Park Ranger

Park Ranger

Salary

$34.36 - $41.69 Hourly

Location

Westbridge Bldg, 4209 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA

Job Type

Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time

Job Number

2026-01439

Department

Seattle Parks & Recreation Department

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/10/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.

About the Position:

Park Rangers are a frontline, field-based role within the Park Ranger program. Park Rangers are responsible for performing regular patrols, engaging with park visitors, and educating them on the natural, cultural, and historical significance of park properties, and enforcing parks rules and regulations. This role emphasizes providing excellent customer service, fostering positive relationships with the public, law enforcement, and park staff, and ensuring a safe environment for park visitors. Park Rangers are also tasked with monitoring park conditions, assisting with special events, and providing first aid when necessary. A strong understanding 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.

Job Responsibilities

Education

• Provide outstanding customer service by proactively addressing and resolving concerns, while educating visitors on park safety, rules, and regulations regarding permissible and impermissible activities.
• Interpret the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of parks, monuments, and memorials, helping visitors understand the role of important people, events, and experiences that shaped the park system.
• Serve as a liaison between the City and park users, answering questions and distributing informational literature about the park system and City resources.
• Provide wayfinding and general park information to the public.
• Foster a positive and safe park experience by supporting visitors and ensuring their safety and enjoyment.

Engagement

• Support SPR's stewardship of Seattle's parks, facilities, natural areas, and other assets by engaging with park visitors and community groups.
• Share knowledge about park features and the surrounding environments, enhancing the publics understanding and appreciation of the spaces.
• Monitor park areas for damage to grounds, equipment, and/or facilities and promptly report issues for maintenance or repair.
• Maintain accurate patrol records and prepare timely, detailed reports.
• Administer first aid when necessary and call 911 for medical assistance as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned that align with the responsibilities of the role.

Enforcement

• Conduct regular patrols on foot, by bicycle, and/or vehicle to monitor park activities, inform the public, and enforce park rules, regulations, municipal codes, and laws regarding park use.
• Proactively address and mitigate inappropriate activity, establishing a meaningful presence and fostering a respectful park environment.
• Enforce Park Code (SMC 18.12) through education and voluntary compliance, issuing warnings, Notice of Infractions, Trespass Warnings, and Park Exclusions when necessary.
• Assist with the management of seasonal programs, such as beach fire and coastal events, ensuring safety and adherence to guidelines.
• Secure park gates, doors, and facilities at closing time, ensuring the safety and integrity of park spaces.
• Respond promptly to emergency situations in the park, supporting citywide activations and coordinating with first responders as needed.
• Complete incident reports, document necessary referrals to agencies, and maintain thorough records of park-related incidents.
• Collaborate with the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, SPR maintenance, and Citywide event planners to ensure that special events meet permit conditions and operate smoothly.
• Monitor park activities to ensure compliance with event permits, taking action when necessary to protect the parks integrity.
• Engage law enforcement or EMS services to ensure public safety and respond to emergencies, when necessary.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year of experience in parks and recreation, security, or a related field (or a combination of education and/or training experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
• Valid Washington State Driver's License.

Additional Information

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Additional parks and recreation, security, and/or public safety experience.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Intervention or De-Escalation, and Management of Aggressive Behavior.
• Proficiency in using radio communication systems and operating an electric bicycle for park patrols.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Suite, GIS applications, and other relevant software.
• Proven experience in community relations, program development, or public engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to provide services with positivity, emotional intelligence, and clear communication, while advancing the mission and values of SPR.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with experience in report writing.
• Completion of a relevant training program (e.g., Skagit Valley College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy).
• Ability to successfully pass a police-level background check
• Successful candidates will need to complete a criminal background check.

Special Working Conditions:

• Perform demanding and physically challenging work, including lifting more than 50 pounds up to waist level.

• Work any shift or schedule, including nights, evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Meet the conditions set forth in SPR Workplace Expectations.

• Regularly load/unload and ride an electric bicycle for patrol

• Work in all types of weather, walking, hiking, and biking on various uneven terrain for multiple hours per day.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $34.36 to $41.69 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR's Core Competencies are:

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making, and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the Citys commitment to workforce equity.

Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text-based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:

Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov

01

In 1-2 sentences, what de-escalation strategies have you employed in difficult interactions?

02

This position requires flexibility in work hours to meet the various needs of the program. Are you willing to work early and late shifts, as well as weekends?

• Yes
• No

03

A strong understanding of patrol procedures, park codes, and two-way radio communication is required. Briefly describe your experience with each of these components.

Required Question

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs