Park Ranger 3 (Yakima Sportsman)

Job Title: Park Ranger 3

Location: Yakima Sportsman State Park, Yakima, WA. (Central Cascades Area)

This position is full-time year-round. There is dedicated housing available for this position.

Closes: This announcement will remain open until filled.

As a Park Ranger 3 you will be coaching, mentoring, supervising and leading your park team while coordinating multiple long term plans and projects important to the successful operation of the park or area. You will be a part of a collaborative environment where you'll be empowered to share your creative ideas and support area operations through coordination, planning and execution.

This position will serve as the Central Cascades Area Park Ranger 3, leading routine operations within a park or park area and serve as the primary catalyst for implementing the area management plan from a concept or vision into operation. For more information about Washington State parks, click here.

Under the direct supervision of the Area Manager (Park Ranger 4), this position serves as the Operations Manager for the Central Cascades Area State Parks. The Park Ranger 3 implements area strategies based on the mission and goals as defined by the Area Manager. This position further serves as the expert level Law Enforcement Officer for the area and also supports administration, supervision, maintenance, and public service within the management area.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform administrative duties as an Operations Manager for the Central Cascades Area, implementing area strategies based on mission and goals as defined by Area Manager.

• Assess operational needs of park area; raise issues with Area Manager.

• Develop logistical plan for completion of park projects.

• Provide oversight for day-to-day operations of park area.

• Develop staff schedules utilizing data driven evidence when determining proper use of staff time and classifications.

• Emergency Management (First Responder: emergency oversight).  Ensure that all necessary plans are in place and up to date.

• Develop and manage special projects in collaboration with work groups, weed boards, wildlife departments and other outside entities.

• Perform duties as the lead Law Enforcement Ranger for park area.

• Maintain expertise of rules and regulations necessary to perform Law Enforcement duties.

• Schedule appropriate Law Enforcement coverage based on demonstrable park needs.

• Ensure all area Law Enforcement staff attend required quarterly training and in-service.

• Participate in maintenance functions within the park area.

• Assign, schedule, and complete lower level maintenance projects for park area, where journey level skills are not required.

• Ensure all safety requirements are met on job site.

• Ensure all permitting requirements are met prior to commencement of job.

• Responsible for the care and upkeep of park tools and equipment.

• Supervise staff and volunteers following all applicable Agency policies and procedures; statewide rules and regulations; and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Provide oversight and instruction to staff.

• Ensure staff meet training requirements.

• Timely complete PDPs on an annual basis.

• Hold staff accountable for meeting expectations; raise issues of significance with Area Manager.

• Coordinate with Area Manager on personnel matters when necessary.

• Supervise and provide oversight for work groups and volunteers.

• Leadership to area staff as defined by Area Manager.

• Create an environment of collaborative teamwork and respect for all employees.  Address concerns in a timely and effective manner.

• Proactively communicate with staff in a positive and supportive manner.

• Represent Area.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years of experience as a fully commissioned Washington State Park Ranger

OR

• Bachelor's Degree  And

• Two (2) years of professional experience as a Park Ranger, commissioned Law Enforcement Officer, or equivalent experience in a Natural Resource field. And

• Successful completion of a qualifying law enforcement academy (BLEA, POST, PRLEA, or SLETP).Experience in a Natural Resource or Recreation field will substitute year for year for education.

Experience in a Natural Resource or Recreation field will substitute year for year for education.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Supervisory experience.

• Project planning experience.

NOTE: Applicants that are not currently employed as a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Park Ranger, will first be screened for the required qualifications. It is important that you attach a copy of your qualifying law enforcement academy, and ensure you include this on the education section of the application form. (You must have graduated from a qualifying law enforcement academy and must have worked as a Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer or Commissioned Park Ranger within the last 24 months.)  Qualified applicants who are selected to move forward in the process will be emailed the required Personal History Review questionnaire to complete and will be required to submit a complete driving abstract (dated within the last 30 days).

Job Suitability Determination: Successful external applicants will have a history of law abiding behavior and must pass a background investigation, drug and alcohol screening, medical/psychological/polygraph examination, and a physical ability test. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to remain flexible to respond to park emergencies.

• Ability to use learned knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals.

• Ability to focus on educating and influencing park users for voluntary compliance.

• Ability to consistently enforce governmental laws, rules, and regulations.

• Ability to initiate enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective and reasonable.

• Ability to work with the public, employees and other staff in a friendly, positive and approachable manner in order to create a positive work environment.

• Ability to make independent decisions that achieve desired results.

• Ability to collect data, make sound decisions from data gathered, and evaluate consequences.

• Have the demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes required to effectively supervise and lead personnel.

• Ability to establish clear performance expectations, coach and mentor employees, provide regular feedback, and correct behavior when necessary.

• Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.

• Ability to orally communicate effectively on a one-on-one basis and in small groups.

• Ability to write clearly and succinctly.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Accountability- Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of his/her work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results.

Communication Effectiveness

• Conveys clear, timely and persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.

Customer Focus

• Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the services offered by the organization.

Ethics and Integrity- Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.

Inclusiveness

• Actively contributes to a work environment that embraces building relationships and recognizing the value of cultural, ethnic, gender and other individual differences, to enhance the attainment of organizational goals.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS (Validated through Psychological & Polygraph examination and fitness testing):

1.No criminal activity while working in the criminal justice system.

2.No marijuana consumption within the past 12 months from the date of application received.

3.No possession of illegal drugs in the last ten years.

4.No crime committed as an adult, prosecutable under the statute of limitations.

5.No intentional deception in any stage of the testing process.

6.No intentional deception in the selection process of any law enforcement agency.

7.No domestic violence convictions.

8.No driving under the influence within the last five years.

9.Must meet the minimum fitness standards for law enforcement positions.  Physical Ability Test (PAT) Information.

10. Possess sufficient physical stamina and dexterity to work arduous manual tasks over extended periods.

11. Willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and long and/or irregular hours and during inclement weather conditions.

12. Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.

13. Must not have a substantial amount of driving violations that indicate a disregard for rules or laws.

FITNESS STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS:

Applicants that are not currently employed as a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Park Ranger will be required to pass a Physical Abilities Test (PAT). For more information click here.To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application at Parks.wa.gov/jobs

ALL APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH THE FOLLOWING:

1. Cover Letter specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.

2. Three professional references.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST ALSO ATTACH:

3. Copy of your qualifying law enforcement certificate.

All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: https://wfse.org/

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment - one that embraces and values the full spectrum of all community members' contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:

• Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability.

• Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences.

• Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society.

• Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to all people of this state today and in the future.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strengthens our ability and commitment to serve all citizens.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and sustaining a working environment that includes, welcomes, and respects diverse identities of race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and more. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are invited to apply. Persons desiring any accommodations in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hearing impaired may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. 

For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov.

For information about the position, please contact John Ernster at John.Ernster@Parks.wa.gov or (509) 656-5298.

Washington State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve staggered six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency. The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Our Mission

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.

Our Vision

Washington's state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate and proudly support.

Washington State Parks employs more than 700 permanent staff and more than 350 seasonal and temporary staff throughout the state. The headquarters office is located in Tumwater, and region offices are located in Burlington, East Wenatchee and Tumwater.