Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleSeasonal Park Ranger-Albany
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitSSU - Security Services Unit (NYSCOPBA)
Salary RangeFrom $22.47 to $22.47 Hourly
"Other" Explanation Hours may be on weekdays, weekends, or holidays and hours may vary between day and night hours if needed.
Workday
Duties Description - Perform administrative tasks as assigned by the Director of Park Rangers
- Assist in coordination and distribution of uniforms and equipment for park rangers statewide
- Assist in facilitating training for seasonal park rangers
- Assist in developing training materials for park rangers
- Coordinate attendance of program representatives at recruitment events statewide
-Park Rangers will tour through an assigned variety of environments including campgrounds, tourist attractions, beaches, cabin areas, marinas, trails, gorges, picnic areas, park offices and comfort stations. Rangers routinely respond to patron inquiries concerning park facilities and locations and provide directions to nearby attractions including restaurants, highways, gas stations, etc. They also respond to patron inquiries relating to park and recreation rules and regulations, provide information to the public and answer questions about the natural resources, facilities, recreational activities and the condition and accessibility of trails and other facility resources. Rangers may be assigned to Foot, Bicycle, ATV, UTV, Electric Vehicle or other Automobile as a means of patrol.
-Park Rangers respond to calls for assistance, summon emergency responders as needed and ensure that patrons and/or property are safe and secure until police arrive. They would administer basic First Aid as trained and assist police with search and rescue efforts as well as fire prevention and suppression activities.
-The incumbents of the Park Ranger position seek voluntary compliance through the explanation of park rules and regulations, seek to resolve conflicts among patrons or groups, and warn patrons about inappropriate activities or behavior such as littering, inappropriate language, fighting, loud noises or dogs not on leashes. Park Rangers observe and investigate signs of fire, vandalism, misuse, misconduct, trespass, maintenance, and safety hazards and notify appropriate staff such as site managers or park police.
-Park Rangers are assigned to control vehicle access to and from park facilities during peak periods and assist with camper and boater registration and permits. They would check park entrances and exits to ensure security and to see that no unauthorized individuals enter park facilities when closed and assist with general security services for large events such as concerts, fairs, and other major park promotions such as monitoring and screening attendees or providing traffic and crowd control.
-During their normal patron duties, Park Rangers may collect and/or reconcile fees from toll booths, perform bank runs, audits and relieve toll both attendants in emergency situations. Rangers also assist site staff in closing facilities, restrooms, gates, traffic management, crowd control, lost children, swim facility safety and similar.
-Park Rangers will prepare and file a variety of reports, including ADM-58 Patron Accident reports, Lost and Found Property reports, AED Daily Check report, work orders for vehicle and maintenance related repairs to property.
-As trained and certified security guards, Park Rangers are expected to perform security duties at least 50% of their time. As part of a diverse Parks Team, the Park Ranger would be expected to pitch in to assist park patrons as well as park operational staff when the Ranger is not fully engaged in performing security duties. Park Rangers should be ready, willing and able to take steps to ensure that our parks are safe, clean and welcoming to the Public.
-As fully uniformed staff, Park Rangers are highly visible within the Park setting and easily identified by patrons as the “go to” person for advice and assistance or to report an unsafe situation or a non-working sink or toilet in a comfort station or bathhouse. In response, Park Rangers should investigate the complaints and do what they can to rectify problems brought to their attention. Park Rangers can perform incidental minor maintenance or custodial tasks within facilities and surrounding grounds, such as removing unsightly trash or cleaning a comfort station. If a non-working sink or toilet requires more than an easy fix, Rangers would be expected to rope off access and contact maintenance staff as need to address a more complicated problem. Park Rangers can also be called upon to assist with educational and recreational programs such as instructing or guiding sports, games, arts, crafts or music.
-Other duties as assigned
-Park Rangers are subject to the provisions of the Security Guard Act of 1993, are unarmed and have neither peace nor police officer status. This is a seasonal-only position, generally from late May to Labor Day.
Minimum Qualifications None per Civil Service (see Operational Needs & Qualifications in the Additional Comments below).
Additional Comments OPERATIONAL NEEDS & QUALIFICATIONS
Candidate Must:
- be at least age 18 at time of appointment
- have a High School Diploma or equivalent
- have a valid NYS Drivers License when required to drive state vehicles
- meet certain physical and medical requirements
- be of good moral character and successfully complete a background investigation
- successfully complete 24 hours of Security Guard training provided by NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
-Possess basic computer and smartphone skills
-Have a valid NYS issued ID
Please note: A New York State Driver License meets this requirement. Those with a driver license issued by another state, or those who do not have a driver license are required to have a valid New York State Non-Driver ID to meet the qualifications to apply for a NY State Security Guard License
Fees Apply: Candidates are required to pay for background fingerprinting ($101.75) and NYS Security Guard License Application Fee ($36).
UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, APPEARANCE & CONDUCT STANDARDS
All uniforms and equipment are provided and must be returned at the end of the season. Uniforms may only be worn while on duty and any issued equipment can only be used for official State business. Park Rangers are expected to present an image consistent with and act in accordance with the mission of the agency.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Sarah.Santiago@parks.ny.gov
Address
2nd Floor
Notes on ApplyingIf you feel you meet the minimum qualifications and the agency’s operating needs, and are interested in being considered for this position, you can obtain an Employment Application from your local park office, your region’s administrative headquarters or you can download an application from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at www.parks.ny.gov/employment.
Please forward your application and resume with the subject line “Park Ranger – Albany Office” by 2/20/2026 to: Sarah Santiago (Sarah.Santiago@parks.ny.gov). If you have any questions concerning the position, please contact: Sarah Santiago (Sarah.Santiago@parks.ny.gov).
It is the responsibility of applicants to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and agency operating needs.