Park Ranger at Kootenai County – Hayden, Idaho

Join Our Team as a Park Ranger!

Our Mission: “Provide recreational users of our parks and waterways safe, clean and suitable facilities, which best meet their needs in the most cost-effective way possible."

Are you ready to take your love for the outdoors to the next level? Kootenai County is looking for a skilled Park Ranger to help keep our parks, waterways, and trails safe, clean, and ready for visitors. This isn’t your typical desk job — it’s for people who love the outdoors, hard work, and making a real difference in the community.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Competitive Pay: $23.83 - $28.30 per hour depending on experience
• Amazing Benefits: Enjoy an exceptional benefits package including health care for eligible employees and their dependents at our free medical clinic offering primary care, select medications, select lab services, and more.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Full-time employees earn up to 8 hours of vacation each month, with increases based on years of service—because we believe in giving you the time to recharge!
• Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with a robust retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), helping you plan for a comfortable future.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for career advancement and public student loan forgiveness eligibility.

What You’d Do:

• Work in remote backcountry locations, on snowmobile trails, and on the water — in all kinds of weather.
• Perform heavy physical labor year-round, including hiking in winter conditions.
• Maintain, repair, and improve parks, trails, vessels, vehicles, and public facilities.
• Interact with the public and enforce civil infractions when necessary.
• Use a variety of skills including construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and welding.

• Want a career with diverse responsibilities and opportunities to learn new skills.
• Explore the full job description to see if this role is the right fit for you.

The Park Ranger position requires a high degree of physical activity. Park Rangers are required to work in the back country in remote locations, in extreme winter conditions, on the water during inclement weather, which requires employees to have good stress management skills. The position requires issuing citations for civil infractions and the position WILL WORK WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.

The position requires a high degree of professionalism, situational awareness, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, and the willingness to follow supervisor’s directions. The ability to work independently and make sound decisions is required.

Do you qualify?

• This is not an entry level position. A skills test is required.
• Applicants must possess significant maintenance and repair experience in parks, marine or other relevant infrastructure, journeyman level construction skills, heavy equipment operation.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with co-workers, managers, elected officials and the public.
• Do you have a minimum of five (5) years of related work experience as a Park Ranger, park maintenance worker, grounds maintenance at similar facilities, heavy equipment operation, mechanics, electrical, plumbing, welding, or millwright work, or equivalent combination of education and related experience? Minimum qualifications will be determined by the Director.
• Do you have a high school diploma or a general education degree (GED)?
• Do you possess a valid Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or the ability to obtain a CDL?
• Are you insurable? Preference will be given to applicants who already possess a Class A CDL.
• Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain within (1) one year, a valid First Aid Card and Advanced CPR certification?
• Do you possess, or can obtain within (1) one year, a State of Idaho Boater Safety Certification, Department Vessel Operators Certification, Department Snow Groomer Operators Certification, Department Snowmobile/UTV/ATV and Watercraft Certification?

This job is for you if:

• You are an upbeat and positive professional team player with exceptional work ethic.
• You enjoy being part of a team that requires the highest quality work, without exception or excuse.
• You enjoy working outdoors, regardless of weather conditions and duties.
• You have outstanding customer service skills and work well with everyone.
• You enjoy frequent interaction with the public and wish to serve the public.
• You seek a career with diverse work duties.
• You have extensive experience and verifiable skills applicable to the position.
• You enjoy challenges and meeting deadlines and appreciate accountability.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

You’ll be working in Kootenai County, one of the most picturesque places in northern Idaho! Nestled among scenic mountains and over 20 pristine lakes, our county is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Located in Coeur d'Alene, you’ll enjoy a low crime rate, access to stunning natural beauty, and a peaceful, friendly community—making it the ideal place to work and live.

Ready to Apply?

Visit our online application page Kootenai County Employment Opportunities to submit your application, cover letter, resume and certifications.

Candidates for employment must successfully complete the County's pre-employment and drug screening.

Questions? Reach out to our Human Resources team at (208) 446-1640 or email kcrecruit@kcgov.us.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace