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Backcountry Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Park Service

Park Ranger (Seasonal)

Thibodaux, LA · On-site +1

$19.52 - $25.37/hr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help Park Ranger Standard Duties: * Perform day-to-day patrol ... Observes, documents, and maintains records of various backcountry conditions. * Provides informal ...

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

$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

$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 ...

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 ...

State of Colorado

CO

$20/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

$20/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

$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 ...

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How much do backcountry ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Backcountry Ranger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backcountry Ranger, you need expertise in wilderness navigation, first aid, land management practices, and environmental education, often supported by a degree in natural resources or related fields. Familiarity with GPS units, mapping software, radio communication devices, and certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively with visitors and team members help distinguish exceptional candidates. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safety, effective resource management, and positive visitor experiences in remote and often challenging natural landscapes.

What are some typical challenges faced by Backcountry Rangers in the field?

Backcountry Rangers often encounter difficult terrain, rapidly changing weather conditions, and limited access to emergency resources, which require strong adaptability and preparedness. Managing visitor safety and compliance with regulations in remote areas can be demanding, especially during peak seasons or in popular destinations. Additionally, rangers may work alone for extended periods and must be equipped to handle emergencies without immediate support. Successful rangers thrive by staying vigilant, relying on proven procedures, and utilizing teamwork when possible through coordinated patrols or collaborating with other agencies.

What is a Backcountry Ranger job?

A Backcountry Ranger is responsible for protecting and maintaining remote wilderness areas, ensuring visitor safety, and enforcing park regulations. They patrol trails and backcountry campsites, educate hikers on Leave No Trace principles, and respond to emergencies such as lost hikers or injuries. Rangers also assist with conservation efforts, wildlife monitoring, and trail maintenance. This role requires strong outdoor skills, physical endurance, and a passion for preserving natural landscapes.

More about Backcountry Ranger jobs
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Backcountry Ranger jobs near you
Individual Placement - Bears Ears National Monument Field Ranger

Individual Placement - Bears Ears National Monument Field Ranger

Student Conservation Association

Monticello, UT • On-site

$1.1K/wk

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The selected candidate will serve as a member of the recreation team for the Bureau of Land Management, Monticello Utah Field Office within Bears Ears National Monument. The primary duty station will be the Kane Gulch Ranger Station, located on Cedar Mesa. They will work with a team of BLM staff and volunteers to assist with the day-to-day operations at the ranger station. This includes staffing a visitor contact desk to provide information to the public, conducting backcountry patrols by foot and 4WD vehicle, performing simple maintenance tasks and some administrative tasks.
Hosting Organization
BLM Utah (UT)
Location
Monticello, UT
Schedule
August 24, 2026 - November 27, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The member will be responsible for staffing a remote contact station on Cedar Mesa in the heart of Bears Ears National Monument in SE Utah. Primary duties involve working at a contact desk and providing visitors with information about hiking and other recreation opportunities in the surrounding area. This includes selling permits, operating a POS system, and instructing visitors in LNT and Visit with respect principals. The member will also conduct backcountry patrols on foot and by vehicle to monitor archeological sites and wilderness character within the canyons and mesa tops.
Marginal Duties
The member will also be required to perform light maintenance tasks. This could include simple facilites maintenance, light cleaning/restocking of vault toilets, intstallation and/or maintenance of signs and kiosks, as well as some administrative tasks.
Required Qualifications
The member must possess excellent communication skills and be comfortable interacting with the public to provide information on hiking and recreation opportunities in the surrounding area. Cedar Mesa is one of the most archeologically dense areas in the United States, so the ability to communicate Visit With Respect and Leave No Trace principals is also important. Conducting backcountry patrols by foot and 4WD vehicle is also a primary duty of this position. The member must be able to hike and navigate in the backcountry over rough terrain for up to 10 miles in a day, communicate using InReach devices and radios, operate 4WD vehicles over rough terrain, and work independently with little supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience using GIS or tablet bases reporting system such as Survey123
  • Prior knowledge of the landscape and resources around Cedar Mesa and Bears Ears National Monument
  • Experience working with the public and providing information at a visitor center
  • A solid understanding of Leave No Trace and Visit With Respect principals
  • Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder (WFA/WFR) certification

Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Kane Gulch Ranger Station is a remote duty station located off Hwy 261 on Cedar Mesa. The nearest town is Blanding UT, located about 35 minutes away. Natural Bridges National Monument is about 15 minutes away. The housing is located on site behind the Ranger Station. There are 4 modern single occupancy tiny homes and a modern 3 room bunkhouse located on the premises. There is little to no cell service at the housing facilities but connectivity is available at the ranger station through satellite internet. The site is off grid with solar power, well water and propane. All housing facilities have running water, showers, flush toilets, modern kitchen appliances including refrigerators, oven and range, and microwaves. The tiny homes have smaller RV versions of these appliances.
Compensation
$1,100 Round-Trip Travel Allowance
$700 Weekly Living Allowance
All-Weather Uniform Package
Housing on site provided
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Interpretive Skills
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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