Park Ranger

Park Ranger

The City of Tukwila is in search of a Park Ranger who will engage directly with the public, conduct community outreach, document and report incidents, address park code violations through voluntary compliance, assist park users using various resources and skills, and coordinate with emergency services and law enforcement when needed.

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation, 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains a positive and welcoming presence to park users whether on foot or bicycle and assist those through education on park rules, policies, codes, laws and provide other resources as needed and/or applicable to help support voluntary compliance of Park Rules (TMC 12.08).
• Exercises limited authority granted by local code to enforce rules, regulations, and ordinances governing parks and may issue civil infraction notices for violations.
• Performs routine patrols and monitoring of parks, trails and open space, conducting park walk-throughs and inspections, assessing areas for signs of environmental contamination, vandalism, property defacement, encroachments, prohibited encampments, and other unsafe conditions.
• Facilitates and monitors, 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.
• Collaborates with the Tukwila Police Department (TPD) to deter non-compliant activity, share information, strategize about best practices and engage in joint training.
• Supports response to emergency situations throughout the parks, trail and open space system. Administers first aid and CPR to patrons who require medical attention as needed.
• Collaborates with King County Animal Control on off leash dog enforcement.
• Provides pet license information to park users.
• Ensure doors, gates, and parks are open during operational hours and secure at closing time.
• Documents and records 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.
• Enhances safety & security in parks, recreation, and natural areas, as well as at city events and activities and deters negative activity through a uniformed, diplomatic and authoritative presence.
• Responds to See-Click-Fix requests to conduct preliminary inspection/assessment. Performs basic park maintenance tasks including, but not limited to opening/closing gates, light litter and garbage clean-up, minor cleaning and repair, minor pruning, minor graffiti/vandalism abatement, etc.
• 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.
• Partners with Public Works and Parks and Recreation to respond to maintenance & repair issues.

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 experience resolving conflicts or addressing concerns with members of the public in a professional, calm, and effective manner; ability to find common ground during tense situations and de-escalate situations when possible.
• 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 remain flexible to changing priorities.

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, 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

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• WA State Driver's License and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles; and have a valid Washington State Driver's license without a record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Experience: 1-year relevant work experience related to customer service and education, park maintenance and operations.

Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Special Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to read and write the English language.
• Must be able to pass a background check, including a criminal history check, motor vehicle record (MVR) check, and reference checks, conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
• Must pass the web-based Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) awareness training (2 weeks).
• CPR/AED and wilderness first aid training must be completed within the first 6 months of employment and will be city-paid.

A criminal history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Any criminal record will be evaluated on an individualized basis after a conditional offer of employment, considering factors such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and its relevance to the duties of this position.

Preferred Requirement

• Academy Certification: Graduation from a National Park Service (NPS) approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is highly desirable at the time of hire.

Other Considerations:

• Training Cost Reimbursement Agreement: The selected candidate having graduated from NPS approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy will be eligible to have their academy training costs reimbursed by the City of Tukwila after two consecutive years of employment with the City.
• Required Academy Training & Graduation : Qualified candidates lacking graduation from an NPS approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy will be required to attend the 2027 Skagit Valley College Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy in Mount Vernon, Washington (January 4, 2027 – May 1, 2027) or equivalent seasonal law enforcement training at City of Tukwila expense.