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Assistant Ranger Jobs in Holden, MA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Ranger information

See Holden, MA salary details

$11.7K

$45.4K

$60.8K

How much do assistant ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant ranger in Holden, MA is $45,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,200.00 and $50,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant ranger?

Assistant Rangers are professionals who support the management and conservation of parks, nature reserves, or wildlife areas. They assist senior rangers in tasks such as maintaining trails, monitoring wildlife, providing visitor information, enforcing park rules, and participating in conservation projects. Assistant Rangers play a key role in protecting natural resources and ensuring that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Their duties can also include educational outreach and helping with emergency responses within the park.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Ranger, you typically need a background in environmental science, forestry, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications or training. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, GPS devices, and safety equipment is commonly required for daily fieldwork. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help in interacting with the public and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are essential for effectively managing natural resources, ensuring visitor safety, and supporting conservation efforts.

What are some of the common challenges assistant rangers face during peak visitor seasons?

During peak visitor seasons, Assistant Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing larger crowds, ensuring public safety, and protecting natural resources from increased human impact. Balancing educational outreach with enforcement of park regulations becomes more demanding, and there may be a greater need to assist with emergency situations or first aid. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential to handle the fast-paced environment and maintain a positive experience for visitors while safeguarding the park.

What is the difference between Assistant Ranger vs Park Ranger?

AspectAssistant RangerPark Ranger
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in first aid, CPRHigh school diploma; often additional certifications in law enforcement or environmental management
Work EnvironmentAssists in park maintenance, visitor assistance, and conservation tasksEnforces park rules, conducts patrols, educates visitors, manages emergencies
Employer & Industry UsagePublic parks, wildlife reserves, national and state parksNational and state parks, wildlife agencies, conservation organizations

Assistant Rangers typically support park operations, focusing on maintenance and visitor assistance, while Park Rangers have more responsibilities in enforcement, education, and emergency response. Both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor, public park environments, but Park Rangers usually have a broader scope of duties and authority.

What cities near Holden, MA are hiring for Assistant Ranger jobs?

Cities near Holden, MA with the most Assistant Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Ranger job openings in Holden, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,424 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for - strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov. DEPT Info

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for Watershed Ranger I, Oakham Field Office to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume with the online submission of employment qualifications.

            DCR INTERNAL POSTING ONLY

Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. This position may require working weekends, and/or holidays. Schedules/Days off are at the discretion of the supervisor.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: 

The basic purpose of this work is to provide a variety of resource and visitor services, protective measures and promote compliance with rules and regulations at the agency sites. Incumbents of positions in this series patrol parks, reservations, historic sites, watershed conservation areas, and/or recreation areas to promote compliance with rules and regulations; protect natural and cultural resources and water supplies; enhance visitor experiences through visibility and information; monitors impact of both authorized and unauthorized visitor use; and coordinates with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action. 

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Encourages safe and appropriate use of state lands by patrolling an assigned area by car, boat, bicycle, or foot, promoting compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to the operation and management of watershed and water supply lands, parks, reservations, historic sites, and/or recreation and conservation areas. 

  • Supervises the dissemination of information to visitors pertaining to the protection of water supplies, the use of public land, available services, trail locations, natural areas, special events, and pertinent rules and regulations. 

  • Assists with special functions, organized events, permit monitoring, tours, school groups, special interest groups, and/or programs. 

  • Assess the conditions of trails, roads, and other natural and cultural resources; submit reports with improvement and/or enhancement recommendations to appropriate individuals. 

  • During the fishing season, assist boaters as needed. 

  • Assists the Environmental Quality staff with the Aquatic Invasive Species Control program. 

  • Control crowds in areas where large groups of people gather by cautioning observers and by placing barriers, ropes, etc. in order to maintain public order and ensure special events operations run smoothly. 

  • Cautiously confronts situations that may require the expulsion of disorderly persons from the area and notifications of the appropriate law enforcement officials. 

  • Participates in rescue operations by interviewing others regarding lost persons and searching for lost persons in accordance with agency policy; assists in search function as a searcher, dispatcher, and performs first aid or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary. 

  • Assists as needed in the prevention, suppression, and control of forest fires. 

  • Performs related duties such as maintaining records and files, maintaining daily field logs, preparing reports, putting up and monitoring surveillance cameras, and assisting maintenance staff as needed. 

  • Performs related duties as assigned. 

Preferred Qualifications: 
1. Possession of a current and valid First Aid/CPR/AED certificate from either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. 

2. Possession of current MA Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
 


Minimum Entrance Requirements: 
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  
Substitutions: 
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in park or recreation management, natural resource management, water resources management, environmental education, or park interpretation may be substituted for the required experience.*  
*Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.  
Special Requirements:  
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license.  
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.  
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.