Salary : $66,146.64 - $84,368.16 Annually
Location : Lake Oswego, Oregon, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-07-4136
Department: Parks
Division: Park Maintenance
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: LOMEA
The Position
The Park Ranger Natural Areas position is under the jurisdiction of the City's Parks and Recreation Department. It is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to protect and maintain the operations of the City's park system while contributing to visitors' safety and awareness of the park environment. Under the general supervision of the Parks Division, the Park Ranger Natural Area position will perform a variety of public contact, rule enforcement and safety duties as well as many other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule
Park Ranger:
April - Sept
11:30am - 7:30pm
Sun, Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat
Natural Areas:
Oct - May
6:30am - 3pm
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri
This position is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with knowledge of Natural Area restoration, general park landscape and facility maintenance to serve in a passionate, innovative community. Other tasks vary from mowing, trail/pathway maintenance, invasive removal, restroom maintenance and facility cleaning & repair in addition to the park patrol & rule enforcement already mentioned. This position will support and coordinate with our Stewardship Coordinator and will staff volunteer restoration work party events as needed. There will also be various equipment operation requirements. The ideal candidate will be self-driven, be a team player and have an eye for detail. This position is represented by the Lake Oswego Municipal Employees' Association.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate Park security, safety and enforcement activities; explain rules to patrons, seek voluntary compliance; check permits and waivers for recreation and park area use.
- Patrol parks and examine premises for misuse, undesirable activities, unsanitary conditions, and safety and health hazards, and report criminal or suspicious behavior to the Police Department.
- Provide information and answer questions about the City's parks and recreation areas.
- Inform the supervisor and other designated individuals of present and potential problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
- Assist Parks and Recreation Department with events.
- Inspect natural areas and open spaces for unsafe conditions and vandalism; pick up litter in these areas as necessary.
- Attend staff meetings as requested.
- Clean and service park facilities. This includes but is not limited to trash and litter clean-up, restroom cleaning and event preparation of city facilities and natural areas.
- Natural Area & Open Space maintenance and restoration including plant care & ID.
- The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the principles and practices of repair, maintenance, construction and installation used within parks systems. Must also be able to read and understand maps, plans, drawings, orders and/or other documents as required. Good communication skills are essential.
Carry out all assigned work in a safe and responsible manner; comply with safety requirements and regulations; identify and abstain from participating in unsafe work environments. Read and review safety material, training documentation, MSDS, instructional materials, and traffic signs.
Education and Experience Requirements
Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and must be able to safely drive or operate vehicles, equipment, machines and tools.. Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with employees, contractors, other departments/agencies, City officials, and the general public. Candidates must have the ability to read, write and use a computer for basic functions and the ability to perform strenuous tasks including but not limited to pushing, lifting, digging and manipulating often while reaching or bending in limited space.
Preferred Qualifications and attributes:
- The candidate must exemplify customer service guidelines established by the Parks & Recreation Department
- Candidates must possess sustainable practices and have water conservation knowledge.
- General knowledge of plants including ID & care.
- Ability to tow trailers and be mechanically inclined.
- Ability & desire to work with and organize volunteer workers in our Natural Areas Stewardship Program.
- General knowledge of athletic fields, facilities, irrigation, natural areas & park maintenance.
Requirements and certifications:
- Candidates must possess a valid Oregon Driver's License.
- Additional licensing may be required.
- Must be able to perform work in inclement weather; work 'on call' and varying shifts; and work cooperatively with other employees. Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of a Physical Capacity Exam (PCE) and the passing of a pre-employment drug screen.
- This position is subject to mandatory participation in electronic funds transfer (EFT) for payment of net wages (i.e., Direct Deposit or Pay Card).
For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete
Supplemental Information
The Department: The Parks Division of the Parks and Recreation Department manages the land and maintains facilities of the parks system. The 640+ acres of City-owned land includes developed park sites, playgrounds, natural areas, special facility areas, 14 acres of athletic fields and a golf course. Of those 640+ acres of park land 400+ are natural or open space land. This division also supports and sets up many community events such as the Farmers Market, summer concerts, Festival of the Arts, park dedication ceremonies, tree lighting and many more.
Pay rate advertised includes July 1, 2026 2.8% COLA
Application Process: You may visit our web site at to access the online application process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. This position is open until filled with first review on Monday, July 13, 2026.
