PARK RANGER 1** - 02112025- 65301

About the position

Under immediate supervision, the Park Ranger is responsible for park security and conservation work of routine difficulty, performing related work as required. This is the entry-level class in the Park Ranger sub-series, where the employee learns to provide park resource law enforcement and protect park resources. An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory two-year training period. Marginal or inadequate performance during the initial two-year training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Communicates regularly with subordinates and peers regarding operational goals, initiatives, and priorities.
• Handles and maintains a firearm for the protection of oneself and others in the park.
• Employs defensive tactics, chemical weapons, and restraints, and if necessary, deadly force.
• Enforces the laws of Tennessee and the rules and regulations of Tennessee State Parks.
• Maintains security in Tennessee State Parks and identifies potential criminal and illicit activities.
• Supervises Seasonal Interpretive Recreators in their provision of programs.
• Conducts interpretive programs to educate the public and interprets information for visitors and co-workers.
• Identifies and inventories park fauna, flora, historic, prehistoric, and geologic features for interpretive programs.
• Conducts and approves performance evaluations for assigned subordinates.
• Identifies condition of individuals in any accident and determines level of medical treatment required.
• Implements a park resource management plan to protect and control park flora/fauna life and cultural, historical, and natural park resources.
• Learns CPR and other emergency medical care procedures and identifies potential emergency situations.
• Participates in search and rescue operations and assists with the implementation of the Tennessee State Park Safety Program.
• Conducts inspections to identify and monitor threats to park resources.
• Attends and maintains training for required certifications.
• Investigates and documents accidents on park property and prepares law enforcement related records and reports.
• Presents evidence gathered in a criminal arrest or investigation to a court, judge, or jury.
• Promotes and markets park interpretive programs through various media outlets.
• Creates and presents interpretive programs.
• Plans park interpretive programs including tours of the park, oral presentations, exhibits, and displays.
• Confiscates suspects' weapons, contraband, or personal items to use as evidence.
• Inspects project area upon completion of job to determine quality of work and safety of facility.
• Coordinates all emergency services with local emergency organizations.
• Assists with the writing of the emergency management plan.
• Executes disciplinary action, if necessary.
• Determines funding needs and sources of funding for the upkeep of the facilities.
• Monitors rare and endangered species and native plant restoration.
• Transports suspects to local law enforcement detention center.
• Makes presentations to civic groups, schools, clubs, and the general public concerning park activities and programs.
• Researches parks natural, cultural, historical resources to develop interpretive programs.
• Identifies staff and seasonal employees training needs.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample for a fingerprint-based criminal history records check.
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment.
• Successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy or have successfully completed the equivalent.

Benefits

• Full-Time employment
• Salary range: $4,517.00 - $6,758.00 monthly
• Salary range: $54,204.00 - $81,096.00 annually