The Suffolk County Department of Civil Service is accepting applications for Park Ranger I — a uniformed position responsible for patrolling and protecting Suffolk County parks and recreational facilities. This is a competitive civil service title, meaning candidates must take and pass a written examination to be placed on the eligible list for appointment.

The eligible list established from Exam No. 8-5601 will be used to fill vacancies in non-county jurisdictions under the Suffolk County Department of Civil Service — including towns, villages, and special districts. Salaries vary by hiring jurisdiction within the range shown.

Suffolk County parks and recreational facilities span hundreds of acres of public land — including beaches, nature preserves, athletic fields, and community parks. Park Rangers I serve as the front-line uniformed presence protecting these spaces and the people who use them.

• ✓Patrol parks and recreational facilities on foot or by vehicle to guard against destruction and maintain public order
• ✓Stand watch at fixed posts as assigned by supervisors
• ✓Protect park property and deter vandalism, trespassing, and rule violations
• ✓Interact with park visitors to enforce rules and promote safe, enjoyable use of facilities
• ✓Complete periodic reports and submit to supervisors for review and inspection
• ✓Receive and carry out routine assignments and special orders from supervisors
• ✓Perform related work as required

After appointment, all Park Rangers I must obtain a Peace Officer Training Certificate recognized by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council. This training is typically arranged by the employing jurisdiction and is a mandatory requirement for continued employment in the title.

There is only one minimum education requirement to compete in this examination. All other requirements below are ongoing conditions of eligibility and employment:

• ✓Education: Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma (GED)
• ✓Age (to test): At least 19 years old — candidates within 12 months of the minimum age (20) are permitted to compete per Civil Service Law Section 54. Candidates will not be appointed until their 20th birthday.
• ✓Age (to be appointed): Must be 20 years old by the date of appointment
• ✓Driver’s License: Valid NYS motor vehicle operator’s license required at the time of appointment and throughout employment
• ✓Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen at the time of appointment
• ✓Residence: No residency requirement to sit for this examination — however, towns generally give hiring preference to their own residents (must establish town residency for at least 90 days prior to certification)

Candidates must pass all four parts of this examination to be eligible for appointment. Rank on the eligible list is determined by the written test score only, plus veterans’ credits where applicable. Failure to appear for any portion — or failure of any portion — results in disqualification from the competition.

All applications must be submitted online only at suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Civil-Service. Payment must be made by Visa or MasterCard credit card; a $1.95 convenience fee applies. A separate application and fee are required for each examination number. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. An email acknowledgement will be sent upon successful submission.

The $125 application fee may be waived for Suffolk County residents who fall into any of the following categories. All waiver claims are subject to verification: