Park Ranger 3 (Long Beach Area) Fully Commissioned Law Enforcement

About the Department

Are you ready to step beyond the field and into a position where you can lead and direct a team? This position offers an exciting opportunity to direct law enforcement operations for the Long Beach Area and provide others with opportunities to learn and grow. We are looking for a law enforcement professional who likes variety in their day, enjoys building relationships and mentoring others, and can create an organized and inclusive operations structure to effectively implement the area vision.  

Position Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Area Manager (Park Ranger 4), this position serves as the expert level Law Enforcement Officer for the area and supports administration, supervision, maintenance, and public service within the management area, including serving as the lead for management of the Long Beach Seashore Conservation Area.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform administrative duties as an Operations Manager for the Long Beach Area SCA, implementing area strategies based on mission and goals as defined by Area Manager.
  • Assess operational needs of park area; raise issues with Area Manager.
  • Provide oversight for day-to-day operations of the SCA and surrounding properties.
  • Staff schedules - utilize data driven evidence when determining proper use of staff time and classifications.
  • Prepare for emergency management. Ensure that all necessary plans are in place and up to date.
  • Develop and manage special projects in collaboration with work groups, Federal partners, weed boards, wildlife departments and other outside entities.
  • Assist Area Manager with development and maintenance of Operational Planning & Reports, such as but not limited to, Staffing and Overtime Plan, Law Enforcement Plan, and Emergency Management Plan. 
    
    
• Perform duties as the lead Law Enforcement Ranger for the Long Beach Area Parks and Seashore Conservation Area.
  • Maintain expertise of rules and regulations necessary to perform Law Enforcement duties, including WAC 352.32 and WAC 352.37 (the Seashore Conservation Area). 
  • Review all Incident Reports for correctness and completeness. 
  • Provide Enforcement Guidance to Ranger 1’s and 2’s. 
  • Schedule appropriate Law Enforcement coverage based on demonstrable park needs. 
  • Provide shift Law Enforcement coverage within jurisdictional parameters: rule enforcement; visitor education and protection.  
  • Ensure all area Law Enforcement staff attend required quarterly training and In-Service. 
  • Ensure proper Law Enforcement safety requirements/practices are met. 
  • Manage park area Law Enforcement equipment and vehicles. 
  • Provide local Law Enforcement outreach/coordination/communication (police agencies, courts, fire department).
    
    
• Participate in maintenance functions within SCA and surround properties.
  • Assist with setting maintenance priorities for the SCA. 
  • Work with the Park Operations Ranger to assign, schedule, and complete lower-level maintenance projects for SCA where journey level skills are not required. 
  • Assist in coordination of conservation projects within the SCA, provide logistical support as needed. 
    
    
• 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.
  • Facilitate hiring for vacant positions. 
  • Timely complete Position Description forms, as necessary.
  • Timely complete PDPs on an annual basis. 
  • Hold staff accountable for meeting expectations; raise issues of significance with Area Manager.
  • Coordinate as necessary with Area Manager on personnel matters. 
    
    
• Leadership to area staff as defined by Area Manager.
  • Understand and support mission and vision of Agency, Division and area. 
  • Proactively communicate with staff in a positive and supportive manner. 
  • Create an environment of collaborative teamwork and respect for all employees. Address concerns in a timely and effective manner.
  • Provide appropriate mentorship opportunities in order to improve skills and abilities for all staff under your purview. 
    
    
• Represent the Long Beach Area.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

OR

• Two (2) years of professional experience as a Park Ranger, commissioned Law Enforcement Officer, or equivalent experience in a Natural Resource field. AND
• Bachelor's Degree  **Experience in a Natural Resource, Law Enforcement or Recreation field will substitute year for year for education. AND
• Having successfully completed a qualifying law enforcement academy (BLEA, POST, PLEA, or SLETP).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Supervisory experience.
• Project planning experience. 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability - Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their 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.
• Learning and Growth - Adapts to change and applies new approaches, learns to navigate systems, processes, tools, and technology, and increases and develops knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Takes Action to Meet the Needs of Others - Collaborates with others to overcome challenges and find solutions, increases access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others, and helps and supports people and communities from all backgrounds.

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 transcript or certificate and ensure you include this in 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.
  
• Ability to learn and grow.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

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, 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.


How to Apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile, which includes three professional references and attach:

ALL APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH THE FOLLOWING:
1.  Cover Letter specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
2.  Current resume.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST ALSO ATTACH:
3.  Copy of your qualifying law enforcement certificate.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. 
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. 
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

Other Qualifications

About Parks: 
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful—parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is (are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

Persons needing accommodation 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 hard of hearing 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 Nikki Williams at [email protected] or (360) 902-8678.

For information about this position, please contact David Linthakhan at [email protected] or (360) 642-3078.

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov