Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Need a fresh take on law enforcement? Join our Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) certified Ranger team working in the fresh air at our lakes, parks and campgrounds!

MWCD is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio. Our organization has an inspiring mission calling our team to be responsible stewards dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, conservation and recreation in the Muskingum River Watershed. This is a full-time position that includes becoming a member of the Ohio Public Employees LE Retirement System (OPERS-LE), eligibility for health, vision, dental and life insurance. We also offer excellent paid leave benefits, including PTO and 3 paid holidays.

Park Ranger - Seneca Lake Park
Application Deadline: Posted until filled. 
Entry Wage Rate: $24.26, ($26.51 effective 7/5/2026, +$0.95 and +$1.20 shift differential earned for certain shifts)

Location: Seneca Lake Park 
Safety Sensitive: Yes
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
NOTE: This is a law enforcement position. An Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy certification is required to be considered for this position. 
NOTE: This is a bargaining unit position and therefore is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement currently in effect between the MWCD and the FOP.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Promotes and ensures the safety of Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) visitors through routine patrol and enforcement activities on its lands by motor vehicle and foot patrol and waters by watercraft (as certification and training allows). Spends considerable time performing public relations activities and public education, ensuring excellent service is provided to MWCD guests. Responds to concerns, complaints and disturbances on land and water. Enforces the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Code, safe boating laws, MWCD rules and regulations, as well as the Campground Rules and Regulations. Appropriately utilizes warnings, citations and arrests to enforce state laws as well as MWCD rules. May be called upon to perform duties at any MWCD reservoir/location for special assignments/projects or in emergency situations.

EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE OPERATED/USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Patrol vehicle, patrol watercraft, computer, laptop, taser, impact weapon, firearms, radio, traffic radar, Microsoft Office Suite, Paycom, Lexipol, OHLEG.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Ascends and/or descends ladders, stairs, or scaffolds; works in the vicinity of dockboards (bridge plates); works in an area in which the means of egress is or can be obstructed; is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from extremely noisy conditions above 85db (e.g., firearms, patrol watercraft); is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous waste; is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; is exposed to possible injury as a result of electrical shock; is exposed to possible injury as a result of working with moving mechanical parts of equipment or machines (e.g., patrol watercraft); is exposed to possible injury as a result of falling from high places; uses or works in proximity to the use of firearms; works in or around crowds; has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons; has exposure to potentially vicious animals; has exposure to life threatening situations; has exposure to fire; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions; has exposure to hazardous driving conditions; works second shift / third shift; works rotating shift; has exposure to shaking objects or surfaces; has exposure to second-handsmoke.

Note:  In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered heavy work.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

65% (1)

Patrols MWCD property including lands and waters; investigates incidents, complaints and accidents; issues citations, executes bench warrants, works with various law enforcement agencies in investigative and preventative measures and enforces state laws including ORC and MWCD rules and regulations; responds to water related emergencies and other emergencies as required and as certification and training allow; responds to concerns, complaints, and disturbances on land and/or water; enforces the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Code, MWCD rules and regulations, Campground Rules and Guidelines, and safe boating laws when applicable; renders assistance to the public by providing information pertinent to MWCD facilities, safe boating education and points of interest in the area. Administers first aid and rescue as required; notifies appropriate manager of any law enforcement /customer issues that require further attention; practices standard MWCD safety procedures in performing job duties and assists other MWCD personnel as required; notifies appropriate manager of any safety concerns realized while performing job duties.

15% (2)

Maintains required ranger logs, vehicle and equipment checks, supplies inventory and reports mechanical and/or safety issues to appropriate supervisor.

15% (3)

Performs routine maintenance checks on equipment; performs vehicle maintenance; performs utility checks; checks for mechanical and safety issues.

Maintains required licensures and certification, if any.

Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5% (4)

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Attends meetings, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS: (*indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge of: Agency policies and procedures, government structure and process; Microsoft Office Suite; development of training programs; implementing law enforcement standards and practices; law enforcement procedures.

Skilled in: Public relations; computer operation; organization; analysis; writing.

Ability to: Communicate effectively; develop, solve practical problems; deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; pay attention to detail.

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED:

None.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Completion of high school (12th school grade) or possession of a GED certificate or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Ohio Peace Officer Training Certification (OPOTA), must possess a driver’s license valid State of Ohio and must be insurable by MWCD fleet insurance.