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Backcountry Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$19/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, assures quality customer service, facility ...

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$19/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, assures quality customer service, facility ...

State of Colorado

CO

$20 - $21/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, Assures quality customer service, facility ...

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, Assures quality customer service, facility ...

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$19/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations. Assures quality customer service, facility ...

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$19/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations. Assures quality customer service, facility ...

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Backcountry Ranger information

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$12

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How much do backcountry ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 a day include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, and experienced consultants. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications, and they typically involve high levels of responsibility or expertise.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Backcountry Rangers typically do not earn $4,000 a week; most park service roles pay less and require certifications or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial fishing, certain sales positions, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require specialized skills, licenses, or significant experience. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree involve physical labor, sales, or self-employment.

How to become a backcountry ranger?

To become a backcountry ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in outdoor recreation or conservation, and knowledge of wilderness safety and navigation. Many positions require certifications such as CPR and first aid, and some agencies prefer candidates with a degree in environmental science, forestry, or related fields. Physical fitness and the ability to work independently in remote environments are also important.

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.

How much do wilderness rangers make?

Wilderness rangers typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. Seasonal positions may pay hourly wages ranging from $12 to $20, often requiring outdoor skills and certifications such as CPR or first aid.
More about Backcountry Ranger jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Backcountry Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most Backcountry Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Backcountry Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Backcountry Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backcountry Ranger jobs are:
Backcountry Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backcountry Ranger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Student Conservation Association

Moab, UT • On-site

$1.1K/wk

Temporary

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
Share this stunning red rock wilderness with visitors from around the world. Help visitors plan their visit and discover more about this unique high desert landscape. Energetic, dependable people with a love for national parks are required. This position will serve Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky district by: 1) Increasing visitor service and satisfaction. 2) Providing resource presence and protection. 3) Increasing visitor appreciation of and knowledge about park resources. Guides will: 1) Become knowledgeable about park resources and proficient at explaining them. 2) Impart accurate, compelling reasons for existing park regulations. 3) Develop a short interpretive program that effectively imparts resource, park and safety information to visitors.
Schedule
October 19, 2026 - January 9, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Staff the visitor center desk to provide orientation, answer questions, and help visitors plan backcountry trips, 65%
  • Rove scenic overlooks and park trails, 10%
  • Research and present informal or formal talks or programs, 10%
  • Attend training 10%
  • Assist park staff with various projects, 5%.

Marginal Duties
  • Provide general safety messaging to visitors encountered during roves, including hydration reminders, weather awareness, and Leave No Trace principles.
  • Assist with backcountry permit education by helping visitors understand regulations, required equipment, and route considerations (without issuing permits that require payment).
  • Help maintain interpretive materials such as updating bulletin boards, replacing worn signage, or preparing materials for programs.

Required Qualifications
Successful applicants will have:
  • Ability to work independently on assigned projects while being an engaged, collaborative member of a team
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude and consistently be courteous and polite to visitors
  • Skill at oral communication and tactful discussion of controversial subject matter
  • A valid state-issued driver's license and be at least eighteen years of age

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Public Speaking (some experience)
  • Earth Sciences (some experience)
  • History (some experience)
  • Resource Management (some experience)

Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is a shared park apartment or house with private bedroom. Household might be coed. Pets are not allowed. Basic kitchen dishware/cookware and utensils are provided. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries and other needed personal items. Washer/dryer and workout facilities are available. Housing is located in the park, which is a 45-minute drive from Moab, UT
Compensation
  • $1,100 - one-time RT travel allowance
  • $600 - weekly living allowance
  • Free Housing

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
  • Required

Additional Benefits
  • Defensive Drive Training
  • Interpretive Skills
  • Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.

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