The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is hiring a Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee) for the Big Bend Ranch State Park Complex, with the position based at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center in Terlingua. Applications are open through June 3, 2025.
This full-time, entry-level position offers a monthly salary of $4,017.37 and includes state benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and participation in the state retirement plan. The role is classified as non-exempt under state overtime rules and includes a housing requirement at state-owned facilities, with monthly deductions based on federal guidelines.
Working under the direction of the park complex superintendent, the trainee will learn all aspects of park operations, including administration, maintenance, customer service, education programming, and resource protection. The position requires living on-site, working weekends and holidays, responding to emergencies, and performing physical labor outdoors in variable weather.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and a valid driver’s license. While no prior experience is required, preferred qualifications include a degree in natural resource or public administration-related fields and experience in supervision, customer service, or budget management.
The Park Ranger I role is intended to build a pipeline of candidates for future permanent positions across the state park system. Trainees have 36 months to obtain a non-trainee role; otherwise, they may be reassigned within the state.
To apply, candidates must complete their application through the state’s CAPPS system at https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en. Military veterans and spouses may be eligible for employment preference with the appropriate documentation.
The job is located at:
SP-Big Bend Ranch Complex
21800 FM 170
Terlingua, TX 79852
For more information, applicants can contact hiring manager Cody Edwards at (432) 295-1057.
