Do you like talking with people, walking trails, and spending your days outdoors? If you enjoy nature, connecting with others, and making a difference in your community, this job is for you!
The City of Bellevue’s Summer Park Ranger Program offers a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world experience in parks and recreation, environmental education, and natural resource management. Summer Park Rangers are friendly, reliable, and community-minded individuals who spend their days (and evenings) engaging with park guests, providing education about park rules, and helping everyone enjoy Bellevue’s beautiful parks safely and responsibly.
This is a front-line customer service position, you’ll interact with hundreds of park patrons throughout the summer while helping maintain safe, welcoming public spaces. You’ll also gain valuable skills for careers in public service, outdoor recreation, and conservation.
The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with training scheduled in May (and again in June for late-start staff). We can work with most school schedules for start and end dates. Seasonal Rangers work up to 40 hours per week, with shifts typically from 8:00 AM–4:30 PM and 3:30 PM–midnight.
Rangers work in teams to patrol parks, walk trails, close gates and restrooms, educate visitors, support programs, and keep Bellevue’s parks clean and enjoyable for everyone.
What You’ll Do
- Patrol Bellevue parks and open spaces on foot, by bike, and in a city vehicle.
- Engage with visitors to answer questions, educate about park rules, and promote positive park use.
- Lock gates and restrooms at night and perform closing rounds across park sites.
- Keep accurate patrol logs, reports, and data records.
- Assist with special events, nature programs, outreach booths, and visitor center operations.
- Respond effectively to emergencies and help ensure visitor safety.
- Support interpretive programs such as guided walks, nature talks, canoe trips, and workshops.
- Distribute park materials, update kiosks, and assist with marketing and outreach.
- Provide excellent customer service to all park patrons and City staff.
Who You Are
We’re looking for friendly, responsible, and self-motivated individuals who enjoy working outdoors and with the public. You are someone who:
- Communicates clearly and courteously with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Enjoys being active and working as part of a team.
- Can think on your feet and make sound decisions.
- Is excited to learn more about Bellevue’s parks, wildlife, and community programs.
Qualifications
- At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Two years of college coursework in parks & recreation, environmental education, natural resource management, or a related field preferred; or two years of relevant work experience.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and mobile apps).
- Ability to ride a bicycle, walk long distances, and safely operate a city pickup truck.
- Comfortable working independently and in varying weather conditions.
- Willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record (driver’s abstract required at interview).
- Background check required.
- Lifeguard Certification a plus.
Why You’ll Love This Job
- Work outdoors all summer in some of Bellevue’s most scenic parks.
- Build valuable skills in public engagement, park operations, and environmental education.
- Gain real-world experience that prepares you for future roles in parks, recreation, or resource management.
- Join a supportive, mission-driven team that’s passionate about parks and people.
This is a seasonal, non-exempt, non-union position.
Definition of a Seasonal Employee:
- Must be pre-approved by Human Resources to ensure compliance with the legislation.
Regularly scheduled to work up to 40 hours per week for which the customary annual employment is six months or less. - "Customary" means that the nature of the position typically lasts for six months or fewer and that the period of employment begins at approximately the same time each year.
- NOTE: Will be considered full-time and eligible for medical coverage if hours average 30 hours per week or more over a 12-month measurement period (or 130 hours per month).
