TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE
Glen Rose, Texas United States  View Map
Posted: Feb 14, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Forestry
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Job Description

    TPWD MISSION

    To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

    EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

    Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.


    PLEASE NOTE:

    All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include

    • Job Title

    • Dates of employment (month/year)

    • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

    • Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement. Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements.

    • Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

    • College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) if education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting. A copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview.

    • Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

    • Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

    • Work In Texas (WIT) Applications : WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit .

    IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.



    MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

    Job Classification

    Service

    Military Specialty

    Park Ranger I-V

    Army

    11B, 11C, 11A

    Park Ranger I-V

    Navy

    RS, SN, YN, YNS

    Park Ranger I-V

    Coast Guard

    MST, MSSR

    Park Ranger I-V

    Marine Corps

    0300, 0365, 0369

    Park Ranger I-V

    Air Force

    9T000

    Park Ranger I-V

    Space Force

    No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

    *More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

    https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

    https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

    MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:

    If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted . If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/ .

    Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

    Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

    Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

    Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

    Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

    Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

    Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.




    HIRING CONTACT: Jeff Davis, (254) 396-7574 Email Address: jeff.davis@tpwd.texas.gov

    PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043

    GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

    There's no better place to work in Texas than Texas State Parks, and there's no better park to learn in than Dinosaur Valley. In this role, you'll experience all the things a busy and unique park has to offer. Whether serving our visitors, maintaining our equipment, facilities, & grounds, leading an interpretive program, or managing personnel, you'll come away from this experience ready to take on whatever challenges your future parks career holds.

    Under the direction of the Park Superintendent, the Park Operations Trainee performs routine (journey-level) state park operations work. This position is designed to provide an avenue to obtain relevant experience to be competitive for future positions in park operations, such as management, interpretation/education, administration, maintenance, resource protection, law enforcement, etc. Duties include, performing a complete range of tasks to learn all aspects of park administration, operations and management; natural and cultural resource management; facility, grounds and equipment maintenance management; interpretation and education programming and management; customer service, fee collection, revenue control and fiscal accountability; marketing and promotional programming; patrols park and observes law enforcement. Performs special projects/assignments and attends selected training programs. May assist other parks in operations support and natural resource management, including participating in prescribed burns. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

    NOTE: TPWD is an at will employer, and acceptance of a trainee position does not create an employment contract or alter the nature of the at will relationship.



    Qualifications:

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    Education:

    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

    Experience:

    No experience required.

    Licensure:

    Must possess at the time of hire, a valid class state driver's license;

    Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, a Wildland Firefighter Type II certification under the Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide and TPWD standards.

    NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license and certification.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    Education:

    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's in Park Administration, Recreation and Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology, Archeology or History.

    Experience:

    Current or prior State Parks Internship Program experience;

    Experience as a supervisor or team leader;

    Experience in revenue or budget management.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

    Knowledge of park operations and maintenance practices;

    Knowledge of natural and cultural resource fundamentals;

    Knowledge of financial and business practices;

    Knowledge of human resource practices and procedures;

    Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

    Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

    Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner;

    Skill in using standard office equipment;

    Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;

    Skill in meeting deadlines;

    Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;

    Ability to learn and use all required Windows based programs associated with all park operations, i.e., reservation, budget/accounting, registration and reports;

    Ability to prepare reports;

    Ability to accurately handle cash and account for revenue collected;

    Ability to work as a member of a team;

    Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;

    Ability to handle complaints, emergencies, stressful situations, and large groups of people;

    Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

    Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

    WORKING CONDITIONS:

    A trainee may apply and compete for available positions at any time during their trainee assignment. If a trainee is not successful in acquiring a non-trainee position within 36 months from their initial trainee assignment date, they may be assigned to any available position in the state park system. This may result in reduction in grade/classification, reduction in pay and relocation. Declining the assignment will result in separation of employment from TPWD. Future advancement may include positions with park police officer requirements, to include successful completion of the required background checks, physical and psychological exams, TCOLE licensing and State Park law enforcement academy. An extension beyond the 36 month period may be authorized by the Division Director or the Deputy Division Director on a case-by-case basis. The Trainee will be required to sign a letter accepting the conditions of employment;

    Required to work in a public park with overnight camping;

    Required to work 40 hours per week with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;

    Required to respond to emergencies and on call situations;

    Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;

    Required to live on-site in State housing with a monthly deduction of $ $223.25. Housing rate is established by TPWD policy, calculated using federal guidelines, and may change according to market value.

    Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

    Required to operate a State vehicle;

    Required to travel 5% with possible overnight stays;

    Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures;

    Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

    TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


    Closing Date: Feb 27, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • Texas Parks and Wildlife
    • Texas Parks and Wildlife

    We are TPWD

    Providing outdoor recreational opportunities, managing and protecting fish and wildlife habitat, and managing parklands and historic areas

    Divisions & Positions

    Our skilled workforce operates within 13 divisions at 200 locations across Texas.

    Mission

    To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

    Philosophy

    In fulfilling our mission, we will: Be a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs; Serve the state of Texas, its citizens, and our employees with the highest standards of service, professionalism, fairness, courtesy, and respect; Rely on the best available science to guide our conservation decisions; Responsibly manage agency finances and appropriations to ensure the most efficient and effective use of tax-payer and user fee resources; Attract and retain the best, brightest, and most talented workforce to successfully execute our mission.

    Show more

MORE JOBS

  • AGRICULTURAL FIELD AIDE

    • 2220 Tulare St., Fresno, California
    • Fresno County
    • Dec 16, 2025
    • Full Time
    • Agriculture / Farm / Ranch Related
    • Parks and Recreation
  • Day Camp Counselor - Wildlife Camp - Seasonal - Summer 2026 ($21.61/hour - $29.17/hour)

    • Hayward, California
    • Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
    • Feb 13, 2026
    • Animal Control or Services
    • Forestry
    • Human and Social Services
    • Legal Services
    • Natural Resources
  • Marina Dockhand II

    • Corpus Christi, Texas
    • City of Corpus Christi
    • Feb 10, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Parks and Recreation
  • Cook (Part-Time) - Family Camp in Yosemite - Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS)

    • Yosemite Valley, California
    • CITY OF SAN JOSE
    • Jan 27, 2026
    • Part Time
    • Nutrition and Food Services
    • Parks and Recreation
    • Other
  • Division of Arts and Sciences Imperial Valley Lecturer Pool 2025-2026

    • San Diego, California
    • San Diego State University
    • Apr 11, 2025
    • Education and Training
    • Museum and Arts
    • Parks and Recreation
    • Sciences and Laboratory
  • Assistant Pool Manager/Pool Manager

    • Concord, California
    • City of Concord, CA
    • Jan 13, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Accounting and Finance
    • Administration and Management
    • Parks and Recreation
Show More
Apply Now Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.