Summer Park Ranger Lead

Salary: $22.73 - $31.36 Hourly Location : Bellevue, WA Job Type: Seasonal Job Number: 26-00009 Department: Parks and Community Services Division: PCS Parks NatRes Opening Date: 01/26/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: NONAFF Come Join the City of Bellevue! Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. Job Summary Do you enjoy being outdoors, supporting others, and helping people feel welcome in shared public spaces? The Summer Park Ranger Lead is a seasonal position with the City of Bellevue's Parks & Community Services Department, Natural Resource Division. This role is well suited for someone with prior park ranger or similar experience, students and recent graduates who are interested in parks, environmental stewardship, public service, or community engagement, and who value teamwork, learning, and inclusive public spaces. In this position, you'll help support and mentor Summer Park Rangers by sharing knowledge, assisting with training, and offering guidance throughout the season. You'll also play an important role in creating a welcoming environment for park visitors by answering questions, sharing information about park rules and natural resources, and helping ensure parks are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all backgrounds. The Summer Park Ranger Lead is a highly public-facing role that blends leadership, customer service, and hands-on park work. You'll patrol parks and trails, assist with programs and events, help secure facilities in the evenings, and support a variety of seasonal operations. You'll work as part of a collaborative ranger team and report to the Lake Hills Greenbelt Park Ranger, with support and training provided throughout the season. The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with required training sessions in April and May. Schedules average 40 hours per week, with shifts typically between 8:00 AM-4:30 PM and 3:30 PM-midnight. Rangers work together to patrol parks, walk trails, lock gates and restrooms, and engage respectfully with visitors across Bellevue's park system. City Council Vision Statement: Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Bellevue Parks & Community Services Vision: In Bellevue everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive. Bellevue Parks & Community Services Mission: We build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services. Bellevue Parks & Community Services Equity Statement: A System of Fairness Equity acknowledges and removes disparities in opportunities, power, and resources so that everyone can reach their full potential to thrive. Bellevue Parks & Community Services practices equity, which is the responsibility of every individual in the department. Equitable access is a right, not a privilege, and is fundamental to our mission of serving all people. Through equitable policies and practices, we cultivate ties that connect people to the fabric of our community Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesHave a comprehensive understanding of the City of Bellevue Park Ranger Program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies. Conduct daily park patrols on foot, by bicycle, and using a City vehicle, including gate and restroom lockups and facility closures. Review end-of-shift logs, data collection, reports, and record-keeping for accuracy and professionalism. Mentor Seasonal Park Rangers and provide guidance when the direct supervisor is unavailable, typically during evenings and weekends. Assist with the training and onboarding of new Seasonal Park Rangers. Deliver excellent customer service to park visitors by answering questions and sharing information about park rules, programs, facilities, and natural resources. Educate visitors about park rules and regulations, inspect trails and facilities, issue notices for rule violations, and remove litter within park properties. Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies within the park system. Support Natural Resource facilities, visitor centers, the Ranger Station, Bellevue Marina at Meydenbauer Bay, and other locations as needed. Assist with interpretive programs such as nature walks, education sessions, facility tours, canoe trips, workshops, and special events. Complete operational tasks including opening and closing facilities, answering phones, greeting visitors, conducting surveys, scheduling, monitoring rentals, cleaning transient camps, and keeping facilities clean and organized. Oversee and distribute program marketing materials (e.g., updating kiosks, distributing brochures, and managing website content) under the direction of the Summer Park Ranger Program Supervisor. Communicate professionally, respectfully, and courteously with park patrons and City staff. Participate in team meetings and required training sessions. Provide administrative support and assist with programming needs across other Parks & Community Services Department areas as needed. QualificationsMust be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Must have worked at least one prior season as a City of Bellevue Park Ranger or in a similar role. Strong customer service skills, including clear written and verbal English communication, and the ability to engage the public in a courteous, diplomatic, and professional manner. Completion of at least two years of college in natural resource management, environmental education, or a closely related field-or two years of similar previous experience-preferred. Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Google Drive, and mobile applications. Ability to explain park rules and regulations clearly and tactfully while maintaining a positive visitor experience. Ability to maintain organized, accurate, and timely patrol logs, activity reports, and incident reports. Experience presenting natural history, environmental interpretation, or other public outreach programs is desired. Previous experience working in the public sector is preferred. Ability to load, unload, and ride a bicycle, and to walk patrol areas as required, including areas that benefit from closer observation or increased visitor interaction. Ability to safely drive, park, back up, and maneuver a standard-sized pickup truck. Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions in the field. Successful completion of a National Criminal History check is required. Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license by the date of hire and maintain a driving record that meets City standards; an original driver's abstract is required at the time of interview. Ability to obtain or currently hold Lifeguard Certification. Supplemental Information Physical Demands The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Work involves walking, talking, driving, biking, hearing, and using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, as well as reaching with hands and arms. Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work may involve driving or riding in a City vehicle for up to eight hours per day to access patrol sites. The position may require pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying up to 50 pounds. The work environment is typically moderately quiet. Duties may occasionally require climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling. Employees must be willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, rain, and snow. This is a Variable, non-exempt, non-union position. Definition of a Seasonal Employee: Must be pre-approved by Human Resources to ensure compliance with the legislation. Regularly scheduled to work up to 40 hours per week for which the customary annual employment is six months or less. "Customary" means that the nature of the position typically lasts for six months or fewer and that the period of employment begins at approximately the same time each year. NOTE: Will be considered full-time and eligible for medical coverage if hours average 30 hours per week or more over a 12-month measurement period (or 130 hours per month). HIRING PROCESS The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible. Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting. We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description. Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas. All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor. Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications. At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore. Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing. The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program. For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627. Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment. Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees have no benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT II) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan, and any other benefits as required by law. 01 APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, you may edit your application before submitting. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application. I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application. I do not agree with the statements above. 02 This position is seasonal position. Are you available to work for the full duration of the seasonal program, including required training in April/May and employment from approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day? Yes No 03 Please select one of the following that best describes your highest level of education: High School Diploma/GED Equivalent Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or Above Currently enrolled in a degree program Not applicable 04 Are you at least 18 years of age by the time of hire (April 2026 or later)? Yes No 05 How many years have you worked as a City of Bellevue Park Ranger or in a similar role (e.g., park ranger, environmental educator, visitor services ranger, public-facing parks staff)? Less that 1 years of experience 1-2 years of experience 2-3 years of experience 3 or more years of experience No related experience 06 Which of the following tools have you used regularly in a work or academic setting? (Select all that apply.) Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Access Microsoft PowerPoint Google Drive / Google Docs Mobile applications for data collection or reporting None of the above 07 Briefly describe your experience as a park ranger or in a similar role (e.g., park ranger, environmental educator, visitor services ranger, public-facing parks staff). 08 Do you currently possess, or will you possess by the date of hire, a valid Washington State driver's license with a driving record that meets City standards? Yes No 09 Are you comfortable safely operating a standard-sized pickup truck as part of your job duties? Yes No 10 This position requires walking long distances, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors in all weather conditions. Are you able to perform these essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation? Yes No 11 This position requires working rotating shifts between 8:00 AM-4:30 PM and 3:30 PM-midnight, including evenings, weekends, and all holidays. Are you willing and able to work this schedule throughout the entire season? Yes No 12 Lead Rangers are expected to step in to cover essential shifts when staffing gaps occur, particularly nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you willing and able to meet this expectation? Yes No 13 Are you willing and able to successfully complete a National Criminal History background check, including fingerprinting, as required for this position? Yes No 14 Briefly describe your experience mentoring, training, or providing guidance to coworkers, volunteers, or seasonal staff. Include the setting and your role. 15 Describe your experience working in a public-facing role where you regularly interacted with visitors, customers, or community members. What types of interactions were most common? 16 Provide an example of a time you had to explain or enforce rules or policies while maintaining a positive interaction. 17 This position requires working independently with minimal supervision, particularly during evenings and weekends. Describe a time you had to make a sound decision without immediate supervisory support. Required Question

Created: 2026-03-10