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Park Ranger - Limited Commission

City of Tukwila
Full-time
On-site
Wa 98188, Washington, United States
$74,928 - $89,196 USD yearly

Description





The City of Tukwila has an exciting opportunity and is seeking a Limited Commissioned Park Ranger. The Park Ranger will serve as a monitor and steward of city parks, community centers, natural areas, and boulevards. They will provide customer service to visitors, and provide public safety services to enforce rules, code of conduct, regulations and ordinances related to park usage; the Park Ranger will promote compliance, public awareness and safety, while building relationships with the community and provide education and interpretation to the visiting public. Under the direction of a Sergeant and the Director of Parks and Recreation, or their designee, this position provides customer service to park patrons to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience while visiting Tukwila’s parks, trails and recreation facilities and attending or participating in city activities and events.

**This position requires Basic Law Enforcement Academy or Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy certification prior to applying.**

About the City

The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17 miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.


About Tukwila Parks
Tukwila is home to over 150 acres of open space including parks, multi-use trails, Foster Golf Links, and the Tukwila Community Center. The mission of the Tukwila Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors through a quality system of public spaces, programs and events that enhance and promote opportunities for health and fitness, personal growth, relaxation, community connection, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Selection and Civil Service Testing Guidelines:

Civil Service Testing for the Park Ranger consists of a complete online application (including transcripts), a telephone interview, written exam, background investigation, polygraph examination, written/oral psychological exams, and a medical exam. The testing is scheduled at your convenience. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request thumanresources@tukwilawa.gov


How To Apply:

Fill out the application online completely. Please include a resume and a letter of interest. Please note that we do not accept incomplete applications, attached resumes are not accepted as an online application.


Veteran's Preference Points:

City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying veteran's points. Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim these points.

The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.


**First review of applications will be July 1, 2025**

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Patrols designated parks, trailways, natural areas, and facilities to deter or discover crime; provides consistent, high visibility on park and other city-owned properties to deter/prevent vandalism, amplified music, intoxication, camping, trespassing, graffiti, and other illegal activity. 
  • Issues verbal warnings and citations when laws, regulations, and procedures are found in violation.  Issues notices of park exclusions for repeated or egregious conduct. 
  • Quickly and effectively responds to emergency situations throughout the parks, recreation open and open space system.  Administers first aid and CPR to visitors who require medical attention as needed. 
  • Facilitate and monitor park, ballfield, picnic shelter rentals, special events and other activities to ensure customer satisfaction, provide information, address complaints and seek compliance to rules and regulations. 
  • Performs Park, natural area, and facility patrols on foot, by bicycle and/or vehicle and conducts inspections observing for damage to grounds and equipment and facilities; addresses encroachments, unauthorized camping, leash law violations and indications of illegal activities and other unsafe conditions.  Completes reports and incident reports as necessary. 
  • Enhance safety & security in parks, recreation, and natural areas by demonstrating a physical presence in high use areas during peak use times as well as at city events and activities. 
  • Collaborate with Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department staff and/or Public Works staff, as appropriate, to deter non-compliant activity, prioritize patrol activities, share information, and strategize about best practices in providing park ranger activities and services. 
  • Ensures doors, gates, and parks are open during operational hours and secure at closing time. 
  • Collaborate with King County Animal Control on off leash dog enforcement.  Provide pet license information to park visitors. 
  • Serve as an ambassador for the Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Tukwila by engaging and interacting with park users; provides wayfinding and information about available programs and services, special events, and other general park information.   
  • Inform and educate rule violators to seek behavior compatible with rules and other users. 
  • Document and record work, report/share information with the Parks and Recreation Department and/or Public Works with regards to issues and concerns within the Parks and Recreation system and/or Public Works’ managed rights-of-ways and lands.  
  •  Must maintain flexible schedule and willingness to work various shifts throughout the year depending upon business need. Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and evenings will be part of the normal schedule. 
  • Responds to See-Click-Fix requests to conduct preliminary inspection/assessment.  Performs basic park maintenance tasks including, but not limited to: opening/closing gates and light litter clean-up.  
  • Partners with Public Works and Parks and Recreation to respond to maintenance & repair issues.  
  • Identifies location of unauthorized structures, camping and encampments; in coordination with the City’s Hot Spots Team makes initial contact with encampment occupants; supervises and directs actions necessary to remove encampments in accordance with laws and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
  • Knowledge of parks and recreation business and best management practices. 
  • Knowledge and familiarity with parks and trails, public facilities, equipment and typical maintenance and operational practices.   
  • Knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.  
  • Skilled in interpersonal communications and proficient in techniques to gain and maintain compliance to rules, regulations and safety protocols.   
  • Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures. 
  • Must have excellent communication skills and demeanor.   
  • Must have excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge and proven track record in providing excellent customer service. 
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.  
  • Excellent situational awareness and ability to discern difficult situations. 
  • Must be able to generate accurate documentation and reports. 
  • Demonstrated ability to bring a solutions-oriented approach to conflict resolution.  
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and keep management informed of potentially sensitive and/or controversial issues.  
  • Ability to operate a City vehicle, bicycle and walk for extended periods of time. 
  • Ability to use a computer for reporting, communication, and documentation. 
  • Ability to establish positive communication while enforcing park rules.  Knows and understands Park rules and City ordinances. 
  • Ability to remain flexible to changing priorities. 
 
