Interpretive Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This Park Ranger Senior position is a split-site role serving both Dankworth Pond State Park and Roper Lake State Park. From September through May, the position performs regular ranger duties at Roper Lake as a primary function, supporting daily operations, visitor services, and public safety at that facility. Year-round, and as the primary focus from June through August, the position serves as the operational lead and program driver at Dankworth Pond. Core Dankworth responsibilities include park oversight, special events planning and execution, trail maintenance and development, interpretive signage design and installation, and coordination with the Bureau of Land Management on shared land and resource management priorities. This position works under minimal supervision and is expected to exercise strong independent judgment, creative program development, and proactive planning across both sites.

Duties include but are not limited to:
- Roper Lake State Park/Ranger Duties (September through May): Perform regular Park Ranger Senior duties at Roper Lake State Park as part of the facility's operational rotation. Responsibilities include patrolling the facility, staffing the contact station and visitor center as needed, enforcing park rules and applicable statutes, responding to visitor inquiries and incidents, supporting special programs and events, assisting with maintenance and janitorial needs, and contributing to the general safety and function of the park. This position coordinates closely with Roper Lake park staff and management to ensure seamless coverage and consistent service delivery across the shared facility.
- Park Oversight and Operations Management: Serve as the operational lead at Dankworth Pond, ensuring the facility is safe, compliant, and visitor-ready. Patrol the park regularly to identify and address maintenance, safety, and rule-compliance issues. Coordinate with Roper Lake staff on shared entrance fee processing,
- BLM Partnership and Inter-Agency Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for the Bureau of Land Management on issues affecting Dankworth Pond and the surrounding landscape. Coordinate on shared trail corridors, adjacent land use, natural resource concerns, and collaborative planning efforts. Maintain a productive working relationship with BLM field staff, attend relevant coordination meetings, and document agreements and joint projects for continuity.
- Special Events Planning and Execution: Develop and coordinate special events that connect the community to Dankworth Pond, including wildlife programs, fishing events, birding walks, and heritage education activities tied to the Dankworth Village site. Manage event logistics from concept through wrap-up, including permitting, volunteer recruitment and coordination, work group scheduling, and post-event evaluation. Serve as the primary coordinator for volunteer programs and community work groups, building lasting relationships with individuals and organizations that extend the park's capacity for stewardship and outreach. Ensure events and community engagement efforts reflect the park's identity and serve a broad and inclusive audience.
- Interpretive Signage Development and Installation: Plan, design, and oversee the installation of interpretive signage throughout the park, including trail markers, wildlife viewing panels, and content for the Dankworth Village Heritage Education Site. Ensure signage is accurate, accessible, and aligned with Arizona State Parks standards. Coordinate with agency communications or design staff as needed and manage signage condition through regular inspection and maintenance.
- Trail Planning, Maintenance, and Development: Oversee the condition and long-term planning of the park's trail system, including the Dos Arroyo Trail and any future additions. Conduct regular assessments, coordinate maintenance with staff and volunteers, and identify improvements that enhance visitor access and resource protection. Engage with BLM and other partners on trails that extend beyond the park boundary.- Other duties as assigned to the position.

Knowledge of:
Outdoor recreation and park management principles; environmental and natural resource interpretation; Arizona State Parks policies, procedures, and operational standards; park rule enforcement and public safety practices; inter-agency coordination and partnership management, including BLM; interpretive signage design and installation standards; special event planning and logistics; trail assessment, construction, and maintenance standards; fee and revenue procedures; emergency response protocols; and general office and administrative practices.
Skill in:
Effective written and verbal communication; public speaking in both formal and impromptu settings; customer service and visitor conflict resolution; development and facilitation of interpretive programs and events; volunteer program coordination and community work group management; project planning and follow-through; inter-agency relationship management; and non-supervisory team leadership.
Ability to:
Work independently with minimal supervision in a dynamic, multi-site, field-based environment; exercise sound judgment and creative problem-solving; develop and manage programs, projects, and partnerships that advance park goals; lead and support volunteers, seasonal staff, and special assignment personnel; interact effectively with a wide range of visitors, community members, and agency partners; and represent Arizona State Parks professionally in inter-agency settings.

Two years of experience equivalent to a Park Ranger Specialist; OR three years of work experience in customer service, library or museum work; OR a Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Any combination of training and experience that meet knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted.

- Must possess and maintain a current Arizona Driver's license appropriate to assignment.
- Some positions may require certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, Water Distribution and Treatment Systems Operator, and/or Certified Interpretive Guide.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year pid leave for newborns or newly placed foster/adopted child.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State of Arizona employees.

Recruitmenthr@azstateparks.gov
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 604 -7331. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

Having trouble applying for this position?
Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.