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Forest Ranger Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Troon

Pro Shop Attendant

Oak Forest, IL · On-site

$15/hr

George Dunne National Golf Club in Oak Forest, IL is excited to announce the exceptional career ... Perform Starter/Ranger like duties * Responsible for welcoming and greeting of guests and players ...

Troon Golf

Pro Shop Attendant

Oak Forest, IL · On-site

$15/hr

George Dunne National Golf Club in Oak Forest, IL is excited to announce the exceptional career ... Perform Starter/Ranger like duties * Responsible for welcoming and greeting of guests and players ...

All JobsForest Ranger JobsForest Ranger Jobs in Illinois

Forest Ranger information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$21

$29

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Illinois is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Forest Rangers face in balancing conservation efforts with public access to natural areas?

Forest Rangers often need to strike a balance between preserving natural habitats and providing public access for recreation. This can present challenges, such as enforcing regulations to protect wildlife and ecosystems while also educating visitors about responsible use of the land. Rangers may encounter issues like illegal dumping, off-trail hiking, or unauthorized campfires, which require both enforcement and diplomacy. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as rangers collaborate with local communities, law enforcement, and conservation groups to address these challenges.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A forest ranger typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; most positions pay less and require relevant certifications or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but these are less common and usually require significant skills or risk. Generally, earning $10,000 monthly without a degree is rare and often involves self-employment or advanced skills in specific fields.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include high-level executive roles, specialized medical professionals like surgeons, certain legal positions such as trial lawyers, and highly skilled consultants or contractors in fields like finance or engineering. These roles often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes certification or licensing. Income levels vary based on industry, location, and workload.

How can I become a forest ranger?

To become a forest ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions require a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, physical fitness, and experience with tools like GPS and GIS; obtaining certifications such as first aid or firefighting can also be beneficial.

What are forest rangers?

Forest rangers are professionals responsible for managing, protecting, and preserving forests, parks, and natural resources. They patrol forested areas to prevent and combat wildfires, enforce regulations, educate the public, and monitor wildlife and plant health. Forest rangers also assist with search and rescue operations and maintain trails and campsites. Their work is vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of natural habitats for future generations.

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

To thrive as a Forest Ranger, you need knowledge of forestry, environmental science, and resource management, usually backed by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, GPS devices, and fire management systems is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help Forest Rangers engage with the public and coordinate with other agencies. These abilities are essential for protecting natural resources, ensuring public safety, and effectively managing forest lands.

How much do forest rangers make?

Forest rangers in New York typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and specific agency. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What Do I Do As a Forest Ranger?

A forest ranger has a wide range of responsibilities. In this career, you work in a national park, national forest, state park, or other nature preserve. Your job responsibilities include providing safety services for the visitors of the park, which could involve patrol duties, trail maintenance, fire prevention, or insect control. You are also responsible for the protection of the environment inside the park or preserve. You work to maintain the park in its natural state and stop activities such as littering, poaching, or other misuses of the land. In some roles, you may work closely with wildlife, while other positions focus more on visitors.

What is the difference between Forest Ranger vs Park Ranger?

AspectForest RangerPark Ranger
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field; certifications in firefighting and first aidOften requires similar degrees; certifications in first aid, law enforcement, or visitor services
Work EnvironmentForests, wilderness areas, national forestsNational parks, recreational areas, visitor centers
Employer & IndustryU.S. Forest Service, state forestry agenciesNational Park Service, state park agencies

While both Forest Rangers and Park Rangers work to protect natural resources and assist visitors, Forest Rangers primarily focus on forest management, firefighting, and conservation in forested areas. Park Rangers often concentrate on visitor safety, education, and resource protection within parks. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their work environments and specific responsibilities.

More about Forest Ranger jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Illinois? For Forest Ranger jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forest Ranger jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Ranger jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Forest Ranger job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in IL? For Forest Ranger jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forest Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 57% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 19% Contract, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,940 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Ranger Assistant - North

Ranger Assistant - North

Forest Preserve District of Kane County

Geneva, IL • On-site

$21.15 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Field Operations & Maintenance/Ranger Assistant
Date Posted:
2/23/2026
Location:
North Operations Shop, Muirhead FP, Hampshire, IL
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is hiring a Ranger Assistant to join our Field Operations & Maintenance team. In this hands-on role, you'll help protect, preserve, and maintain District properties while supporting daily operations across our preserves and facilities, under the direction of the Operations Manager or Operations Senior Staff.
The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, and detail-oriented, with strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, have one (1) year of related experience preferred, possess a valid Illinois driver's license, and have the ability to maintain insurability. Required certifications, including CPR/First Aid/AED, CDL Class A, Pesticide Operator, and S-130/S-190 Prescribed Burn (or equivalent), within one year of employment.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with an hourly pay range of $21.15-$27.75 with a hiring rate of $21.15 per hour, plus eligibility for the District's full-time benefits package. Interested applicants may review the Ranger Assistant Job Description and learn more about the District's competitive compensation program and benefit plans at https://www.kaneforest.com/careers. For more information about the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, visit https://www.kaneforest.com. This position will be open until filled. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County provides equal employment opportunities and actively supports veterans in the workplace.

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