Join the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation as a Park Ranger at Heyburn State Park in Plummer, Idaho.
Established in 1908, Heyburn is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest and a beloved destination for hikers, paddlers, equestrians, anglers, and families. The park's towering Ponderosa pines and the sparkling waters of Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes offer an incredible backdrop for a career dedicated to protecting natural resources and creating exceptional visitor experiences. As a Ranger, you will also support nearby McCroskey State Park and assist with Mowry State Park as it develops into a group camping and day use facility.
This position blends visitor service, resource protection, and hands-on operations. Rangers greet visitors, provide safety education, and respond to routine incidents while ensuring that trails, campsites, marinas, and facilities remain safe and welcoming. The ideal candidate is kind and confident in guest interactions, demonstrates strong leadership with seasonal staff and volunteers, and takes initiative to improve park operations. Experience in trail maintenance and interpretive programming is highly valued, along with practical skills in plumbing, electrical work, and chainsaw operation for hazard tree removal. The role also includes supporting fee collection and reservations, coordinating special events and educational programs, and contributing to maintenance and fieldwork. The position requires vehicle and equipment operation in all seasons and weather conditions, with a schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. A background in outdoor recreation, resource management, or park operations is preferred, supported by solid teamwork and problem-solving skills.
About the parks: Heyburn spans over 8,000 acres of land and water, with miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, three lakes with boating and paddling access, 138 campsites, two marinas, three boat launches, and historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built structures that still serve visitors today. McCroskey State Park adds another 5,000 acres with 32 miles of multi-use trails open to OHV riders, diverse forest habitat, remaining stretches of native Palouse Prairie, four primitive campgrounds, and multiple day-use areas. Mowry State Park, perched on a bluff above Lake Coeur d'Alene, is being developed as a unique group-camping and event site featuring one of the lake's last grand Craftsman-style homes.
Park housing is available, providing a unique opportunity to live and work in one of Idaho's most scenic and peaceful landscapes.
This is your opportunity to join a dedicated team that protects Idaho's outdoor heritage while welcoming thousands of visitors to one of the Northwest's most historic landscapes.
Learn more about these parks here: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/state-park/heyburn-state-park/
For questions about this position or the housing opportunity available, please contact: Assistant Park Manager Tessa Myhre
Phone: ( 208) 686-1308
Email: tessa.myhre@idpr.idaho.gov
Example of Duties
Visitor Services and Resource Protection.
Provides information to visitors and the public regarding park history and geology, plants, and animals.
Conducts nature walks.
Develops and presents interpretive and environmental awareness programs for park visitors, school groups, and organizations.
Performs research for programs and displays Informs visitors of pertinent regulations of the Department as well as other partner organizations such as the Department of Fish and Game and Department of Lands.
Collects fees.
Ensures compliance with outdoor recreation program and park rules and regulations.
Works with local enforcement agencies to give warnings.
Patrols park to protect and preserve park resources from vandalism and abuse.
Promotes public safety.
Serves as liaison between the park and other enforcement agencies.
Administers first aid, organizes, markets, and implements special events.
Administrative.
Works with other park staff to hire, train, schedule, and supervise seasonal employees and volunteers.
Prepares and maintains reports, expense transmittals, records, logs, and inventories.
Purchases supplies and materials.
Prepares research reports and procedure manuals.
May represent the department at meetings with the public, user, and/or special interest groups and partner agencies.
Park Maintenance.
Maintains park facilities and grounds to ensure resource preservation and visitor safety.
Performs a variety of basic craft activities including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry.
Operates and repairs vehicles, trucks, mowers, groomers, backhoes, and hand and power tools.
Fells and removes hazardous trees.
Designs, modifies, and fabricates equipment; inspects the area and takes corrective action for hazardous conditions and defective equipment.
These positions involve various skills including public relations; natural resource management; park building and grounds maintenance; park and recreation rule compliance, and conflict resolution of visitor and user issues.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position requires working nights, weekends, and holidays, often in all weather conditions and around potentially hazardous materials such as caustic substances and pesticides.
The role also requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally, as well as frequent bending, stooping, and climbing ladders, with or without reasonable accommodation.
This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout the course of employment.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Some knowledge of outdoor recreation and/or natural resource management. Typically gained by completing at least 9 college-level credits in a natural resource and/or outdoor recreation field AND at least six months of experience working with natural resource issues and/or outdoor recreation; OR, at least twelve (12) months experience as a Ranger (or similar position) in a city, county, state or federal park and recreation system.
Experience providing service to a variety of customers. Typically gained by at least 6 months of experience answering questions, providing direction, and asking questions to determine the needs or purpose of the visit.
Experience supervising the work of others. Typically gained by at least six (6) months' work experience assigning work or training new/existing staff.
THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
Experience operating and maintaining vehicles/equipment. Typically gained by at least six months of experience skillfully operating lightweight over-the-road @type vehicles and equipment such as cars and pickups (manual shift not automatic), lawnmowers, weed eaters, trimmers, etc., and operating heavy equipment and vehicles such as tractors, trucks, backhoes, front end loaders, etc.
Experience performing construction and building maintenance. Typically gained by at least six months of experience skillfully performing basic carpentry tasks such as roof repair, erecting drywall, installing windows or doors, minor home repair, and performing basic plumbing tasks such as repairing/replacing faucets, sinks, drains, and toilets.
Some knowledge of Interpretation/Environmental Education. Typically gained by successfully completing at least three (3) college-level credits, one (1) agency-sponsored workshop, that included park interpretation or environmental education; OR, at least six (6) months of work experience creating and leading interpretive experiences such as campfire programs, school tours, and nature walks in a park and recreation or school system.
Given the high volume of applications for the Ranger position, we strongly encourage applicants to submit comprehensive resumes and cover letters. To provide clarity on our desired expectations, we've prepared a sample resume and cover letter: Example Resume and Cover Letter for Ranger Position (https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:de27022f-2f4e-3fb4-a98b-34be004a2dc4)
DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO
WHY IDPR? We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. IDPR manages 30 state parks, trails and attractions throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators. To learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation please visit : https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/
BENEFITS: We offer a competitive benefits package which includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance. There is generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start. There are ten paid holidays in a year; participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems; multiple saving plans and optional 401K; life insurance; wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities and more. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.
EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
