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District Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

District Ranger

Jackson, NC · On-site

$76K - $76K/yr

The District Ranger (DR) is an administrative position that oversees fire/all-risk training, equipment readiness, facility maintenance/improvement, and purchasing throughout the district. The DR ...

FOREST RANGER

Concord, NH · On-site

$25.96 - $41.77/hr

Forest Ranger II: Performs technical field work in an assigned district relating to forest law enforcement to include forestry, open burning, timber tax, and wetlands regulations; and promotes forest ...

The County of Riverside's Regional Park and Open-Space District has an opportunity for a Park Ranger I/II position based in the Santa Ana River Bottom (SARB) located in Jurupa Valley. The Park Ranger ...

The County of Riverside's Habitat and Open-Space Management District seeks to fill one Park Ranger I/II vacancy to support the Rancho Jurupa Regional Park located in Riverside. The location to the ...

Golf Starter / Ranger

Zion, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

A Golf Starter/Ranger performs customer relations work to assure optimum use of the course facility ... Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be ...

A Golf Starter/Ranger performs customer relations work to assure optimum use of the course facility ... Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be ...

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District Ranger information

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$12

$20

$39

How much do district ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for district 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 is a district ranger?

District Rangers are management professionals in the U.S. Forest Service responsible for overseeing the operations of a specific ranger district within a national forest. They manage a variety of programs, including recreation, fire management, wildlife conservation, and timber harvesting. District Rangers coordinate with staff, local communities, and partner organizations to ensure the sustainable use and protection of forest resources. Their work involves both field operations and administrative duties to balance public access with environmental stewardship.

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

To thrive as a District Ranger, you need expertise in natural resource management, supervisory experience, and typically a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping, incident management systems, and federal land management regulations is crucial. Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, and public communication skills help build strong teams and engage with diverse stakeholders. These abilities are vital for effectively managing public lands, ensuring resource conservation, and balancing multiple land uses.

What are some common challenges district rangers face when managing large, diverse forest areas?

District Rangers often encounter challenges balancing multiple land uses, such as recreation, conservation, and resource extraction, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. They must coordinate with a variety of stakeholders, including local communities, tribal representatives, and other agencies, which requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, responding to emergencies like wildfires or natural disasters can require quick decision-making and effective team leadership. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to maintaining healthy and sustainable forest ecosystems.

What is the difference between District Ranger vs Forest Technician?

AspectDistrict RangerForest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field; often requires experience in forest managementAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, or related field; entry-level certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentField and administrative settings within national forests; overseeing forest management activitiesPrimarily fieldwork assisting with forest surveys, data collection, and maintenance tasks
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Forest Service and similar agencies; managing public landsU.S. Forest Service, state agencies, and environmental organizations; supporting forest management projects

The main difference between a District Ranger and a Forest Technician lies in their responsibilities and experience levels. District Rangers hold leadership roles with administrative and management duties, requiring higher education and experience. Forest Technicians typically support fieldwork and data collection, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in forest management but differ in scope and seniority.

More about District Ranger jobs
Infographic showing various District Ranger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. 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.

$76K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services
Division
North Carolina Forest Service
Job Classification Title
Forestry Technician III (S)
Position Number
60031801
Grade
NC09
About Us
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Description of Work
Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
*** This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered. ***
The North Carolina Forest Service is designated as an emergency response Division and is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to the 100 counties in North Carolina.
The District Ranger (DR) is an administrative position that oversees fire/all-risk training, equipment readiness, facility maintenance/improvement, and purchasing throughout the district. The DR provides technical expertise in fire control, develops fire strategies and tactics, and provides law enforcement support. The DR conducts needed fire control & safety training for the district, trains cooperating agency personnel, and assists with statewide training. The DR implements ICS at the district and state level. May serve as initial attack IC & OPS Chief on district fire team. Will fill OPS roles on regional & state Type 3 & Type 2 IMTs.
The DR assists county personnel with fire suppression duties and advises District Forester of inconsistencies; and ensures the quality and accuracy of all fire reports. The DR functions as liaison with fire suppression cooperators; serves as the district coordinator for western fire detail; provides technical assistance in determining fire cause & responsible parties, preparing court cases and issuing citations. The DR is the district safety committee chairman & serves on the regional and state safety committees. Responsible for maintaining IQS system; responsible for management of District OPS; District Lead responsibility for the RAWS system and NFDRS and has or can obtain burning plan approval authority.
The DR provides direction & oversight of cooperative programs such as FEPP/GSA; responsible for Repair and Renovation project oversight; responsible for requisitioning supplies & equipment following all state guidelines as well as being the uniform coordinator and maintaining a district uniform cache; and responsible for state & federal inventory systems.
This position requires the successful completion of Ranger Training to maintain my employment.
Residency requirements discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station Location: 133 Glenn Cabe Road, Sylva, NC 28779
Telephone required.
This position has wildland firefighter duties such as detection, suppression, and prevention. Responds to wildfires both in-state and out-of-state. Responds to other natural and human caused emergencies and disasters. Participates on incident management teams as assigned. May lead or assist in basic criminal law enforcement investigations related to wildfires.
Work hours are typically 8-5 M-F. Some work functions require evening, holiday, and/or weekend work. Wildfire and emergency response require year-round readiness 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week. Overnight travel up to 18 continuous days may be required. Must be able to be on-call 24 hours/day, 7 days per week during high fire danger periods and during times of natural disasters. Occasional heavy lifting required.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $41,206 - $72,113
  • Skilled in wildland fire suppression strategy and tactics.
  • Experience in wildland firefighter instructing.
  • Skilled in forest law enforcement program (this includes origin and cause investigations, issuing citations, court preparation).
  • Ability to develop good working relationships, be self-motivated, and service oriented.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Associate's degree in forest management or an environmental or natural science curriculum from an appropriate accredited institution and five years of related experience in providing forestry services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Necessary Special Qualification: Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 90 days of hire.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Alyssa Danielle Bartholomew
Recruiter Email: agr.workday@ncagr.gov

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789