Park Ranger Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $41,664.00 Annually
Location : Oconee County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191525
Agency: Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Division: Devils Fork State Park
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: LB20
Position Number:: 60022003
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Full-time, 40 hours per week rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.
Pay Grade: GEN06
Hiring Range - Min.: $41,664.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $41,664.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. A State application MUST be submitted electronically through the www.careers.sc.gov website.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
The mountain spring-fed Lake Jocassee encompassed by the Jocassee Gorges, waterfalls accessible only by boat and some of the best South Carolina trout fishing are all part of the allure of Devils Fork State Park.
The land around 7,565-acre Lake Jocassee remains mostly undeveloped and the only public access point to the lake is through Devils Fork. Four mountain streams and several waterfalls feed into the lake, making it cooler than others and a great South Carolina trout fishing spot. Plus, the unusually clear water of Lake Jocassee is a haven for scuba divers and swimmers. During the spring months, hikers on the Oconee Bell Nature Trail are treated to sightings of the endangered Oconee bell wildflower.
Job Purpose and Duties:
Under general supervision, assists with overall operation and maintenance of a State Park. Performs diversified duties as governed by general instruction, policies and standard operating procedures of the Department. Assumes the responsibilities of the Park Manager in the absence of higher-level employees.
1) Assists with park administrative duties in accordance with department policy and procedures and planning of long and short-term goals.
2) Collect and account for revenue and produce required reports.
3) Instruct, supervise, and perform routine and preventative maintenance on grounds, buildings, and equipment to meet established standards. Maintains a safe work environment.
4) Manages assigned specific operations to include public use areas, retail operations and facilities.
6) Work to accomplish the mission of the Park Service through the core values of Stewardship and Service. Effectively deliver quality customer service and address visitor concerns in a timely manner. Work to ensure that visitors leave with a positive experience and a desire to return.
7) Assists in control of inventories of equipment, supplies and retail items by issue, use and counts; completes data reports.
8) Instruct, supervise, and perform routine and preventative maintenance on grounds, buildings, and equipment to meet established standards. Maintains a safe work environment.
9) Practice and promote teamwork within Devils Fork State Park office/work unit, throughout the agency and with external agency stakeholders. Represents office as an active member on a agency team assigned throughout the year. Continue professional development through relevant readings, podcasts, courses, etc.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Associate degree in Park Management or related field with one (1) year of park ranger experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Requirements:
1) Position requires medium to heavy lifting, walking and standing on uneven terrain, crawling and working at heights. Exposure to weather conditions, cleaning agents and other material used in maintaining park facilities and grounds.
2) Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
3) Must possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License.
Additional Comments
Actual Job Location: Devils Fork State Park
Full-time, 40 hours per week rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
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