Job Opportunities in United States

Mission and Culture
The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities while conserving and interpreting the natural, cultural, and historic resources for the continued use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people. The duties and field presence of each Alaska State Park Ranger is key to fulfilling the Division’s mission. Rangers ensure park units are safe for recreation, aid in search and rescue operations, prevent crime, provide medical aid, and respond to emergency public safety needs. Rangers perform additional duties, including the conservation and protection of state resources through the enforcement of state regulations and public education.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct patrols of park units to ensure the safety of users and the protection of public resources.
• Monitor compliance with all applicable regulations by maintaining contact with park users and landowners in the area.
• Investigate violations and crimes, contact suspects, issue citations and summons, file criminal complaints, make arrests and testify in court.
• Ensure the Park facilities are well-maintained, safe, and clean.
• Provide visitor services and educational outreach to park visitors and the local communities. Assist and coordinate activities with other government agencies, non-government organizations, and Division staff.

Benefits of Joining Our Team
Park Rangers are the front-line field personnel for the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, working in and protecting the scenic, historical, and cultural areas that most people only get a chance to visit. Rangers are provided patrol vehicles and paid training opportunities and can receive overtime and shift differential premium pay. Qualified Rangers may receive additional opportunities to become instructors in a variety of disciplines. This position prepares you for career advancement opportunities into supervisory and/or administrative positions and may provide you the opportunity to transfer to different geographic locations within the division to experience all that Alaska has to offer.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
Most work occurs outdoors in Alaska State Park units. Patrols often involve various means of travel, including highway vehicles, watercraft, snow machines, foot patrols, all-terrain vehicles, and aircraft. Rangers work weekends, nights, some holidays, and rotating shifts in all weather conditions. Rangers are called upon for emergency response to urgent public safety issues such as search and rescue missions and natural disaster response. Occasional travel and overnight stays in the field or other communities will be required.

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following position-specific competencies.

• Ability to professionally and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability and experience prioritizing workloads, duties, responsibilities, and projects for yourself and others.
• Experience managing natural, historical, or cultural resources.
• Experience developing and providing public education/outreach programs.
• Experience and ability to interact professionally with the public and provide excellent customer service.
• Ability and experience in leadership.
• Training, skill, and ability to apply policies, procedures, methods, and techniques to enforce statutes, administrative codes, and regulations in the State of Alaska.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of or eligible to obtain a basic certificate as a police officer issued by the Alaska Police Standards Council.
AND
Four years of any combination of post-secondary educational course work from an accredited college (2.67 semester or 4 quarter hours equals 1 month) and/or progressively responsible experience providing support services to preserve and protect natural, cultural, and historic park resources, assisting in the development, administration, analysis, or implementation of an environmental, natural resource, wildlife, habitat, or subsistence program, or related law enforcement or military experience.

“Progressively responsible” means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.

At the time of initial hire applicants must:
Be a citizen of the United States.
AND
Be 21 years of age or older within one year of hire.
AND
Possess a high school diploma recognized by a state; diploma from a home school program recognized or certified by a state or by a local school district within a state as having met the state’s graduation requirements; or have passed a General Education Development test.
AND
Possess a valid driver’s license.

Special Note:
Applicants who possess a police officer certificate in another jurisdiction may apply. Successful candidates may be given a conditional job offer pending receipt of Alaska certification.

This class requires the use of a firearm. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL-104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold a position in this job class.

As part of the selection process, an extensive background investigation will be conducted, including: a criminal background review; fingerprinting; medical, visual, hearing and psychological evaluations; a truth verification examination; and drug screening. Appointments will be made conditionally pending successful completion of all portions of the background process and the medical evaluation.

This job class requires the incumbent to be eligible to obtain a basic certificate as a police officer issued by the Alaska Police Standards Council.

Eligibility requires that the incumbent has:
Never been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence by a civilian court of this state, the United States, or another state or territory, or by a military court.

