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Fire Ranger Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger Department: Park Operations Reports to: Park Operations/Landscape Manager FLSA Status ... fire, and EMS. • Actively engages with visitors to provide excellent hospitality and visitor ...

Fire Ranger information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do fire ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire ranger in Tennessee is $21.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.07 and $26.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Fire Ranger, you need knowledge of wildfire behavior, firefighting techniques, and first aid, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant fire management training. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, GPS navigation, and incident command systems is crucial, as is completion of certifications like S-130/S-190. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safety, effective response to emergencies, and the protection of natural resources.

Can anyone become a fire ranger?

Fire rangers are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and relevant training or certifications in wildfire management. Entry often involves completing a federal or state training program, gaining experience in firefighting, and passing background checks. Some positions may require specialized skills or certifications such as first aid or equipment operation.

What is a fire ranger?

Fire Rangers are specialized professionals who are responsible for detecting, preventing, and combating forest fires, primarily in parks, forests, and other natural environments. They patrol designated areas to monitor fire risks, respond quickly to fire outbreaks, and implement fire management strategies such as controlled burns or clearing vegetation. Fire Rangers also educate the public on fire safety, maintain firefighting equipment, and often work long hours in challenging outdoor conditions. Their work is vital for protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and communities from the dangers of wildfires.

What are some common challenges faced by fire rangers during wildfire season?

Fire Rangers often encounter rapidly changing conditions during wildfire season, such as shifting weather patterns, unpredictable fire behavior, and difficult terrain. These challenges require quick decision-making, strong teamwork, and the ability to adapt to physically demanding work environments. Additionally, extended shifts and remote postings can impact personal routines, making resilience and effective stress management essential for success in the role.

What is the difference between Fire Ranger vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectFire RangerForest Firefighter
Required CertificationsWildfire suppression, CPR, First AidWildfire suppression, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentForests, parks, wilderness areasForests, national parks, rural areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, parks servicesFire departments, forestry services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Fire Rangers and Forest Firefighters both work in wildfire suppression and require similar certifications. Fire Rangers often focus on managing and protecting specific parks or wilderness areas, while Forest Firefighters are typically employed by fire departments or forestry agencies to combat wildfires across broader regions. Both roles are vital in wildfire prevention and response, with overlapping skills and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Ranger jobs in Tennessee?

For Fire Ranger jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Ranger job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,830 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job title:                                Park Ranger

Department:                         Park Operations

Reports to:                            Park Operations/Landscape Manager

FLSA Status:                           Full Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Grade:                       Grade 1

Salary:                                  $15–19/hr (commensurate with education and experience)

About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area.

About Shelby Farms Park

At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all.

Position Summary

The Park Ranger is responsible for keeping Shelby Farms Park clean, green and safe to ensure an excellent visitor experience every day. The Ranger is a steward of the landscapes, natural resources and wildlife in our care and is focused on creating a healthy, thriving park for people and wildlife.

Key Responsibilities

•  Inspects, maintains and improves grounds, facilities, structures, and site amenities.

•  Provides life safety and emergency assistance to visitors; supports law enforcement, fire, and EMS.

•  Actively engages with visitors to provide excellent hospitality and visitor experience; shares mission, park history, news and information with visitors.

•  Performs inspections and preventative maintenance on all systems, grounds and facilities.

•  Promotes wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship through the monitoring of wildlife conditions, assistance with injured animal response efforts, and the safe, humane, and regulatory-compliant removal and disposal of deceased animals.

•  Collaborates with team to support facility rentals, events and programs.

•  Manages litter, debris and recyclable materials daily to ensure a clean park.

•  Opens and closes park entry gates and public buildings daily.

•  Communicates and enforces park rules.

Skills and Qualifications

•  Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.

•  Proven relevant work experience in outdoors, recreational, grounds, maintenance, wildlife, or natural resource management.

•  Experience operating chainsaws safely and effectively for tree maintenance, debris removal, and vegetation control activities.

•  Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects through a work order system.

•  Strong verbal communication skills that balance professionalism, diplomacy and compassion both internally and externally.

•  Ability to provide and follow oral and written instructions clearly and effectively.

•  Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

•  Ability to perform routine maintenance on all park equipment and features.

•  Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in an outdoor setting, including in inclement weather.

•  Must be able to bend, stoop, reach and work at a constant pace; lift and carry 50 pounds; carry, climb and work on a ladder.

•  Can safely operate park vehicles and equipment.

•  Must possess a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license.

•  Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Personal Qualities

•  Demonstrates values of collaboration, accountability, authenticity, trust and learning.

•  Commitment to the consistent production of high quality, detailed work.

•  Organizes, plans, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner.

•  Manages stress in a fast-paced, changing organization.

•  Collaborative spirit; works well with team members and volunteers of different races, backgrounds and experiences; willingly does whatever needs to be done.

•  Elicits confidence and builds rapport.

•  Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated, and self-aware.