Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement

Overview

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement

Location: Lacey, WA

Closes: Continuous. This position will remain open until filled. For first round interviews, submit materials by March 6, 2026.

Washington State Parks is seeking a strategic, grounded, and service‑oriented leader to serve as the next Superintendent of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement. The role sits at the heart of how the public experiences safety, support, and stewardship in parks across the state.

This position offers the chance to shape and elevate a statewide visitor‑protection program that is both responsive and forward‑looking. You will guide and mentor a team of rangers and law enforcement professionals who work on the front lines every day, supporting visitors, navigating complex situations, and serving as trusted ambassadors for the outdoors. Your leadership will directly influence how staff are trained, supported, and empowered to deliver consistent, high‑quality service rooted in professionalism and care.

The Superintendent will strengthen operational systems, enhance statewide coordination, and ensure that policies, practices, and training reflect modern approaches to public safety. This includes balancing compliance with education, cultivating strong relationships with local partners and allied agencies, and championing a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who brings sound judgment, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to supporting both people and mission. If you are energized by complex problem‑solving, leading through change, and helping professionals thrive in a dynamic outdoor environment, consider this important role.

Washington State Parks protects diverse and beautiful lands across the state. From ocean beaches to mountain waterfalls, hiking trails to swimming areas, Washington’s state parks offer a range of outdoor recreation and experiences.

With 124 state parks, recreation areas, heritage sites, and trails, the agency manages nearly 120,000 acres of land that showcase Washington’s natural and cultural heritage—from rugged coastline and volcanic landscapes to inland forests, lakes, and historic sites.

The agency is committed to accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, and stewardship, and actively expands partnerships with local communities, tribes, and outdoor recreation organizations to strengthen conservation and recreation opportunities. The Superintendent leads the statewide Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement Program, coordinating the operational aspects of public safety, ranger law enforcement activities, and risk management, while working with Operations Division leadership, Park Area Managers, other agencies, and stakeholders.

The Superintendent provides policy direction and strategic leadership to both commissioned and limited‑commissioned rangers, ensuring enforcement practices are mission‑aligned, education‑focused, and community‑oriented. The role emphasizes respectful public engagement and professional communication in all ranger interactions. Enforcement actions are escalated only when necessary to ensure safety of people, property, and resources.

• Provide strategic oversight and subject matter guidance of all visitor protection and law enforcement activities.
• Promote a ranger culture rooted in education, public service, and respectful enforcement.
• Lead the agency’s Field Training Program for fully commissioned park rangers to ensure consistent onboarding and mentoring of new officers.
• Train staff in the use of tactical and respectful communication in enforcement interactions, fostering voluntary compliance and minimizing conflict.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tribal, local, and state enforcement partners to support coordinated operations and response.

The next Superintendent will be a dynamic, credible, unifying leader who is deeply committed to the agency’s success and is a strategic, big‑picture thinker. The role requires someone who is comfortable being a…