Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
JOB The Park Ranger Natural Areas position is under the jurisdiction of the City's Parks and Recreation Department. It is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to protect and maintain the operations of the City's park system while contributing to visitors' safety and awareness of the park environment. Under the general supervision of the Parks Division, the Park Ranger Natural Area position will perform a variety of public contact, rule enforcement and safety duties as well as many other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule Park Ranger:
April•Sept 11:00am•7:30pm
Sun, Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat Natural Areas:
Oct•May 6:30am•3pm Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri This position is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with knowledge of Natural Area restoration, general park landscape and facility maintenance to serve in a passionate, innovative community. Other tasks vary from mowing, trail/pathway maintenance, invasive removal, restroom maintenance and facility cleaning & repair in addition to the park patrol & rule enforcement already mentioned. This position will support and coordinate with our Stewardship Coordinator and will staff volunteer restoration work party events as needed. There will also be various equipment operation requirements. The ideal candidate will be self-driven, be a team player and have an eye for detail. This position is represented by the Lake Oswego Municipal Employees' Association.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Coordinate Park security, safety and enforcement activities; explain rules to patrons, seek voluntary compliance; check permits and waivers for recreation and park area use. Patrol parks and examine premises for misuse, undesirable activities, unsanitary conditions, and safety and health hazards, and report criminal or suspicious behavior to the Police Department. Provide information and answer questions about the City's parks and recreation areas. Inform the supervisor and other designated individuals of present and potential problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems. Assist Parks and Recreation Department with events. Inspect natural areas and open spaces for unsafe conditions and vandalism; pick up litter in these areas as necessary. Attend staff meetings as requested. Clean and service park facilities. This includes but is not limited to trash and litter clean-up, restroom cleaning and event preparation of city facilities and natural areas. Natural Area & Open Space maintenance and restoration including plant care & ID. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the principles and practices of repair, maintenance, construction and installation used within parks systems. Must also be able to read and understand maps, plans, drawings, orders and/or other documents as required. Good communication skills are essential. Carry out all assigned work in a safe and responsible manner; comply with safety requirements and regulations; identify and abstain from participating in unsafe work environments. Read and review safety material, training documentation, MSDS, instructional materials, and traffic signs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The Department:
The Parks Division of the Parks and Recreation Department manages the land and maintains facilities of the parks system. The 640+ acres of City-owned land includes developed park sites, playgrounds, natural areas, special facility areas, 14 acres of athletic fields and a golf course. Of those 640+ acres of park land 400+ are natural or open space land. This division also supports and sets up many community events such as the Farmers Market, summer concerts, Festival of the Arts, park dedication ceremonies, tree lighting and many more. Pay rate advertised includes July 1, 2026 2.8%
COLA Application Process:
You may visit our web site at www.ci.oswego.or.us/jobs to access the online application process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. This position is open until filled with first review on Monday, July 13, 2026. The City of Lake Oswego is committed to fostering a workplace where new ideas and diverse perspectives are valued. This involves hiring a workforce that reflects a variety of skills, expertise, and life experience, including those who may come from a non-traditional background. We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience that meet the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local law. As part of our commitment, The City of Lake Oswego will ensure that persons with disabilities are offered reasonable accommodations. Please email your accommodation request to hr@lakeoswego.citybefore the application deadline.