The City of Lake Oswego is committed to fostering a workplace where new ideas and diverse perspectives are valued. This involves hiring a workforce that reflects a variety of skills, expertise, and life experience, including those who may come from a non-traditional background. We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience that meet the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local law.
As part of our commitment, The City of Lake Oswego will ensure that persons with disabilities are offered reasonable accommodations. Please email your accommodation request to before the application deadline.
BENEFIT SUMMARY - LOMEA members
The City of Lake Oswego offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. This summary is a general outline of the benefits that are available to regular status employees that are employed for 20 or more hours per week. Please contact Human Resources with any questions.
Medical/Vision Insurance
City of Lake Oswego offers 2 plan options for you and your dependents.
- Regence Blue Cross BlueShield or Oregon and VSP Vision-Traditional PPO
In-network and out-of-network coverage, no referral for specialist care.
- Kaiser Permanente Medical and Vision
Services provided exclusively by Kaiser providers through a primary care physician (PCP).
Detailed benefit plan summaries for each plan is available upon request. The monthly employee cost for health insurance depends on the plan selected and if dependents are enrolled.
Dental Insurance
Comprehensive coverage through 2 plan options for you and your dependents.
- Delta Dental PPO-Moda Health Plan
In-network and out-of-network coverage, no referral for specialist care
Kaiser dentists agree to provide services to you at a discounted, negotiated fees and copays. Out-of-network services are not covered.
With your choice, you will have access to a plan that includes preventive, routine and major dental care as well as orthodontic benefits for child dependents. There is no monthly cost to employee's for dental insurance.
Life Insurance
Standard Life Insurance Company
City paid insurance amount of $50,000 for Basic Life and $50,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Supplemental life insurance coverage available for purchase for you, your spouse and dependents with guaranteed issue amounts (GI).
Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
Standard Life Insurance Company
City paid long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan which guarantees that you will receive 60% of your salary, up to $4,000, following a 90-day waiting period.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
SAIF Corporation
You are provided workers' compensation insurance in accordance with Oregon Revised Statues.
Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
Benefits paid by PERS are funded from 2 sources:
- Member IAP contributions* paid on your behalf by the City (currently 6% of subject salary); and
- Employer contributions*
*contributions are made 6 months after employment (unless you are a previous or current member of PERS) and amounts are determined by PERS.
Vesting: Employee IAP Account - immediately, Pension Benefit Employer Contribution- 5 calendar years
Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
Canopy
The EAP offers 5 confidential counseling and 24-hour crisis help to employees and their families at no cost. Other services include educational resources, legal assistance and financial help.
Voluntary Employee Benefits Account (VEBA)
HRA Veba
City contributions* are made to a health reimbursement account to reimburse qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses and premiums you may incur on behalf of yourself, your spouse, dependents. The contribution amount is $100 per month.
*Contributions contributed monthly by the City or with leave transfer and/or cash-out funds.
Deferred Compensation Plan
MissinSquare Retirement
The City offers a 457(b) deferred compensation retirement plan. Contribution amounts can be specified as a percentage or dollar amount for pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. Eligibility is at hire and participation in this plan is voluntary.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Allegiance
Flexible Spending Accounts save you money by reducing the taxes you pay. Your FSA contributions are deducted from each paycheck before federal, FICA and, in most cases, state taxes are calculated. Use your FSA contributions to pay for eligible expenses incurred by you, your spouse, and your dependents.
Holidays
The following holidays are observed throughout the year:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Birthday, President's Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and one Personal Holiday.
In some years, employees are also eligible for 4 hours holiday on Christmas Eve and 4 hours holiday on New Years' Eve.
Vacation
Employees shall accumulate vacation in the following manner:
0-3 years:12 days (8 hours per month)
4-9 years:16.5 days (11 hours per month)
10-15 years:21.5 days (14.33 hours per month)
16-19 years:23.5 days (15.66 hours per month)
20+ years:25 days (16.67 hours per month)
Part-time employee vacation hours are pro-rated based on hours worked. Vacation time may accumulate to maximum of 2 times yearly accrual. Excess vacation time will be transferred to employees VEBA account.
Sick Leave
At hire, 48 hours of sick time will be available. After a full 6 months of employment, sick hours will then be accrued a monthly basis at a rate of 8 hours per month.
Part-time employee sick hours are pro-rated based on hours worked. Sick leave may be accumulated to 1080 hours. Anything over 1080 hours will be transferred to employees VEBA account.
