position (prescription lenses are acceptable).