PARK RANGER
Date: Sep 4, 2025
Req ID: 52613
Location:
Mountain Pine, AR, US, 71956
Category: DEPT OF PARKS AND TOURISM
Anticipated Starting Salary: $55,930
Park Ranger
Req: 52613
Position #: 22092477
Salary: $55,930
Grade: LES03
Location: Lake Ouachita (with housing)
Closing date: 09/11/20025
Job Duties: Patrol park grounds, facilities, campgrounds, trails, and waterways to ensure public safety and security. Duties include patrolling for possible thefts, illegal hunting and vandalism and other violations, making physical arrests, testifying in court, assisting local agencies, and administering first aid. Enforce Arkansas's traffic and criminal statutes, and park-specific rules or park directives, and regulations, including applicable Arkansas Game and Fish laws. This includes making arrests and issuing warnings and/or citations as needed. Respond to emergencies such as medical events, accidents, lost persons, wildlife encounters, or criminal activity, providing appropriate action or assistance. Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, accidents, or incidents occurring within park boundaries. Serve as a friendly, knowledgeable public contact for park guests, providing guidance, information, and education on park features, rules, and safety protocols. Be the health and safety officer for park events, or as support for law enforcement duties as assigned for events. Assist or lead public programming for health, safety, or security needs. Monitor natural and cultural resources for signs of damage, misuse, or illegal activity. Collaborate with resource management staff to support habitat protection and historical preservation efforts. Maintain accurate records and reports of patrol activities, incidents, arrests, and safety hazards. Complete daily logs, evidence documentation, and case-related paperwork in compliance with agency policies and directives. Assist with park operations including traffic control, campground compliance, and support during high visitation periods or special events. Participate in search and rescue efforts or emergency evacuations as needed.
KAS: Strong verbal communication skills for public interaction and enforcement. Ability to defuse tense situations and manage conflict calmly and effectively. Sound decision-making under pressure and in potentially hazardous or dynamic conditions. Excellent observational and situational awareness skills. Committed to ethical conduct, impartiality, and public trust. Displays a high standard of personal accountability and integrity. Ability to work cooperatively with other rangers, law enforcement, park staff, and state agencies. Adaptability to changing weather, visitor volume, and emergency scenarios.
Minimum Qualifications: This position is subject to 24-hour calls, must be able to traverse rough terrain, work a varied shift including weekends, evenings, and holidays, work in inclement weather and carry a firearm while on duty.
Preferred Qualifications: The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in park management, outdoor recreation, criminal justice, criminology, or related field; or two years of college coursework; plus, two years of experience in a natural resources field. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements.
All applicants must be able to pass a full background to meet the Commission of Law Enforcements Standards and Training requirements.
Must have or be able to complete the Arkansas law enforcement certification training in accordance with ACA12-9-106.
All ADPHT Uniformed Law Enforcement positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualified patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.
EOE/AA/ADA Women and minorities encouraged to apply.
This position offers a full benefit package including paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement pension.
Applications accepted online only: https://arcareers.arkansas.gov
Please visit us on the web at https://adpht.arkansas.gov to find out more about us.
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas's natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state's economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.
Position Information
Job Series:Park Law Enforcement - Career Path
Classification:Park Ranger
Class Code:SPL03P
Pay Grade:LES03
Salary Range:$55,930 - $82,776
Job Summary
The Park Ranger serves as a certified law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing state laws and park regulations, and protecting natural, cultural, and historical resources within Arkansas's state parks. Park Rangers engage with the public, respond to emergencies, and support recreational and conservation goals through both enforcement and educational outreach.
Primary Responsibilities
Patrol park grounds, facilities, campgrounds, trails, and waterways to ensure public safety and security. Duties include patrolling for possible thefts, illegal hunting and vandalism and other violations, making physical arrests, testifying in court, assisting local agencies, and administering first aid. Enforce Arkansas's traffic and criminal statutes, and park-specific rules or park directives, and regulations, including applicable Arkansas Game and Fish laws. This includes making arrests and issuing warnings and/or citations as needed. Respond to emergencies such as medical events, accidents, lost persons, wildlife encounters, or criminal activity, providing appropriate action or assistance. Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, accidents, or incidents occurring within park boundaries. Serve as a friendly, knowledgeable public contact for park guests, providing guidance, information, and education on park features, rules, and safety protocols. Be the health and safety officer for park events, or as support for law enforcement duties as assigned for events. Assist or lead public programming for health, safety, or security needs. Monitor natural and cultural resources for signs of damage, misuse, or illegal activity. Collaborate with resource management staff to support habitat protection and historical preservation efforts. Maintain accurate records and reports of patrol activities, incidents, arrests, and safety hazards. Complete daily logs, evidence documentation, and case-related paperwork in compliance with agency policies and directives. Assist with park operations including traffic control, campground compliance, and support during high visitation periods or special events. Participate in search and rescue efforts or emergency evacuations as needed.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong verbal communication skills for public interaction and enforcement. Ability to defuse tense situations and manage conflict calmly and effectively. Sound decision-making under pressure and in potentially hazardous or dynamic conditions. Excellent observational and situational awareness skills. Committed to ethical conduct, impartiality, and public trust. Displays a high standard of personal accountability and integrity. Ability to work cooperatively with other rangers, law enforcement, park staff, and state agencies. Adaptability to changing weather, visitor volume, and emergency scenarios.
Minimum Qualifications
This position is subject to 24-hour calls, must be able to traverse rough terrain, work a varied shift including weekends, evenings, and holidays, work in inclement weather and carry a firearm while on duty.
Licensure/Certifications
Must be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Nearest Major Market:Little Rock
Nearest Secondary Market:Hot Springs
