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Assistant Forest Ranger Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Sedona, AZ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

PARK RANGER SENIOR or / and PARK RANGER SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK *must be able to work evening ... OR a Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely ...

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Assistant Forest Ranger information

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$9

$19

$37

How much do assistant forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant forest ranger in Arizona is $19.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges assistant forest rangers face during their fieldwork?

Assistant Forest Rangers often work in remote, outdoor environments where weather conditions and terrain can be unpredictable. They may face challenges such as navigating difficult landscapes, responding to emergencies like wildfires or injured hikers, and managing encounters with wildlife. Additionally, balancing conservation efforts with public access and recreation requires clear communication and problem-solving skills. Teamwork and adaptability are essential, as rangers regularly collaborate with colleagues, local communities, and other agencies.

What is the average salary for an Assistant Forest Ranger?

The average salary for an Assistant Forest Ranger varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 annually. In some regions, additional certifications or seasonal work can influence pay rates, and the role often involves outdoor work and environmental management tasks.

What is an assistant forest ranger?

Assistant Forest Rangers are entry-level professionals who support the management and protection of forests, parks, and natural resources. Their responsibilities often include assisting in enforcing regulations, maintaining trails and facilities, educating the public, and supporting conservation efforts. They work under the supervision of senior forest rangers and may also help with fire prevention, wildlife monitoring, and emergency response. This role is essential for maintaining the health and safety of public lands and ensuring that natural habitats are preserved for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant forest ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Forest Ranger, you need knowledge of forestry management, environmental science, and wildlife conservation, often supported by a relevant degree or field experience. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS devices, and basic firefighting or first aid certifications are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help in educating the public, coordinating with agencies, and responding to emergencies. These competencies ensure effective stewardship of natural resources and public safety in diverse outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Assistant Forest Ranger vs Forest Guard?

AspectAssistant Forest RangerForest Guard
Required CredentialsDiploma or degree in forestry or related fieldSecondary education or equivalent, sometimes with basic forestry training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation projectsPatrolling forests, preventing illegal activities, and assisting in conservation efforts
Employer & IndustryGovernment forestry departments, wildlife agenciesForest departments, forest protection agencies
Common Search & ComparisonAssistant Forest Ranger vs Forest Guard

The Assistant Forest Ranger typically holds a higher qualification and performs supervisory and administrative duties in forestry and wildlife conservation. In contrast, the Forest Guard primarily focuses on patrolling and protecting forest areas. Both roles are essential for forest management but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

How do you become a assistant forest ranger?

To become an assistant forest ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, physical fitness, and sometimes passing written exams or interviews; certifications in first aid or firefighting can also be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Forest Ranger jobs in Arizona?

For Assistant Forest Ranger jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Forest Ranger jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Forest Ranger jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Forest Ranger job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,627 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

PARK RANGER SENIOR / PARK RANGER

Arizona Department of Administration

Sedona, AZ • On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

PARK RANGER SENIOR / PARK RANGER
Job No: 542972
Work Type: Full-time
Location: SEDONA
Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources
ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people both in our parks and through our partners.
To learn more about Arizona State Parks and Trails, visit our web site at azstateparks.com.
Arizona State Parks and Trails protects and preserves 30 State Parks and Natural Areas. The agency also includes the State Trails Program, outdoor-related Grants Program, the State Historic Preservation Office, as well as the Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and more. Arizona State Parks and Trails provides over 1,400 camping and RV sites throughout the parks and manages 8 of the top 25 most visited natural attractions in Arizona.

PARK RANGER SENIOR
or / and
PARK RANGER
SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK
*must be able to work evening, weekends and holidays*

Job Location:
Address: 6871 N. Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ, 86336
Posting Details:
Park Ranger
Salary: $17.50 - $19.00 / per hour
Grade: 16
Park Ranger Senior
Salary: $20.00 - $22.00 / per hour
Grade: 17

Closing Date: August 25, 2026
Job Summary:
Park Ranger Senior:
Under minimal supervision, this position acts as the lead for volunteers, school groups, and potable water operator. Specific responsibilities include acting as the drinking water plant operator, coordinating and scheduling school field trip programs on site, volunteer coordination, maintaining certification as a Leave No Trace instructor, , and assisting with social media posts.
Park Ranger:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of work activities while providing customer service in the operation of a recreational, historic or natural resource park; interprets natural features of the area, or historic objects/artifacts for visitors; and ensures public safety by enforcing Park rules and regulations. Assists with surface water testing and laboratory duties including QA/QC and inventory when needed.
Job Duties:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Outdoor Recreation & Programmatic:
• Host visitors.
• Conducts interpretive programs and may lead guided walks or hikes.
• Provides information in response to visitor questions, directions, guidance, and concerns.
Customer Service:
• Provides customer service by phone and in-person and respond to publics inquiries about park hours, accommodations, reservations.
Park Ranger Senior:
Also performs outreach in the community with potential volunteers and school group connections. Provides internal customer service to park volunteers.
Cash Handling:
• Perform cashier duties at Contact Station/Gift Shop.
• Collect and account for fees for park admission and store purchases.
Public & Staff Safety:
• Promote the safety of park visitors and enforce Park rules and protect Park resources.
• Utilize two-way radio communications system.
• Confers with local officials and law enforcement officers.
• Completes all necessary reports concerning incidents.
• May lead and assist in training subordinate staff.
General maintenance and Cleaning:
• May maintain, inspect, repair park buildings for any problems or hazards, completion of various carpentry, improvement and repair projects while following maintenance standards.
• General cleaning of facilities as necessary.
Reporting:
• Completes reports regarding activities, transaction and progress covering a specified time period or project completing.
Park Ranger Senior:
Drinking Water / Potable Water Operator
• Obtains and maintains certification as water plant operator.
• Duties as assigned as related to the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
- Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Park rules/ regulations, fees and revenue functions.
- Techniques for display and interpretation of objects/ artifacts and general resources to visitors.
- General office procedures.
Skills in:
- Public relations and information dissemination.
- Customer service.
- Active listening.
- Critical thinking.
- Driving and operating automotive equipment.
- Basic curatorial techniques.
- Multi-tasking; and de-escalation techniques.
- public speaking both in a lecture setting and impromptu; supervisory skills relevant to supervising employees and volunteers.
Ability to:
- Performing math calculations.
- First aid techniques.
- Oral and written communications with variable age groups and cultural backgrounds.
- Positive interpersonal relationship.
- Work unsupervised in a constantly changing and dynamic environment.
- Work and collaborate with coworkers to produce innovative concepts and resolve issues in a way that promotes a positive and healthy workplace culture.
Selective Preference(s):
Park Ranger Senior:
Two years experience equivalent to a Park Ranger, OR three years of work experience in customer service and maintenance in park related setting; OR a Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Any combination of training and experience that meet knowledge, skills, abilities may be substituted. No less than two years cash handling and POS experience.
Park Ranger:
Two years of experience equivalent to a Park Ranger Specialist; OR three years of work experience in customer service, library or museum work; OR a Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Any combination of training and experience that meet knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Must possess and maintain a current Arizona Driver's license appropriate to assignment.
- Must possess or obtain a Level 1 Water Operator certification within 6 months and Level 2 certification within 2 years.
- Strong preference for Leave No Trace Instructor and Certified Interpretive Guide certification.
- Other beneficial certifications include EMT, Wilderness 1st Aid, CPR/AED.
this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Parental leave
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here.
For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State of Arizona employees.
Contact Us:
Recruitmenthr@azstateparks.gov
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 604 -7331. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Having trouble applying for this position?
Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.
Advertised: 12 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 25 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
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