ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

City Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

FHLB Des Moines

Park Ranger Manager

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$60 - $94/hr

The Park Ranger Manager will oversee formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit from the ... The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a ...

All JobsCity Park Ranger JobsCity Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia

City Park Ranger information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do city park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for city park ranger in Virginia is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a city park ranger?

City Park Rangers are public officials responsible for protecting and managing urban parks and recreational areas. Their duties typically include enforcing park rules, ensuring visitor safety, providing information and education about local wildlife and park features, and sometimes conducting guided tours or educational programs. They may also respond to emergencies, perform light maintenance, and act as liaisons between the public and city authorities. City Park Rangers play a vital role in maintaining the safety and enjoyment of city parks for all visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city park ranger?

To thrive as a City Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resource management, first aid/CPR certification, and a background in law enforcement or environmental science. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, radio communication systems, and reporting tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and public education abilities help in engaging with diverse park visitors and handling emergencies. These skills ensure the safety, preservation, and positive experience of public spaces for the community.

How do city park rangers typically collaborate with other municipal departments and community organizations?

City Park Rangers regularly work alongside local law enforcement, parks and recreation staff, and community groups to ensure the safety and enjoyment of public spaces. They may coordinate with maintenance teams to address hazards, partner with police during emergency situations, and support educational programs run by nonprofits or schools. This collaborative approach not only helps maintain park standards but also fosters positive relationships with the community. Effective communication and teamwork are essential skills for success in this role.

Can I be a city park ranger with no experience?

City park ranger positions often require some knowledge of environmental conservation, public safety, and customer service, but many entry-level roles accept candidates with little or no prior experience. Relevant skills such as communication, physical fitness, and a valid driver's license can be beneficial, and some agencies provide on-the-job training or require certifications like first aid or CPR. Having related volunteer work or education in natural sciences can improve your chances of being hired.

Is it hard to get a job as a city park ranger?

Becoming a city park ranger typically requires relevant experience in parks, conservation, or law enforcement, along with certifications such as CPR or first aid. Competition can vary depending on the location and the number of available positions, but strong knowledge of environmental policies and good physical fitness are often important factors in the hiring process.

What are popular job titles related to City Park Ranger jobs in Virginia?

For City Park Ranger jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching City Park Ranger jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for City Park Ranger jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for City Park Ranger jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most City Park Ranger job openings:

City Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Park Ranger job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,608 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Park Ranger Manager

Virginia Recreation and Park Society

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$60 - $94/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit, establishing operational standards and procedures.

  • Provide leadership and oversight of park safety, security operations, and emergency response activities.

  • Supervise park ranger staff, including hiring, training, evaluating, and coordinating outreach and community engagement efforts.

Job description

Salary: $60,174.40 - $93,766.40 Annually

Application Deadline: Aug 31, 2026

Administration

Additional Job Description

Our Quest

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Park Ranger Manager and lead the development of our new Park Ranger Unit. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a new team dedicated to protecting Virginia Beach’s parks, facilities, and the millions of visitors who enjoy them.

We are looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is comfortable turning a vision into an operational Park Ranger Unit that reflects the high standards and values of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.

The Park Ranger Manager will oversee formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit from the ground up, establishing the operational foundation, culture, and standards that will guide the program. Initial responsibilities will include recruiting and hiring ranger staff, coordinating the purchase and deployment of vehicles and specialized equipment, developing standard operating procedures and training programs, and establishing effective protocols for ranger operations, public engagement, safety, and incident response.

Day to Day Duties

Provide leadership and oversight of park safety and security operations, maintain a visible presence throughout parks, lead outreach and community engagement efforts, enforce park rules and regulations, and respond to incidents, emergencies, and public safety concerns.

  • Supervise Park Ranger staff to include hiring, training, evaluating, and discipline.
  • Conduct patrols as needed to support field operations.
  • Oversee citywide patrol operations, ensuring adequate staffing and coverage across all parks.
  • Coordinate and administer policies and procedures across the department, recommend revisions, and maintain consistency in enforcement operations.
  • Serve as primary liaison with Virginia Beach Police, Fire, EMS, and Sheriff’s departments for planning and emergency coordination.
  • Detain individuals in accordance with established procedures until law enforcement arrives.
  • Serve as on-site commander during critical field emergencies.
  • Oversee emergency readiness and response.
  • Represent the department at events, meetings, and public forums.
  • Lead outreach and community engagement strategies.
  • Manage budgets, equipment, vehicles, uniforms, incident trend analysis, reporting, policy updates, and strategic planning.
  • Design, oversee, and ensure compliance with training programs for the Park Ranger division.
  • Provide high-level decision-making affecting unit operations, emergency response, enforcement strategy, and policy implementation.
  • Ensure the maintenance of required certifications and operational readiness.

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge, and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

Preferences

Supervisory experience as a Park Ranger or Police/Security management in a local, state, or federal agency.

Schedule

This position is a 7 day a week operation could including early mornings, evening, weekend and holidays.

The position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s operational status. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

The Perks

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage

Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance

Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)

Basic Life Insurance

Optional Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Additional requirements:

This position is being advertised as a pool, and applications could be used to fill current vacancies and any other similar Park Ranger Manager positions that become available within six months from the closing date of this posting.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply