Delaware State Parks ranger conducts a surf fishing check

Delaware State Parks Natural Resources Ranger Recruitment


Updated 3/24/20

Be a Delaware State Parks Natural Resources Ranger

The Delaware State Parks rangers are law enforcement officers who work to keep the public safe and protect Delaware’s natural and cultural resources. Our rangers work in some of the most beautiful locations in Delaware while enforcing public safety and promoting the mission of Delaware State Parks.

Now hiring Natural Resource Police Officer Trainees!

Applications close 12/5/23

What’s it like to be a Delaware State Parks Ranger? Watch this video to find out!

About the Job

Job Responsibilities

Delaware State Parks Natural Resources Rangers are responsible for:

  • Crime prevention and detection
  • Public safety
  • Enforcement of all Delaware criminal and traffic laws
  • Responding to calls for service
  • Enforcing Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control rules and regulations
  • Interacting with the public to promote the Delaware State Parks mission in a variety of settings, including through public presentations, school presentations, community events, and Delaware State Parks Friends organizations.

Job Duties

Job duties for Delaware State Parks Natural Resources Rangers include:

  • Implementing appropriate law enforcement action in response to complaints, traffic, and criminal, regulatory, and other activities
  • Investigating suspicious and criminal activity, which includes:
    • Detecting, collecting and preserving physical evidence
    • Interviewing victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants
    • Processing charging documents
    • Executing search and arrest warrants
    • Processing defendants.
  • Performing vehicle and foot patrol of assigned areas
  • Performing community policing through informational presentations and educational seminars for other state agencies, schools, the public, and community organizations.
  • Providing protective services to state employees, visitors and the general public
  • Conducting surveillances and performing undercover assignments.
  • Providing assistance to other law enforcement agencies as back-up or primary response
  • Taking into custody and transporting felons and prisoners.

Job Requirements

  • Minumum age of 20 years and 6 months
  • Associates degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Sociology or related field.

OR

  • Minumum age of 20 years and 6 months
  • Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Six months experience in conducting investigations, which includes conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence and documenting findings
  • Six months experience in applying natural resources laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures
  • Six months experience in narrative report writing

Benefits

  • Health, dental and vision insurance Insurance
  • Disability and group universal life/dependent life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment benefits
  • Retirement benefits
  • Training and development programs
  • Paid time off
  • Flexible spending, pre-tax commuter benefits, and supplemental benefits through AFLAC

Meet Our Rangers

What’s it like to be a Delaware State Parks ranger? Here is what some of our rangers have to say about their job:

Testimonials

Officer Trevor Ditmore with K9 officer Leo

It is my job to keep the public safe and ensure that Delaware State Parks are places that people want to come every day where they can feel safe and have an enjoyable time. The most rewarding aspect of my job is being a K9 officer. My K9 partner, Leo, and I assist the public in many ways, which goes back to our mission of keeping the public safe while they’re in our natural resource areas.

~ Trevor Ditmore

Natural Resources Police Officer Gobel

I decided to be an officer with the Delaware Natural Resources Police because I enjoy keeping Division lands safe for recreational use. It is my goal to keep the Division properties in Kent County as safe as possible for Delaware residents and visitors. I find my job rewarding because no two days are the same. I enjoy working outdoors and the physical component of the job. This unique work environment was an important factor in my decision to be an officer with the Delaware Natural Resources Police.

~ Dan Gobel

Being a ranger is a demanding yet rewarding job. Our experienced staff will prepare you to meet every challenge. If you have any questions about Delaware State Parks Ranger positions, contact our Chief of Enforcement:

Chief Wayne Kline
Phone: (302) 739-9232
Email: Wayne.Kline@delaware.gov