NOTE: All applicants must apply by 11:59 PM MST on the closing date.
Are you looking for a park ranger role where cultural heritage and outdoor recreation come together in a meaningful way?
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking a dedicated Park Ranger to serve at Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park. This position offers a dynamic blend of cultural interpretation, public engagement, natural resource protection, and visitor compliance at one of North Idaho's most historically significant parks.
Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park in Cataldo features the Sacred Heart Mission, Idaho's oldest standing building, constructed between 1850 and 1853 through a partnership between the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Jesuit missionaries. The park also includes a restored Parish House, a historic cemetery, and the nationally recognized "Sacred Encounters" exhibit inside the visitor center. Rangers at this site help protect these culturally significant resources while also supporting educational programming and providing positive visitor experiences.
While this position offers variety and public interaction, it places a consistent focus on respectful enforcement. Rangers are expected to patrol park grounds, educate visitors about park rules, issue warnings when appropriate, and coordinate with partner agencies as needed. A professional and courteous approach to compliance is essential, especially in high-use areas where positive interactions can make a lasting impact.
The role also includes diverse operational responsibilities such as basic facility and grounds maintenance, assisting with special events and interpretive programs, supervising seasonal staff and volunteers, and handling administrative tasks like fee collection and record keeping. Experience in cultural or natural resource protection, customer service, light trades work, or outdoor education is highly valued. A working knowledge of park rule enforcement and conflict resolution will support success in this role.
Housing is available for this position.
Learn more about Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park at: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/state-park/coeur-dalenes-old-mission-state-park/
To learn more about this position & housing opportunity, please contact: Assistant Park Manager, Rikki Walcker
Phone: ( 208) 682-3814
Email: Rikki.walcker@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.
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.
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 volunteers & seasonal staff.
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.
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.