Other Working Conditions: 
  • Duties may be performed in a variety of settings and conditions, both in a typical office setting, in a vehicle, and in field situations (i.e., in buildings, outside, sitting, or standing, walking, biking, hiking, etc.). 
  • Duties may include working outside in natural areas (streams, hillsides) with uneven terrain under varying weather conditions. 
  • Position may require climbing ladders and lifting of up to 20 pounds. 
  • Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays.

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

Education and Experience: 
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • No specific work experience level required. 
 
Special Requirements:
  • Must be 21 years of older at the time of employment
  • Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Washington State Driver's license without a record of suspension or revocation in any state.
  • Must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States of America who can read and write the English language.
  • Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories are not allowed.
  • Obtain and maintain current American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED certification. 
  • Graduate of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy or an equivalent Parks Law Enforcement Academy that is recognized by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission as a general authority Washington Peace Officer with the full authority of a general authority peace officer commissioned to enforce local laws of the state of Washington generally as set forth in RCW 10.92.020(4). This includes successful completion of the Equivalency training to receive state certification 

Drug Use:

  • As an adult, convicted of any felony drug crime;
  • Have used mushrooms within the last one year;
  • Marijuana: excessive use within the past 12 months.  Marijuana use will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis."
  • Used hallucinogens (including GHB and ecstasy; excludes mushrooms), cocaine, methamphetamine, or opiates within the last 10 years;
  • Usage of any other illegal drug, including steroids and prescription abuse, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
  • Have illegally used 4 or more different controlled substances, including marijuana, in the last 10 years;
  • Have at any time manufactured, transported or cultivated illegal drugs (including marijuana) for the purpose of sale or distribution;
  • Have used any illegal drugs while employed in a criminal justice capacity;
  • Have ever obtained or used a prescription drug under false pretenses;
  • Have ever, at any time, injected amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, barbiturates, or valium;
  • Have ever illegally used a drug after submitting an application to any Law Enforcement Agency;
  • Have ever sold or distributed illegal drugs, including marijuana;
  • Any more than two drug convictions for any of the narcotics listed above.

Traffic Record:

  • Any criminal traffic conviction within the past 5 years. Violation examples include, but are not limited to: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, negligent driving, or hit and run driving;
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver's license (for any traffic violation) within five years of the date of the employment application;
  • Any more than two criminal convictions for traffic related offenses. 

Financial Record:

  • Any willful failure to pay income tax or court ordered child support is disqualifying;
  • A credit check will be conducted regarding your financial history.

Military Record:

  • Must have been discharged from the Military under honorable conditions. Any discharge other than honorable will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Potential Disqualification:

  • Any applicant who maintains an on-going relationship with individuals who are criminals and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current criminal activity;
  • An applicant's criminal record, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, "Alford" pleases, and non-conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification;
  • Commission of any crime (non-conviction).

Must be able to pass the following:
  • Written Civil Service Examination 
  • Oral Civil Service Examination  
  • Physical Fitness Examination  
  • Police Chief & Parks and Recreation Director Interview 
  • Background Investigation to include 
  • Polygraph Investigation  
  • Psychological Examination  
  • Medical Examination 
  • Credit check