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Backcountry Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$11

$20

$39

How much do backcountry ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for backcountry ranger in California is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 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.

What are popular job titles related to Backcountry Ranger jobs in California? For Backcountry Ranger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backcountry Ranger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backcountry Ranger jobs in California are:
Backcountry Ranger jobs near you
Traditional Trades Advancement Program - Yosemite National Park - AmeriCorps

Traditional Trades Advancement Program - Yosemite National Park - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy

El Portal, CA • On-site

$3K/wk

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
Position Title: NPS Historic Preservation Training Center - Traditional Trades Advancement Program - Yosemite National Park - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: El Portal, CA
Terms of Service:
  • Start Date: 6/15/2026, Preference given to applications received by 5/23/26
  • AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hours (26 Weeks)

Purpose:
Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps affiliated program that provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the health of natural areas.
Stewards, in partnership with the National Park Service and Historic Preservation Training Center are seeking three individuals to participate in the Traditional Trades Advancement Program serving at YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Members will receive introductory training in a variety of traditional trades and will develop an understanding of historic resource stewardship while helping to preserve our nation's historic resources. This program provides participants with marketable skills and excellent exposure to the historic preservation career field within the NPS as well as the private sector.
Members will be part of multiple park projects during their term throughout Yosemite National Park that includes historic wood sash window repair, shake roofing repair, siding repair, and interior trim work and painting. Projects for 2026 will include: Reconstruct Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Office, Demolish and Mothball Curry Village Duplex Cabins, Preserve Snow Creek Backcountry Cabin and Preserve Ostrander Ski Hut, Preserve Arch Rock Buildings, Preserve and Maintain Wawona Covered Bridge.
Description of Duties:
  • Masonry repointing and mortar analysis.
  • Carpentry repairs including framing and log work
  • Roofing repairs using wood shingles and historic materials.
  • Window restoration including wood repair, glass repair, and repainting.
  • Historic structure condition assessments
  • Learning traditional trade skills
  • Supporting and learning from journey-level employees
  • Exposure to Masonry, Carpentry, roofing, and other skills
  • Historic and cultural landscape maintenance and management
  • Historic structure preservation and restoration
  • Use of hand and power tools

Qualifications:
  • United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
  • Between 18-30 years of age, Veterans up to 35 years of age.
  • Ability to commit to a 26-week experience of combined training and hands-on work
  • Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
  • Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
  • Willingness to learn preservation skills and safety protocols.
  • Operate as a good team member and follow daily direction.
  • Follow HPTC's project agreement and safety plan.
  • Be respectful of all members, site mentors, and staff.
  • Attention to Detail.
  • Organization and Time Management Skills

Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that people with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use of program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
  • Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday at a full-time capacity of 40 hours a week, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
  • Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
  • Fully On-Site

Orientation and Training:
  • Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
  • Members will be provided with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship by NPS staff.
  • Instruction and guidance on carpentry skills and operating/servicing equipment.

Benefits:
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
  • Living Allowance of $600 a week + Additional Benefit of $120 a week (equivalent to $18/hr)
  • $1000 Professional Development Stipend
  • Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority
  • Park Housing Available
  • Loan forbearance if Eligible
  • Interest Payments if Eligible

Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Supervisor Name and Contact Information:
STE Program Staff:
Kevin Record
Program Coordinator
Stewards Individual Placements
(681) 666-3621
krecord@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

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