1

District Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger I/II

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$46K - $68K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District seeks a Park Ranger who will support the Lake Skinner Recreation Area. The position will be filled at either the I or II ...

Park Ranger 3

Saint Paul, OR ยท On-site

$4.3K - $6.5K/wk

Your New Role As a permanent, full-time Park Ranger 3 , you will lead a major program or facility at the management unit, park district, or regional level with a high degree of independence and ...

PARK RANGER

Farmington, NM ยท On-site

$17.64/hr

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... Patrols all City parks and the Downtown District for prevention of vandalism, including graffiti ...

Park Ranger $ 4,326.57 TO $5,258.97 per month Variable schedule, 5 consecutive days totalling 40hrs ... The county also administers a road district, a rural law enforcement district, and a local sewer ...

PARK RANGER

Farmington, NM ยท On-site

$17.64/hr

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... Patrols all City parks and the Downtown District for prevention of vandalism, including graffiti ...

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... Patrols all City parks and the Downtown District for prevention of vandalism, including graffiti ...

Park Ranger

Astoria, OR ยท On-site

$4.3K - $5.2K/mo

Park Ranger $ 4,326.57 TO $5,258.97 per month Variable schedule, 5 consecutive days totalling 40hrs ... The county also administers a road district, a rural law enforcement district, and a local sewer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

District Ranger information

See salary details

$12

$20

$39

How much do district ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 are District Rangers?

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.

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

Getting a job as a park ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in natural resources or environmental science, along with experience in outdoor or conservation work. Candidates typically need to pass background checks, obtain certifications like CPR or first aid, and demonstrate knowledge of park management and safety procedures.

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.

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.

Can you be a park ranger without being a cop?

A district ranger or park ranger typically does not need to be a law enforcement officer unless their duties include law enforcement or security responsibilities. Many park rangers focus on resource management, visitor assistance, and education, which do not require police training or certification. However, some rangers may have law enforcement authority if they are trained and authorized as law enforcement rangers.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Jobs that can earn $1,000,000 annually typically include high-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as successful entrepreneurs, investment bankers, and certain professional athletes or entertainers. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibility, and compensation may include salary, bonuses, stock options, or other incentives.

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

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A District Ranger typically earns less than $4,000 per week, as their annual salary usually ranges from $40,000 to $70,000. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $4,000 weekly without a degree often include roles such as commercial pilot, real estate broker, or certain sales positions, which may require specialized skills, licenses, or experience rather than formal degrees.
More about District Ranger jobs
Infographic showing various District Ranger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 93% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Park Ranger I/II

