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County Park Ranger Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Ogden, IA · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee Benefits, this position has been classified as FLSA ... Non-Exempt Accountable To: Boone County Conservation Board Executive Director, Governed by the ...

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How much do county park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for county park ranger in Iowa is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Most jobs that pay $2000 a day are highly specialized or senior-level roles such as executive positions, specialized medical professionals, or certain consulting and legal roles. These jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications, and they may involve long hours or high responsibility. For example, top-tier lawyers, surgeons, or corporate executives can earn such daily rates depending on the industry and location.

How much money does a park ranger make per year?

A county park ranger typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many park rangers also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What jobs make 10,000 a month without a degree?

For a County Park Ranger, earning $10,000 a month without a degree is uncommon, as the role typically offers lower salaries. High earnings in similar jobs often require extensive experience, specialized skills, or certifications, such as commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which can sometimes reach or exceed that level. Most jobs with such income levels are in sales, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades that do not necessarily require a college degree.

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

Getting a job as a park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, environmental science, or law enforcement, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests. Competition can be moderate to high, especially for federal positions, and having certifications such as CPR or first aid can improve chances. The application process often involves multiple steps, including interviews and assessments.

What are some common challenges County Park Rangers face in maintaining park safety and visitor satisfaction?

County Park Rangers often balance multiple responsibilities, such as enforcing park regulations, educating visitors, and responding to emergencies. One common challenge is handling conflicts between visitors while maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Rangers must also adapt to changing weather conditions and address issues like wildlife management or trail maintenance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as Rangers frequently collaborate with law enforcement, maintenance crews, and the public to ensure both safety and visitor satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a County Park Ranger, you need a solid understanding of natural resource management, law enforcement procedures, and often a degree in environmental science, criminal justice, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, two-way radio communication, and first aid/CPR certifications are commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service help rangers excel in both visitor engagement and emergency situations. These competencies are crucial for safeguarding park resources, ensuring public safety, and providing positive visitor experiences.

What are County Park Rangers?

County Park Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting, managing, and overseeing county parks and recreational areas. Their duties often include enforcing park rules and regulations, providing assistance and information to visitors, conducting educational programs, and protecting natural and cultural resources. They may also perform first aid, respond to emergencies, and help maintain park facilities. County Park Rangers ensure that parks remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for all visitors.
Infographic showing various County Park Ranger job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,367 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Park Ranger

Boone County Iowa

Ogden, IA • On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description: PARK RANGERPosition Description

Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee Benefits, this position has been classified as FLSA Non-Exempt

Accountable To: Boone County Conservation Board Executive Director, Governed by the Boone County Employee Handbook

Payment: Pay range between $48,000-$55,000 depending on experience.


Position:

Under general supervision of the Director, serves as a peace officer under the provisions of Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. Responsible for enforcing Conservation Board rules and natural resource laws, maintaining a safe environment for the public, and protecting public lands. Oversees the daily maintenance and operation of Swede Point Park, Grant’s Woods, and the High Trestle Trail. Recommends and implements improvements, enhancement in natural resource and recreational management, including timber stand improvement, prairie and tree planting, invasive species control, and prairie burns. Perform routine and special patrol duties, including the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, maintain good public relations, and maintain park facilities and equipment.


Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required, with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related natural science field; experience in natural resource or law enforcement work may be substituted for the course work requirement.


Essential Job Functions: These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other skills and duties may be required and assigned.

? Enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue citations and warnings to violators. Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform

? Enforcement of Boone County Conservation Board (BCCB) rules and regulations, state park laws, Iowa traffic laws, Iowa fish and game laws that may apply to public lands

? Knowledge of native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Boone County

? Knowledge of principles and practices of park and natural resource management

? Ensures the cleanliness of properties, parking lots, shelters, and bathrooms.

? Oversees the care and maintenance of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees and wetlands on the facility grounds.

? Manages the High Trestle Trail System in Boone County, including mowing, weed control, tree trimming, sign maintenance, plowing, etc.

? Collect user fees, meet, understand, and assist the general public

? Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and agencies, and volunteers

? Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and ages

? Work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision

? Operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, in-car computer, and emergency equipment

? Repair and maintain park structures and grounds

? Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and native grasses through drilling, planting, broadcasting, mowing, burning, and spraying herbicide

? Operate, repair, inspect, and service vehicles, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, skid loaders, dump truck, and other tools

? Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays


Essential Administration Responsibilities

? Operate common office equipment such calculators, photocopiers, and multi-line telephones

? Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email, and web browsing

? Apply for local, state or federal grants

? Plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employees, volunteers and contractors

? Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situations

? Operate the administrative side of the MyCountyParks reservation system to change, make, and check campground, shelter, and cabin reservations.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation, Natural Resources, or related sciences preferred, High School Diploma/GED, Pre-Employment Physical, Pre-Employment Drug test, Clear Motor Vehicle Record, must be insurable under Boone County liability coverage, Pre Employment Background Check


Required Essential Licenses and Certifications

Certified peace officer in the State of Iowa (or be able to obtain certification), CPR and First Aid Certification (within one year of employment), Pesticide Applicator’s Certification


Mental/Visual Demands

Position demands attention in maintaining accurate records. Work under pressure with interruptions and challenging deadlines.


Required Essential Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 75 pounds of force. Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting. Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communications is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken work levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location, occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas and ditch embankments.


Environment

Frequently subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, cold and heat. Position will encounter dusty, windy, wet and icy work conditions.


Position Location

Primary location is Swede Point Park, Madrid, IA. Some traveling is required. Telecommuting is NOT approved for this position. Successful candidate will be offered a chance to live in the county residence at Swede Point Park as a rented residence.


Contacts

Position requires regular daily contact with others such as the public, other county offices and vendors.


Accountability

Accuracy is important to avoid errors in recording transactions. Be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Reliable work attendance. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and personal high level of integrity. Represent Boone County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner.


The Above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
performed by employee assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an
exhaustive list of all skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions required of a
person assigned to this job classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer
and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.Requirements: