Park Ranger 1 - Permanent - Silver Falls State Park

Near Salem, Oregon

Welcome Statement

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

Your New Role

As a permanent full-time Park Ranger 1, you will assist in the protection, maintenance, operation and repair of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment, and systems. In this role, you will perform a variety of park operational tasks such as: janitorial work, landscape maintenance, facility maintenance, safety, and visitor services. Some work may require skills in: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, equipment repair, and landscape maintenance. Additionally, specialized skills in park maintenance and operations may be required. On a task specific basis, you may guide the work of individuals or teams composed of volunteers, seasonal, and/or temporary state park employees.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions for this position, please click here.

What's in it for you:

An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

OR

• An Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (6) months of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

Special Requirements:

• To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

Desired Attributes:

• Campground and Day‑Use Operations: Experience performing routine campground or day‑use area tasks such as site checks, reservation verification, assisting visitors with campground policies, and supporting smooth daily operations.

• Visitor Interaction and Customer Service: Experience providing high‑quality customer service in busy outdoor recreation settings; able to communicate clearly, de‑escalate challenging situations, and maintain positive visitor relations.

• Rule, Policy, and Safety Enforcement: Experience explaining and enforcing park, campground, or outdoor recreation rules with consistency, professionalism, and situational awareness.

• Computer Programs and Reservation Systems: Experience using computer programs including Microsoft, HRIS/Workday systems and Reservation/POS systems.

• Janitorial and Facility Maintenance: Experience performing routine janitorial, groundskeeping, and light maintenance in buildings, restrooms, and park facilities while maintaining cleanliness and safety standards.

• Operational Problem‑Solving: Experience assessing and responding to issues such as visitor conflicts, minor emergencies, campsite concerns, or operational disruptions in a calm and effective manner.

• High‑Volume Outdoor Recreation Environments: Experience working in parks, campgrounds, marinas, or other outdoor facilities that see high levels of public use, requiring adaptability and strong multitasking skills. 

• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience guiding diverse teams, including seasonal and permanent staff, volunteers, adult and/or juvenile custody crews, or the general public by providing clear direction across varied tasks to achieve organizational goals.

Preference may be given to candidates who have: Direct experience working in day‑use areas, overnight campgrounds, or outdoor recreation parks, especially in roles involving visitor interaction, rule enforcement, campground operations, or facility maintenance.

How to Apply:

Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.

• Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job

• The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project. 

• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.

• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.

• Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference”.

• After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.

• First round of interviews taking place around mid-September.

Additional Information:

• This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

• This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

• Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

• For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Jason Wagoner [email protected].

• For questions on application process, email: [email protected].

• Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on 
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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.