During the past 10 years, not been convicted (by a civilian court of this state, the United States, or another state or territory, or by a military court) of a crime of dishonesty or crime of moral turpitude.

During the past 10 years, not been convicted (by a civilian court of this state, the United States, or another state or territory, or by a military court) of a crime that resulted in serious physical injury to another person.

During the past 10 years, not been convicted (by a civilian court of this state, the United States, or another state or territory, or by a military court) of two or more DUI offenses.

Never illegally manufactured, transported, or sold a controlled substance (unless under the age of 21 at the time of the act and the act occurred more than 10 years before the date of hire).

During the last five years, have not illegally used a Schedule IA, IIA, IIIA, IVA, or VA controlled substance (unless under the age of 21 at the time of using the controlled substance; or an immediate, pressing, or emergency medical circumstance existed to justify the use of a prescription controlled substance not specifically prescribed to the person).

During the year before hire, not have used marijuana (unless under the age of 21 at the time of use).

Have not been denied certification, had basic certification revoked or suspended, or have surrendered their basic certificate, in this state or another jurisdiction, unless the denial, revocation, suspension, or surrender has been rescinded by the council under 13 AAC 85.110 or by the responsible certifying agency of the issuing jurisdiction.

Are not under suspension of a basic certification in another jurisdiction, for the period of the suspension, unless the suspension has been rescinded by the responsible certifying agency of the issuing jurisdiction.

Additional Required Information

At the time of application,the applicant must attach as individual documents the following items (If unable to attach documents, please fax or email the contact listed below):

• Cover letter describing how you meet KSAs, what location you desire, and why.
• Three professional references (contact information or letters)
• Completed Ranger Physical Fitness Forms -
• Copy of transcripts is using education to meet minimum qualifications

All requested documents must be attached to move to the interview phase.

If selected for an interview, the applicant must provide the following:

• Three most recent performance evaluations, ratings, or equivalent documents.
• F-3 Background Form – Form Link
• Pre-Employment Certification - Form Link (Download PDF reader)
• Firearm Certification - Form Link (Download PDF reader)
• Copy of valid driver's license
• DNR Authorization for release of information (Provided to the applicant by email)

SPECIAL NOTICES

• As part of the selection process, an extensive background investigation will be conducted, including a criminal background review, fingerprinting, medical, visual, hearing, and psychological evaluations, and drug screening. Appointments will be made conditionally pending the successful completion of all portions of the background process and the medical evaluation.
• The successful applicant must complete the Alaska Law Enforcement Training (ALET) Academy in Sitka, Alaska. This 16-week academy is operated by the Department of Public Safety, OR have completed approved training and certification that meets Alaska Police Standards Council requirements.
• Not have a history of being convicted of a felony, crime of domestic violence or misconduct involving weapons in any degree.

Application Notice
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or a hardcopy application. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “How to Apply" page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.

Cover Letter
A cover letter is required for this position. The letter should explain how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. Your cover letter will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment.

Please attach the cover letter to your application before submitting it online. If you are unable to attach it, fax or email it to the contact number provided below.

Supplemental Questions
This recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill out the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Work Experience
If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.

Note: Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application entirely. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

Bargaining Unit
If you are a current state employee, please mark the union you are a member of at the time of application. Do not complete this question if you are not a current state employee.

Classification Study Notice
This position is currently undergoing review as a part of the Park Ranger job class study, and therefore, both the title and the pay range assigned may be subject to change upon the completion of the study.

Multiple Vacancies
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The Department of Natural Resources may use the applicant pool acquired during this recruitment for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes.

Driver’s License Requirement
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty.

Firearms
This position requires the use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. In accordance with the federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL 104-208), if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you may not hold this position.

A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is an offense that is (1) a misdemeanor under Federal or state law and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.

If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do NOT apply for this position.

EEO Statement
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Information

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under Alaska Care Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year