Riverside County, CA

Riverside, CA โ€ข On-site

$46K - $68K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary : $46,342.40 - $68,224.00 Annually
Location : Temecula
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-85029-06
Department: Parks Department
Division: Lake Skinner Park
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District seeks a Park Ranger who will support the Lake Skinner Recreation Area. The position will be filled at either the I or II level.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Winchester, CA, beautiful Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers visitors expansive natural vistas and invigorating recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, and fishing.
The Park Ranger will be responsible for maintaining public safety in the park and this can take shape in many forms. Park Rangers enforce rules and regulations, perform boat patrols, assist at the kiosk, perform some maintenance, problem solve park issues, and perform janitorial style work which can include restroom cleaning, fish cleaner cleaning, and a host of other tasks.
The ideal candidate will have a background in open-space reserve, boat operation, forestry, or parks, along with extensive customer service experience. Prior knowledge of First Aid/CPR, pools/splash pads, or animal handling is highly desirable.
** Uniforms are provided.**
Work schedule: The position will follow a 4/10 schedule (four 10-hour shifts per week). Days off will vary based on park operational needs and will typically be two consecutive midweek days. This position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and other shifts as needed.
Incumbents are expected to progress to the Park Ranger II level upon meeting the minimum qualifications for the higher level and satisfactory job performance.
The level at which the position will be filled is at the Department's discretion and contingent on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Meet the Team!
The is a nationally accredited agency who strives to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places, and programs. Their mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use, and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
โ€ข Explain park policies, rules, regulations, and County ordinances; oversee the registration of park visitors, the collection of fees, the issuance of camping permits, and the assignment of the general public to various camping areas within the parks.
โ€ข Participate in custodial duties and the maintenance and cleanup of park structures and grounds; work with park maintenance personnel on minor construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of park structures, facilities, and grounds.
โ€ข Answer public inquiries and complaints concerning park operations and maintenance.
โ€ข Provide assistance in emergency situations; maintain fire prevention standards and practices as established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention and the United States Forest Service.
โ€ข Patrol park areas to promote an orderly and congenial atmosphere among park visitors, and to resolve problems; issue warnings and citations under appropriate laws or ordinances for non-compliance of park regulations, and if needed, utilize law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance; may make appearances in court.
โ€ข Patrol open-space, wildlife habitat reserves, and conservation land to communicate and ensure compliance with park regulations, laws, and ordinances; work with maintenance personnel to maintain signs and access controls.
โ€ข Plan and participate in habitat creation and restoration; assist in the planning of prescribed burns with County, state, and federal fire agencies.
โ€ข Monitor and participate in court referral/ work release programs.
โ€ข Maintain records and prepare reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PARK RANGER I ($46,350.42 - $63,072.38 Annually)
Experience: Two years of interacting with the public that included conflict resolution and customer service or customer support. (College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment may substitute for the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.)
Other Requirements: Within 12 months of employment, incumbents must possess valid certificates in First Aid, CPR/AED, Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA, and have successfully completed PC 832.
PARK RANGER II($50,094.77 - $68,233.32 Annually)
OPTION I
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field to the assignment.
OPTION II
Experience: Three years of working in the operations, maintenance, development, or protection of a park, forest, or public recreational or historical area. (College coursework from an accredited college or university in public administration, park or recreation management, forestry, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field may substitute for up to three years of the required experience on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience.)
OPTION III
Experience: One year as a Park Ranger I with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.
Other Requirements: Incumbents must possess valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED. Within the first six months of employment, incumbents must successfully complete P.C. 832. Within one year of employment, incumbents must possess a valid certificate in Basic Water Rescue issued by the American Red Cross or YMCA.
If you are applying for the Level II, you must upload your valid certificates in First Aid and CPR/AED with your application.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License class C is required at the time of application, as the incumbent will be required to operate a County vehicle while patrolling the park.
Assessment: Candidates will be required to take a general abilities assessment prior to being considered for any Park Ranger position.
Physical and Environmental Requirements: The Park Ranger - Parks role involves lifting, carrying, standing, walking, bending, squatting, and maintaining a high level of physical activity in an outdoor environment, often encountering varied weather conditions, a range of animals, and diverse public interactions within the same 8-hour shift. Rangers must be able to conduct shoreline patrols, lift heavy items as needed, and perform tasks that may include sitting, squatting, and other physically demanding movements.
The position requires working outdoors in inclement weather and on uneven terrain, as well as handling chemicals, managing high noise levels, and moving work materials such as heavy fertilizer bags, cement bags, trash, and various tools. The incumbent may be exposed to wild and domestic animals, as well as hazardous plants and wildlife including rattlesnakes, bees, wild boars, mountain lions, dogs, poison oak, and stinging nettles. Occasional exposure to strong or unpleasant natural and environmental odors such as decaying vegetation, wildlife, or refuse is also expected in outdoor wildland and park settings.
For those positions designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive, applicants are required to complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug-screening. (A positive test or refusal to test during the past two years will disqualify an applicant from consideration for County employment). Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are also required. Applicants must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record prior to hire.
Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Status
How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to , click on your name in the upper right corner, and click on "Applications & Status."
Sign Up for Job AlertsGo to, click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings," and click on "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please contact Silvia Trammell at 951-955-3725 or strammell@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
BENEFIT PROGRAM: SEI
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VIS