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State Parks Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

State of Oregon

Park Ranger 2 - Clyde Holliday

Salem, OR · On-site

$4.3K - $5.9K/wk

Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department ...

Source Medical, LLC.

Pediatrics Physician

Lincoln City, OR

$180K - $233K/yr

Residents enjoy access to casinos, outlet shopping, and nearby state parks that highlight the area's natural beauty. Conveniently situated about 90 miles west of Salem, Lincoln City provides a ...

Oregon Metro

Parks Maintenance Technician

Portland, OR

$38.38 - $46.64/hr

Knowledge of applicable federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations for respective field. Knowledge of Metro's project management, procurement and contracting basics.

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State Parks information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$19

$30

How much do state parks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for state parks in Oregon is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are State Parks employees?

State Parks employees are professionals who work for state government agencies responsible for managing and maintaining public parks and recreational areas. Their roles can include park rangers, maintenance workers, interpreters, administrative staff, and law enforcement officers. They help ensure the safety of visitors, protect natural and cultural resources, provide educational programs, and maintain park facilities. State Parks employees play a vital role in making outdoor spaces accessible and enjoyable for the public.

What is the difference between State Parks vs Park Rangers?

AspectState ParksPark Rangers
CredentialsVaries; often includes environmental or park management degreesTypically requires park management, environmental science, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, outdoor settings, administrative officesOutdoor, on-site at parks, enforcement, visitor assistance
Employer & IndustryState government agencies managing parksState or federal agencies overseeing park safety and conservation
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding park management rolesJob responsibilities, qualifications, and duties of park staff

State Parks refer to the parks themselves managed by government agencies, while Park Rangers are the professionals working within these parks to ensure safety, conservation, and visitor services. The roles often overlap, but Park Rangers are specific job titles within State Parks, focusing on enforcement, education, and maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Park Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Park Ranger, you typically need knowledge of environmental science, resource management, law enforcement, and a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, two-way radios, first aid/CPR certification, and park management systems is often required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help rangers educate visitors, resolve conflicts, and work effectively with diverse groups. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, visitor safety, and the smooth operation of park facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in state parks, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Staff working in state parks often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, large crowds during peak seasons, and balancing conservation efforts with visitor satisfaction. New employees can prepare by staying up-to-date on park policies, learning effective communication strategies for interacting with the public, and developing problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations. Being adaptable and proactive about safety protocols also helps ensure a positive work experience and contributes to the overall success of park operations.
What are popular job titles related to State Parks jobs in Oregon? For State Parks jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching State Parks jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for State Parks jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for State Parks jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most State Parks job openings:
State Parks jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Parks job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,552 per year, or $20 per hour.

Park Ranger 1 - Interpretive - Seasonal - Wallowa Lake State Park

State of Oregon

Joseph, OR • On-site

$4.1K - $5.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

State Of Oregon rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 50 rated states

Job description

Initial Posting Date:
07/22/2026
Application Deadline:
08/05/2026
Agency:
Parks and Recreation Department
Salary Range:
$4,124 - $5,445
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Park Ranger 1 - Interpretive - Seasonal - Wallowa Lake State Park
Job Description:
Wallowa Lake State Park
Near Joseph, Oregon
Welcome Statement
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon's extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state's resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.
Your New Role
As a seasonal full-time Park Ranger 1, you will assist in the protection, maintenance, operation, and repair of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment, and systems. In this role, you will perform a variety of park operational tasks such as janitorial work, landscape maintenance, facility maintenance, safety, and visitor services. Some work may require skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, equipment repair, and landscape maintenance. Additionally, specialized skills in park maintenance and operations may be required. You may also support basic resource interpretation by engaging visitors with information about the park's natural, cultural, or historic features, and assisting with small interpretive activities or presentations as appropriate for the park. On a task-specific basis, you may guide the work of individuals or teams composed of volunteers, seasonal, and/or temporary state park employees. Located in the Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake Management Unit includes Wallowa Lake State Park, Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, and Minam State Recreation Area.
For a complete list of duties and working conditions for this position, please clickhere.
Housing is available at this location.
What's in it for you:
An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:
  • Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package
  • Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Two (2) years of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

OR
  • An Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (6) months of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

Special Requirements:
  • To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver's license.

Desired Attributes:
  • Experience developing and delivering presentations and products within established resource interpretation programs.
  • Experience communicating work procedures and goals to employees, hosts, volunteers from the public and youth groups to accomplish varied tasks and achieve goals.
  • Experience providing customer service and resolving customer complaints related to day use, overnight camping and park rule interpretation.
  • Experience performing facility and landscape maintenance to include basic janitorial, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and grounds-keeping tasks, and the safe use of related tools and equipment.
  • Experience using computer for data entry, registration of customers, fee collection, reconciling fees, completing deposits, emailing, creating letters/memos, generation of spreadsheets, and similar.
  • Skill in listening to what people say and asking appropriate questions to obtain needed information or resolve visitor complaints and conflicts.

How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.
  • Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job
  • The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project
  • External Applicants: Click on the "Apply" link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
  • Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.
  • Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans' Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under "Qualifying for Veterans' Preference".
  • After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.

Additional Information:
  • This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
  • This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
  • Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:
  • For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Brian Vaughan at Brian.VAUGHAN@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on
    Facebook
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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

What State Of Oregon employees say

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About State of Oregon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Not a traditional company, the State of Oregon is a governmental entity that serves the citizens of Oregon, United States. Based in the capital city of Salem, its industry spans a wide range of public services from health care, education, and transportation, to natural resources, housing, and public safety. Founded with the admission of Oregon to the Union in 1859, it operates on the judicious use of finite resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generation. Its primary mission is to serve the public through their core values of integrity, accountability, excellence, and equity.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1859

Social media

Twitter

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