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Park Ranger I

State of South Carolina
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/6/2026
Job Responsibilities

In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park. Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest.

Job Purpose And Duties

Under general supervision, assists with overall operation and maintenance of a State Park. Performs diversified duties as governed by general instruction, policies and standard operating procedures of the Department. Assumes the responsibilities of the Park Manager in the absence of higher-level employees.

  • Assists with park administrative duties in accordance with Department guidelines and procedures and planning of long and short-term goals.
  • Collect and account for revenue and produce required reports.
  • Performs routine and preventative maintenance on grounds, buildings, vehicles, and other park equipment to meet established standards and management processes. Supervises and helps schedule A-II staff and volunteers during assigned maintenance projects. Develops and implements a project list approved by the Ranger II and Park Manager for volunteers.
  • Interprets the cultural, natural, and historical resources of the State Park Service to park visitors. Provides Park programming through development and implementation to park visitors and guest.
  • Work to accomplish the mission of the Park Service through the core values of Stewardship and Service. Effectively deliver quality customer service and address visitor concerns in a timely manner. Work to ensure that visitors leave with a positive experience and a desire to return.
  • Manages assigned specific operations to include employee subordinates, park cabins, retail operation, public use areas, events, and facilities.
  • Practice and promote teamwork within SCPRT/Poinsett State Park, throughout the agency and with external agency stakeholders. Represent the park as an active member on the agency teams assigned throughout the year. To include, but not limited to: working at other parks throughout the sandhill region.
  • Employee will be required to live in designated park housing to provide for security, safety and emergency response.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

Associate degree in Park Management or related field with one (1) year of park ranger experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

  • Position requires medium to heavy lifting, walking, and standing on uneven terrain, crawling, and walking at heights. Exposure to weather conditions, cleaning agents and other material used in maintaining park facilities and grounds. Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays. Position requires residency in agency provided housing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The ability to work independently or as part of a team as well as the ability to direct others. Have common computer skills and knowledge.
  • Must possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License.

Additional Comments

Actual Job Location: Little Pee Dee State Park

Full-time, 40 hours per week rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

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