Park Ranger

City of Tukwila • Tukwila WA 98168, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Park Ranger provides customer service to patrons of Tukwila’s parks, trails, and recreation facilities, and to people attending or participating in city activities and events. Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation or their designee, the position helps ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience. The role engages directly with the public, conducts outreach, documents and reports incidents, encourages voluntary compliance with park rules, assists park users, and coordinates with emergency services and law enforcement when needed.

The position performs routine patrols and inspections, supports park rentals and events, responds to safety and maintenance concerns, and may issue civil infraction notices under limited authority granted by local code. It also performs basic park maintenance and works in partnership with the Police Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and King County Animal Control.

Work takes place in office, vehicle, and field settings, including outdoor natural areas and varied weather and terrain. The schedule is flexible according to business needs and includes regular weekends, evenings, and holidays. The City requires candidates without an approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy graduation to attend the 2027 Skagit Valley College academy or equivalent seasonal law enforcement training at City expense.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of relevant work experience related to customer service and education, park maintenance, or operations; a suitable combination of relevant education and experience may substitute.
• Valid Washington State driver's license with no suspension or revocation in any state, and ability to remain insurable under the City's vehicle insurance.
• Must be at least 21 years old at the time of employment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to read and write English.
• Must pass background, criminal history, motor vehicle record, and reference checks conducted after a conditional offer.
• Must pass web-based Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) awareness training.
• Must complete CPR/AED and wilderness first aid training within the first six months of employment; training is City-paid.
• Knowledge of parks and recreation business practices, parks and trails, public facilities, equipment, and typical maintenance and operational practices.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Interpersonal communication skills and techniques for gaining and maintaining compliance with rules, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures.
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills and a professional demeanor.
• Demonstrated customer-service experience and strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including meeting deadlines.
• Situational awareness and the ability to recognize difficult situations.
• Ability to produce accurate documentation and reports.
• Demonstrated experience resolving conflicts or public concerns professionally and calmly, finding common ground, and de-escalating situations when possible.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and keep management informed about potentially sensitive or controversial issues.
• Ability to operate a City vehicle and bicycle and to walk for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer for reporting, communication, and documentation and to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work in office, vehicle, and field settings, including outdoor areas with uneven terrain and varying weather; may need to climb ladders and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from a National Park Service-approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is highly desirable at the time of hire. Candidates with this certification may be eligible for reimbursement of academy training costs after two consecutive years of City employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive, welcoming presence and educate park users about rules, policies, codes, laws, and available resources to support voluntary compliance.
• Enforce park rules, regulations, and ordinances under limited authority, including issuing civil infraction notices when appropriate.
• Conduct routine patrols, park walk-throughs, and inspections of parks, trails, and open spaces; identify contamination, vandalism, encroachments, prohibited encampments, and unsafe conditions.
• Facilitate and monitor park, ballfield, and picnic shelter rentals, special events, and other activities; provide information, address complaints, and seek compliance with applicable rules.
• Collaborate with the Tukwila Police Department to deter non-compliant activity, share information, develop practices, and participate in joint training.
• Support emergency responses throughout the parks, trails, and open-space system; administer first aid and CPR as needed.
• Work with King County Animal Control on off-leash dog enforcement and provide park users with pet-license information.
• Open and secure doors, gates, and parks according to operating hours.
• Document work and report or share information about issues and concerns with Parks and Recreation and/or Public Works.
• Promote safety and security and deter negative activity through a uniformed, diplomatic, and authoritative presence at parks, recreation and natural areas, and city events.
• Respond to See-Click-Fix requests by conducting preliminary inspections or assessments.
• Perform basic park maintenance, including gate operation, light litter and garbage cleanup, minor cleaning and repair, minor pruning, and minor graffiti or vandalism abatement.
• Partner with Public Works and Parks and Recreation to respond to maintenance and repair issues.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include various shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual step increases.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement pension plan.
• City-paid CPR/AED and wilderness first aid training required within the first six months.
• For eligible candidates, reimbursement of approved academy training costs after two consecutive years of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED