Initial Posting Date:
01/23/2026Application Deadline:
02/11/2026Agency:
Parks and Recreation DepartmentSalary Range:
$4,023 - $5,312Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Park Ranger 1 - Interpretation - Seasonal - Kam Wah ChungJob Description:
Near John Day, Oregon
This recruitment announcement will be used to fill multiple vacancies. First round of application review will take place around Feb. 2, 2026 so apply today for best consideration!
Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
Welcome Statement
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.
Your New Role
As a seasonal, full-time Interpretive Park Ranger 1, you will assist in the protection, maintenance, and day to day operation of state park lands including the historic Kam Wah Chung Museum and Visitor Center. This role involves performing a variety of park operational tasks, with a primary focus on interpretation and visitor services. As a Seasonal Park Ranger, you will engage with visitors of all ages, providing in-depth explanations, conducting tours, and assisting with special events. In addition to your interpretive duties, you will assist with light maintenance tasks, including landscaping and general maintenance upkeep, to ensure the park remains welcoming and accessible. You will also guide volunteers and seasonal staff in delivering exceptional visitor services and help foster a positive and educational environment for all park guests.
For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here.
Housing may be available at this location.
What's in it for you:
An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:
Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
Minimum Qualifications:
Two (2) years of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).
OR
An Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (6) months of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).
Special Requirements:
To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.
Desired Attributes:
Experience in performing park resource and facility operations and maintenance including basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, grounds-keeping tasks.
Skill in delivering historical resource interpretation.
Skill in practices relating to conservation, preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of archaeological, cultural or historic sites or structures.
Experience providing factual information to the public and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations through communication and enforcement.
Experience working in an overnight campground or park system.
Experience leading museum quality tours and/or presentations.
Skill in collecting daily, weekly and monthly statistics related to the operation and maintenance of historic sites and/ or structures.
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.
Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job
The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project.
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.
Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference”.
After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.
Additional Information:
This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.
Contact Information:
For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Garret Gilstad, [email protected].
For questions on application process, email: [email protected].
Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on
Facebook
Instagram
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Oregon Youth Authority is the state's juvenile justice agency, reducing victimization by helping at-risk young people lead productive, crime-free lives.
OYA runs five youth correctional facilities, four youth transition facilities, and 25 parole and probation offices across the state, with a central administration office in Salem, Oregon. We serve approximately 1,500 youth ages 12 through 24 who commit crimes prior to their 18th birthday.
The mission of OYA is to protect the public and reduce crime by holding youth offenders accountable and providing opportunities for reformation in safe environments. We are guided by four core values:
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Respect
For more information, including our terms of use, please visit our blog at www.insideoya.com or our official website at www.oregon.gov/OYA.
Take the next step in your career journey