Entry Level Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time
05/14/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time
05/27/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly)
$4,562.00 - $6,825.00
Salary (Annually)
$54,744.00 - $81,900.00
Job Type
Full-Time
City, State Location
Nashville, TN
Department
Environment and Conservation
LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/00115110_park_ranger_1_bccm_tdec-job-opp_ps_ua.pdf
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's
degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons

Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application

Be a citizen of the United States

Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation

Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority

Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority

Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal
history records check

Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions
from any branch of the United States armed forces

Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the
Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position

Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is
consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of
the position

Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment

Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law
Enforcement Academy or have successfully completed the equivalent of the prescribed course.

All commissioned Officers of the Tennessee State Parks will complete 63 hours First Responder
(Emergency Medical Care) or State of Tennessee equivalent course upon being hired and maintain
their First Responder certification.

During their careers, most rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the
state. While employee work location preference is considered, there is no guarantee that a ranger
will remain stationed in only one area.
Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.
Overview
This position is part of the Tennessee State Parks Park Ranger series for TDEC. This is the entry-level classification in the TSP Park Ranger Series. Under immediate supervision, this classification is responsible for law enforcement, emergency medical response, safety and security of the park and general public, resource-based interpretation, resource management, supervision of full and part-time employees, supporting park operations, and providing maintenance within a state park. This class differs from a TSP Park Ranger 2 in that an incumbent of the latter performs at the working level. This class differs from that of TSP Park Ranger 3 in that the latter performs leadership responsibilities and increasingly complex work.
*An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory two-year training period. Inadequate performance during the initial two-year training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
Responsibilities
1. Attends required training and becomes proficient in utilizing law enforcement equipment and knowledge to investigate illicit activity and enforce park rules and regulations as well as state laws to ensure visitor safety and to protect park resources while maintaining order within the park. Documents law enforcement incidents and enters reports within required deadlines.
2. Provides emergency medical response appropriate to the level of training and certification received within their scope of practice under the approved medical protocols. Utilizing medical assessment and patient management equipment as indicated to determine the level of care appropriate to the patient's condition and get them to the further medical care that they need.
3. Provides general safety and security for the park. Performs search and rescue operations to locate lost parties. Conducts routine inspections of all park facilities, and features to document and report or resolve safety issues such as issues with fire alarm systems, playground safety standards, OSHA and TOSHA compliance issues, and security issues with unsecured equipment, buildings or to resolve threats to natural and cultural resources or other security concerns as observed.
4. Provides resource-based interpretive and recreational programming. Utilizing best practice standards to present professional programs, workshops, displays, and exhibits that support their park's interpretive themes and support the mission of Tennessee State Parks while keeping in mind universal accessibility standards.
5. Utilizes best practices to identify, protect, and promote natural and cultural resources. Organize and conduct activities including boundary marking and investigations, trail management, scientific studies, fire management, habitat improvement, invasive species removal, permitted hunts, volunteer activities, and more.
6. Supervises and coordinates the work of park staff as assigned by leading and assigning work to support staff. Clearly communicates expectations to employees and follows up with assigning goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and time specific. and reporting performance through the individual performance plan system for all full-time employees or through established methods with employees who do not have Individual Performance Plans (IPP's).
7. Supports Park operational goals by assisting the public with customer service needs. Providing support for operation accounting procedures in retail operations. Leading smaller park operations and assisting with inventories and purchasing. Making purchases, achieving revenue goals, and creating displays to promote retail sales.
8. Assist with general maintenance and janitorial work to park facilities and grounds to ensure safe operational conditions. Includes operation of a variety of tools and equipment needed to maintain the various facilities and grounds within a park.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
1. Instills Trust
2. Manages Conflict
3. Decision Quality
4. Communicates Effectively
5. Directs Work
Knowledges:
1. Customer and Personal Service
2. Communications and Media
3. Public Safety and Security
4. Biology
5. History and Archeology
Skills:
1. Reading Comprehension
2. Speaking
3. Judgment and Decision Making
4. Critical Thinking
5. Active Learning and Listening
Abilities:
1. Speech Recognition
2. Limb and/or Full Body Flexibility
3. Written Comprehension
4. Reaction Time
5. Prolonged Stamina
Tools & Equipment
1. Law Enforcement Equipment (i.e firearms, handcuffs, baton, oleoresin capsicum spray)
2. Medical Equipment (E.g. AED's, Medical oxygen tank, Blood pressure cuffs, etc.)
3. Hand Tools (fire management/trail tools)
4. Computer/ Cell Phone & Radio
5. Vehicles and Equipment