PARK RANGER

State of Arkansas • Powhatan, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) is recruiting for Park Ranger positions statewide. This job posting represents vacancies across multiple Arkansas State Parks. Applicants who successfully complete the hiring process will be considered for available locations when a conditional offer of employment is extended. Final duty station assignments are determined based on departmental needs and candidate qualifications. The Park Ranger serves as a certified law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing state laws and park regulations, and protecting natural, cultural, and historical resources within Arkansas’s state parks. Park Rangers engage with the public, respond to emergencies, and support recreational and conservation goals through both enforcement and educational outreach.

Requirements

• Must be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas.
• Ability to pass a full background investigation meeting the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training requirements.
• Candidates must possess, or be able to complete, Arkansas law enforcement certification training in accordance with ACA 12 9 106.
• This position is subject to 24-hour calls, must be able to traverse rough terrain, work a varied shift including weekends, evenings, and holidays, work in inclement weather and carry a firearm while on duty.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor's degree in park management, outdoor recreation, criminal justice, criminology, or a related field; or two years of college coursework, plus two years of experience in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Patrol park grounds, facilities, campgrounds, trails, and waterways to ensure public safety and security.
• Duties include patrolling for possible thefts, illegal hunting and vandalism and other violations, making physical arrests, testifying in court, assisting local agencies, and administering first aid.
• Enforce Arkansas’s traffic and criminal statutes, and park-specific rules or park directives, and regulations, including applicable Arkansas Game and Fish laws. This includes making arrests and issuing warnings and/or citations as needed.
• Respond to emergencies such as medical events, accidents, lost persons, wildlife encounters, or criminal activity, providing appropriate action or assistance.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, accidents, or incidents occurring within park boundaries.
• Serve as a friendly, knowledgeable public contact for park guests, providing guidance, information, and education on park features, rules, and safety protocols.
• Be the health and safety officer for park events, or as support for law enforcement duties as assigned for events.
• Assist or lead public programming for health, safety, or security needs.
• Monitor natural and cultural resources for signs of damage, misuse, or illegal activity.
• Collaborate with resource management staff to support habitat protection and historical preservation efforts.
• Maintain accurate records and reports of patrol activities, incidents, arrests, and safety hazards.
• Complete daily logs, evidence documentation, and case-related paperwork in compliance with agency policies and directives.
• Assist with park operations including traffic control, campground compliance, and support during high visitation periods or special events.
• Participate in search and rescue efforts or emergency evacuations as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level