Recreation Ranger

THE OUTSIDE IS IN US ALL.

Announcement:

Please remember to attach the required documents listed in this announcement.

Cover Letter

Applications missing the requested documents will be considered incomplete and may not progress further in the process. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The State Application is not a substitute for a Resume. This position closes at 11:59 PM Mountain Time on September 16, 2026. You must apply through the State of Montana Career site.

Special Information:

Identity of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary. Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays. This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

A successful applicant will be subject to a background investigation.

Women and minorities are under-represented in this job category and are encouraged to apply.

Effective June 22, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ 

The Recreation Ranger position for the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park District in Ulm, MT, is located about 13 miles outside of Great Falls. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is the largest Buffalo Jump in North America. It is a site where Indigenous People would come to hunt the buffalo for hundreds of years. The 3000-acre park features 7 miles of trail, stunning vistas, and a 6000 square foot visitor center with exhibits on the Northern Plains Buffalo Cultures, Montana Tribes, and the Archaeology of the site. The visitor center also includes a busy gift shop and a classroom. First Peoples Buffalo Jump hosts numerous field trips for students from across the state as well as many special events including an art show, kite festival, mammoth hunt, guided hikes, guest speakers, and a thriving summer junior ranger program. The district also covers Tower Rock State Park, a Lewis and Clark site, and additional Fishing Access Sites in the area. 

This is a permanent year-round position. The work is done both inside the visitor center and outdoors. The incumbent will be expected to work independently, at irregular hours, in adverse weather conditions. Weekends, holidays, and evening work are required. Good physical condition is essential. The identities of applicants who become finalists may be released to the public if the Department deems it necessary.

Great Falls, Montana, the nearest major city to the park (13 miles away), offers a welcoming blend of western culture, outdoor recreation, and modern amenities. Located along the Missouri River and home to nearly 60,000 residents, it provides a comfortable balance of community feel and urban convenience. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, kayaking, winter sports, and abundant wildlife viewing. The city features miles of riverfront trails, multiple parks, golf courses, a minor league baseball stadium, and nearby state parks and a national wildlife refuge. With strong healthcare options, diverse entertainment, and plentiful shopping, Great Falls serves as a vibrant and supportive home base for those working in and around the region.

Job Duties:

The Recreation Ranger position (a.k.a. “Ranger”) assists the Recreation Manager with non-maintenance operations at State Parks, FASs, Wildlife Management Areas (recreation management only), and river corridors for purpose of providing visitor services, managing recreation, and stewarding the natural, cultural, and historical resources.    This work will primarily encompass broad administrative, operational, and public relations activities.    This position provides essential services and tasks as they arise, such as visitor contacts, rule compliance, fee collection and remittance, interpretation and education, and other duties as assigned.

The Ranger position works under the immediate supervision of the Recreation Manager and provides direction for other staff, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers.  In the absence of the Recreation Manager, the incumbent may be assigned to acting as Recreation Manager responsibilities. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Knowledge of recreation management, familiarity with natural and cultural resource management principles, including historical and current issues. Background in natural resources, recreation, and cultural resources. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a concise and interpretable manner, with department employees, the public, special interest groups and appropriate land management agencies. Proficiency in the safe handling and operation of site-specific modes of transportation, such as motorized and non-motorized watercraft, bicycles, and snow machines. Knowledge of the laws, policies, and regulations under which the agency operates. Ability to negotiate, explain, and diffuse conflict among parties with differing views and visitors frustrated with department/site rules and policy. Ability to work effectively in extreme environmental conditions. Willingness to work in various locations, conditions, and variable days/hours. Must behave ethically and appropriately when serving visitors.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of this position are normally attained through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in park and or recreation management, archeology, geology, or related fields.  Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.