Zoo Park Ranger Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $21.39 - $30.08 Hourly
Location : Traverse City, MI
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 7501-26-PARK-218
Department: Natural Resources
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: MICHIGAN STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (MSEA)
Job Description
This position participates in the day to day work activities of the unit with regard to the operations of Parks and Recreation Division administered facilities. The employee shall assist the Unit Supervisor/Lead Ranger in various administrative tasks as delegated with minimal supervision. The employee shall perform various types of operational and maintenance duties consistent with the operation of Parks and Recreation Division administered facilities. This position will train and provide guidance to staff, maintain grounds, infrastructure and equipment, and perform other duties as assigned. The employee shall regard their personal safety, as well as the safety of co-workers and the public, as their personal responsibility.
This position requires that the employee obtain and maintain a DNR Law Enforcement Commission.
As a requirement for this position, attendance at the Parks and Recreation Division Law Enforcement Academy and Ranger Operations Academy is required. These are two separate trainings typically totaling 12 weeks with courses intended to increase your physical ability to handle incidents, increase your knowledge of Parks & Recreation Rules as well as park operations. These trainings will require overnight stays in / at a learning facility.Michigan DNR Commissioned Park and Recreation Ranger Requirements
Required Education and Experience
Education
Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school.
Experience
Park and Recreation Ranger 6
No specific type or amount is required.
Park and Recreation Ranger 7
One year of experience in a park or recreation setting, or in the construction trades.
Park and Recreation Ranger E8
Two years of park and recreation experience, including one year equivalent to a Park and Recreation Ranger 7.
Alternate Education and Experience
Completion of at least 8 semester (12 term) college credits in natural resources, park management or outdoor recreation may be substituted for one year of experience as a Park and Recreation Ranger-E.
Completion of at least 15 semester (22 term) college credits in natural resources, park management or outdoor recreation may be substituted for two years of experience as a Park and Recreation Ranger-E.
Additional Requirements and Information
View the job specification at:
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
PRKRNGR - Do you possess at least an educational level typically acquired through the completion of high school?

• Yes
• No

02
PRKRNGR - Please select your level of experience.

• None
• At least one year of experience in a park or recreation setting, or in the construction trades.
• At least two years of park and recreation experience.
• At least three years of park and recreation experience.

03
PRKRNGR - Have you completed at least 8 semester (12 term) college credits in natural resources, park management or outdoor recreation? If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.

• Yes
• No

04
PRKRNGR - Have you completed at least 15 semester (22 term) college credits in natural resources, park management or outdoor recreation? If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.

• Yes
• No

05
Have you previously worked for or are you a current Michigan Department of Natural Resources' employee?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you a current or past DNR Parks and Recreation Division employee? If so, in what capacity? Please select all that apply:

• State Worker
• Student Assistant
• Summer Youth Employment Worker
• Volunteer
• Park & Recreation Ranger
• Other
• Not applicable

07
Are you currently a Park and Recreation Ranger within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Recreation Division?

• Yes
• No

08
Are you currently a Commissioned Park and Recreation Ranger within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Recreation Division?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you hold a skilled trades certificate or on-the-job skilled trades certificate (i.e., journeyperson, plumber, welder, carpenter, electrician, equipment operator, mechanical)?

• Yes
• No

10
If you answered yes to the previous question, please indicate the skilled trades certification(s) you possess. If no, please type N/A.
11
How much experience do you have with the maintenance of parks, including: minor maintenance and repairs of infrastructure, facility cleaning, and grounds keeping?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

12
How much on-the-job experience do you possess with carpentry?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

13
How much on-the-job experience do you possess with electrical?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

14
How much on-the-job experience do you possess with plumbing?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

15
How much on-the-job experience do you possess with masonry?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

16
How much experience do you have with small engine/equipment maintenance/repair?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

17
How much experience do you have with leading and/or coordinating projects, staff, and operations?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

18
Please explain your experience leading and/or coordinating others in projects, operations, or similar activities.
19
How much experience do you have with facilities maintenance and construction?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

20
How much experience do you have using computer software (word processing, databases, spreadsheets, etc.)?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

21
How much experience do you have using a computerized reservation system for hotel, motel, or campground registrations?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

22
How much experience do you have with handling cash, preparing daily receipts, and/or preparing deposits using standard accounting methods?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

23
How much experience do you have in public relations, which includes providing services and/or information to the public?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

24
How much experience do you have with emergency response, law enforcement, or public safety?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

25
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

26
Do you currently possess a pesticide applicator license?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 years or more

27
If yes, please indicate what type. If no, please type N/A
28
In order to be eligible for a Commissioned Park and Recreation position, you must be at least 21 years old by completion of the Parks and Recreation Law Academy. Will you be at least 21 years o