Park Enforcement

Jobs in this family are responsible for law enforcement work within state parks and historic sites.

Typical functions

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

  • Patrol assigned areas within a state park/historical site.
  • Provide security and protection for property, visitors, and staff. 
  • Provide assistance to visitors as needed.
  • Conduct investigations, make arrests, seize property or contraband, and prepare related reports and forms.

The work assigned to positions in this series ranges from patrolling to administering law enforcement programs at assigned park/historic sites.

Park Ranger Recruit

This is a first-level park enforcement position accountable for enforcing Missouri state laws and state park rules and regulations by use of citations, warnings, and custodial arrests. Work will involve responding to and investigating crimes and accidents within state park boundaries, as well as conducting and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in investigations.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

Knowledge of law enforcement methods and techniques. Ability to enforce public safety laws and regulations. Ability to operate patrol equipment and weapons. Ability to perceive color differences and hear direct and radio commands. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license. Ability to pass fitness evaluation and medical examination.

Typical qualifications

Eligible to be commissioned as a peace officer.  

Pay grade
G3

Park Ranger

This is a second-level park enforcement position accountable for enforcing Missouri state laws and state park rules and regulations by use of citations, warnings, and custodial arrests. Duties include responding to and investigating crimes and accidents within state park boundaries and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in investigations. Employee will also be responsible for serving as a lead worker over Park Ranger staff and as primary field training officer for new rangers.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous level: Knowledge of Missouri Statutes relating to state parks and criminal law. Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures. Knowledge of safety and emergency first aid procedures. Ability to perform duties and make decisions in stressful situations.  Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. Ability to perform a full range of law enforcement duties in providing security and protection at a state park or historical site.

Typical qualifications

Completion of a training program from a certified law enforcement training academy, eligibility to be commissioned as a peace officer, and 1-3 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G7

Park Ranger Corporal

This is a third-level park enforcement position accountable for functioning as a park ranger lead worker. At this level, work involves patrolling state parks or historic sites, investigating crimes and accidents within state park boundaries, and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in investigations. Lead worker responsibilities include assigning daily work; conducting training; and working with supervisors and managers on performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline of lower-level employees.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of the rules of evidence and principles of preservation of evidence. Ability to lead, mentor, coach and develop skills of staff. Ability to lead investigations. Ability to conduct training of assigned staff. 

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of experience as a certified law enforcement officer with the power of arrest. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G10

Park Ranger Sergeant

This is a senior-level park enforcement position accountable for supervising park rangers. Work involves patrolling state parks or historic sites, investigating crimes and accidents within state park boundaries and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in investigations. At this level, an employee will also assume the duties and responsibilities of the manager in his or her absence. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices. Skill in interpreting and explaining rules, regulations, policies, and programs. Ability to delegate investigative and other related patrol assignments. Ability to provide testimony or provide legal statement.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of experience as a certified law enforcement officer with the power of arrest.

Pay grade
G12

Park Ranger Manager

This is a managerial park enforcement position accountable for directing the planning, developing, and administering of law enforcement programs or services for a state park or historic site, including supervision of park enforcement positions. At this level, an employee is responsible for enforcing state laws and related rules and regulations by use of warnings, citations, and custodial arrests for the assigned area of responsibility. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of business and public administration. Knowledge of budget preparation and expenditures. Skill in coordinating work activities of others.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 4 or more years of experience as a certified law enforcement officer with the power of arrest. 

Pay grade
G13

General Structure

Annual Semi-Monthly
Range Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
G1 $34,992.00 $38,928.00 $1,458.00 $1,622.00
G2 $34,992.00 $43,104.00 $1,458.00 $1,796.00
G3 $34,992.00 $46,848.00 $1,458.00 $1,952.00
G4 $34,992.00 $50,880.00 $1,458.00 $2,120.00
G5 $34,992.00 $55,368.00 $1,458.00 $2,307.00
G6 $34,992.00 $59,856.00 $1,458.00 $2,494.00
G7 $34,992.00 $65,232.00 $1,458.00 $2,718.00
G8 $34,992.00 $70,920.00 $1,458.00 $2,955.00
G9 $34,992.00 $77,784.00 $1,458.00 $3,241.00
G10 $41,208.00 $83,784.00 $1,717.00 $3,491.00
G11 $45,984.00 $91,104.00 $1,916.00 $3,796.00
G12 $46,464.00 $99,000.00 $1,936.00 $4,125.00
G13 $51,552.00 $112,176.00 $2,148.00 $4,674.00
G14 $52,080.00 $121,824.00 $2,170.00 $5,076.00
G15 $59,064.00 $132,432.00 $2,461.00 $5,518.00
G16 $72,336.00 $146,448.00 $3,014.00 $6,102.00