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Backcountry Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Colorado

CO

$18/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... Lake, river and backcountry recreation parks may have additional, separate duties. Other duties as ...

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... Lake, river and backcountry recreation parks may have additional, separate duties. Other duties as ...

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All JobsBackcountry Park Ranger Jobs

Backcountry Park Ranger information

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$12

$20

$39

How much do backcountry park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry park ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Backcountry park rangers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; their salaries are usually lower and depend on experience and location. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilots, certain sales roles, or skilled trades such as elevator installers, which require certifications or apprenticeships rather than a college degree.

What are Backcountry Park Rangers?

Backcountry Park Rangers are specialized park employees responsible for managing and protecting remote, undeveloped areas within national or state parks. Their duties often include patrolling trails, assisting lost or injured visitors, enforcing park regulations, monitoring wildlife and natural resources, and performing search and rescue operations. They are trained to handle emergencies and are knowledgeable about the park's geography, flora, and fauna. Backcountry Park Rangers often work in challenging environments and may spend extended periods in the wilderness to ensure visitor safety and conservation of natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backcountry Park Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backcountry Park Ranger, you need knowledge of wilderness survival, natural resource management, and environmental science, often supported by a degree in a related field and first aid or wilderness EMT certification. Proficiency with GPS units, mapping software, and radio communication systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help rangers interact with visitors, manage emergencies, and work effectively in remote teams. These skills ensure the safety of both visitors and the environment while enabling effective management of challenging backcountry areas.

How to become a backcountry park ranger?

To become a backcountry park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in outdoor recreation or law enforcement, and knowledge of wilderness safety and conservation. Many positions require certification in first aid and CPR, and some agencies prefer or require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field. Physical fitness and the ability to work in remote, challenging environments are also essential.

How much do wilderness rangers make?

Wilderness rangers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often with benefits like housing and overtime pay.

How hard is it to get a job as a park ranger?

Securing a position as a backcountry park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, environmental science, or related fields, along with physical fitness and good communication skills. Competition can be high, and applicants often need to pass background checks, training, and sometimes certification in first aid or CPR. Persistence and a strong understanding of park policies improve chances of employment.

What is the difference between Backcountry Park Ranger vs Park Ranger?

AspectBackcountry Park RangerPark Ranger
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Law Enforcement or Wilderness CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Law Enforcement or Visitor Services Certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, rugged outdoor areas, wilderness settingsPark grounds, visitor centers, accessible outdoor areas
Employer & IndustryNational/state parks, wilderness areasNational/state parks, local parks
Common Search & ComparisonBackcountry Park Ranger vs Park Ranger

Backcountry Park Rangers primarily work in remote wilderness areas, requiring specialized outdoor skills and certifications. In contrast, Park Rangers often work in more accessible park areas, focusing on visitor services and site management. Both roles involve law enforcement, safety, and conservation, but the work environment and daily duties differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Backcountry Park Rangers, and how can new rangers prepare for them?

Backcountry Park Rangers often face challenges such as navigating remote terrain, responding to emergencies with limited resources, and working in variable weather conditions. New rangers can prepare by developing strong wilderness survival skills, becoming proficient with navigation tools (like GPS and maps), and maintaining physical fitness. It's also important to be comfortable working independently for extended periods and to stay up-to-date on park policies and emergency protocols. Building good communication with colleagues and local law enforcement can help rangers respond more effectively to incidents in remote areas.
More about Backcountry Park Ranger jobs
What states have the most Backcountry Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Backcountry Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Backcountry Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backcountry Park Ranger jobs are:
Backcountry Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backcountry Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 6% Full Time, and 91% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
PARK RANGER 1 - 06302026-78815

PARK RANGER 1 - 06302026-78815

Tennessee State Government

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$54K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time
06/30/2026 12:00AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time
07/13/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly)
$4,562.00
Salary (Annually)
$54,744.00
Job Type
Full-Time
City, State Location
Soddy Daisy, TN
Department
Environment and Conservation
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION, HAMILTON COUNTY
This position is located at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park.
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/preferred-service/01007571_tsp_park_ranger_1_nccgst_tdec-job-opp_ps_ua.pdf
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's
degree.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
  • Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons.
  • Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation.
  • Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
  • Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
  • Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal
    history records check.
  • Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions
    from any branch of the United States armed forces.
  • Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the
    Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
  • Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is
    consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of
    the position.
  • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment.
  • Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Tennessee Law
    Enforcement Academy or have successfully completed the equivalent of the prescribed course.
  • All commissioned Officers of the Tennessee State Parks will complete 63 hours First Responder
    (Emergency Medical Care) or State of Tennessee equivalent course upon being hired and maintain
    their First Responder certification.

    • During their careers, most rangers can expect to be assigned to several different parts of the
    state. While employee work location preference is considered, there is no guarantee that a ranger
    will remain stationed in only one area.
    Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.
    Overview
    This position is part of the Tennessee State Parks Park Ranger series for TDEC. This is the entry-level classification in the TSP Park Ranger Series. Under immediate supervision, this classification is responsible for law enforcement, emergency medical response, safety and security of the park and general public, resource-based interpretation, resource management, supervision of full and part-time employees, supporting park operations, and providing maintenance within a state park. This class differs from a TSP Park Ranger 2 in that an incumbent of the latter performs at the working level. This class differs from that of TSP Park Ranger 3 in that the latter performs leadership responsibilities and increasingly complex work.
    *An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory two-year training period. Inadequate performance during the initial two-year training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.
    Responsibilities
  • Resource protection and management of natural and cultural resources through invasive species removal, restoration of resources, and visitor education of resource significance.
  • Provide interpretive programming experiences related to the park's story and mission.
  • Serve as a liaison for the community by cultivating positive relationships with guests, vendors, and residents.
  • Operate equipment and engage in general maintenance and upkeep of the park to include, but not limited to, trail building, trail clearing, and backcountry campsite upkeep.
  • Enforcement of park rules and regulations and general law enforcement in the park. Investigate complaints and reported offenses.
  • Will act as a medical responder and assist with search and rescue operations.
  • Emergency Medical Responder training is required.

    • Competencies (KSA's)
    Competencies:
  • Instills Trust
  • Manages Conflict
  • Decision Quality
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Directs Work

    • Knowledges:
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Communications and Media
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Biology
  • History and Archeology

    • Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning and Listening

    • Abilities:
  • Speech Recognition
  • Limb and/or Full Body Flexibility
  • Written Comprehension
  • Reaction Time
  • Prolonged Stamina

    • Tools & Equipment
  • Law Enforcement Equipment (i.e firearms, handcuffs, baton, oleoresin capsicum spray)
  • Medical Equipment (E.g. AED's, Medical oxygen tank, Blood pressure cuffs, etc.)
  • Hand Tools (fire management/trail tools)
  • Computer/ Cell Phone & Radio
  • Vehicles and Equipment

    • Apply