Park Ranger

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader in services and programs for residents and visitors using parks, community centers, specialty gardens, swimming pools, and other public spaces. Its mission is to support healthy people, a thriving environment, and a vibrant community by providing safe, accessible spaces and excellent customer service. SPR also commits to advancing equity and social justice throughout the department and in every neighborhood. Park Rangers are frontline, field-based members of the Park Ranger program. They patrol parks, engage with visitors, and educate the public about the natural, cultural, and historical significance of park properties while enforcing park rules and regulations. The role emphasizes customer service, positive relationships with the public, law enforcement, and park staff, and a safe environment for park visitors. Rangers monitor park conditions, assist with special events, and provide first aid when needed. Knowledge of patrol procedures, park codes, and two-way radio communication is required. Park Rangers report to the Park Ranger Supervisor and are led by the Senior Park Ranger. The position requires at least one year of experience in parks and recreation, security, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and training. A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required. The work may involve any shift or schedule, including nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays; physically demanding duties; and patrol by electric bicycle in all types of weather and over uneven terrain. The full salary range is $34.36 to $41.69 per hour. The City of Seattle offers vacation time, 12 paid holidays, sick leave, and medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in parks and recreation, security, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or training experience.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Ability to successfully pass a police-level background check; successful candidates must complete a criminal background check.
Ability to work any shift or schedule, including nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to perform demanding physical work, including lifting more than 50 pounds to waist level.
Ability to regularly load and unload and ride an electric bicycle for patrol.
Ability to work in all types of weather and walk, hike, and bike over varied, uneven terrain for multiple hours per day.
Meet the conditions set forth in SPR Workplace Expectations.

Nice To Haves

Additional parks and recreation, security, and/or public safety experience.
First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Intervention or De-Escalation, and Management of Aggressive Behavior certifications.
Proficiency with radio communication systems and operating an electric bicycle for park patrols.
Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Suite, GIS applications, and other relevant software.
Experience in community relations, program development, or public engagement.
Ability to provide services with positivity, emotional intelligence, and clear communication while advancing SPR’s mission and values.
Strong writing and communication skills, including report-writing experience.
Completion of a relevant training program, such as Skagit Valley College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy.

Responsibilities

Provide outstanding customer service by addressing concerns and educating visitors about park safety, rules, regulations, and permitted activities.
Interpret the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of parks, monuments, and memorials.
Serve as a liaison between the City and park users, answer questions, distribute informational literature, and provide wayfinding and general park information.
Support visitors and foster safe, positive park experiences.
Engage park visitors and community groups in support of SPR’s stewardship of parks, facilities, natural areas, and other assets.
Share information about park features and surrounding environments.
Monitor park areas for damage to grounds, equipment, and facilities, and report issues for maintenance or repair.
Maintain accurate patrol records and prepare timely, detailed reports, including incident reports and referrals to agencies.
Administer first aid and call 911 or engage EMS when needed.
Conduct regular foot, bicycle, and/or vehicle patrols to monitor park activities, inform the public, and enforce park rules, regulations, municipal codes, and laws.
Address and mitigate inappropriate activity, establish a meaningful presence, and foster a respectful park environment.
Enforce Park Code (SMC 18.12) through education and voluntary compliance, issuing warnings, Notices of Infractions, Trespass Warnings, and Park Exclusions when necessary.
Assist with seasonal programs, including beach fire and coastal events, to ensure safety and compliance with guidelines.
Secure park gates, doors, and facilities at closing time.
Respond to park emergencies, support citywide activations, and coordinate with first responders as needed.
Collaborate with the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, SPR maintenance, and Citywide event planners to support permitted events.
Monitor event activities for compliance with permit conditions and take action when necessary to protect park spaces.
Perform other duties as assigned that align with the role’s responsibilities.