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Forest Ranger Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

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Forest Ranger information

See Maine salary details

$5

$21

$29

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Maine is $21.11, 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 do you do as a forest ranger?

A forest ranger is responsible for protecting and managing public forests and grasslands. They monitor wildlife, enforce laws, prevent and fight wildfires, maintain trails, and educate the public about conservation. The role often requires physical fitness, knowledge of ecology, and sometimes certifications in firefighting or first aid.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Forest ranger positions typically do not pay $4,000 a week without a degree; most such roles offer lower wages and require specialized training or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but they usually require experience, licensing, or specific skills. It is important to research industry standards and job requirements for accurate salary expectations.

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.

Is becoming a forest ranger hard?

Becoming a forest ranger typically requires completing relevant education or training, such as a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, along with physical fitness and sometimes certification in first aid or firefighting. The job can be physically demanding and involves outdoor work in various weather conditions, but the difficulty varies based on individual preparation and experience.

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.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

While most forest ranger positions do not pay $500,000 annually, high-level executive roles in the forestry or environmental sectors, such as chief conservation officers or senior management in large organizations, can reach or exceed this level. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, often combined with specialized certifications and a strong track record in environmental management.

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 Maine? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Maine are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Maine? For Forest Ranger jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forest Ranger jobs in Maine look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Ranger jobs in Maine are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in ME? For Forest Ranger jobs in ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forest Ranger jobs near you

Assistant Park Ranger - Seasonal (26 Weeks) - Lake St. George - 6356

Maine

Liberty, ME • On-site

$15.10 - $18.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands Division, is recruiting to fill a Seasonal Full Time (26 Weeks) Assistant Park Ranger position, located at Lake St. George State Park.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY

BUREAU OF PARKS AND LANDS

ASSISTANT PARK RANGER

Opening Date: June 30, 2026

Closing Date: End of the day July 14, 2026

Location: Lake St. George State Park

Position Number: 01720-6356

Position Type: Seasonal - 26 Weeks*

Class Code: 9209

Grade: 08 (Operations/Maintenance)

Salary: $15.10 - $18.98 Per Hour

*Season: 01720-6356 - 26 Weeks - Approximately 04/12/2026-10/10/2026

Interested candidates need to complete a Direct Hire Application, and detailed Resume.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is maintenance and personal services work in providing services to park users at a state park or day use area. Work may also include directing and overseeing the activities of a small crew of maintenance and operations personnel. Work is performed under general supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to follow directions.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class): Valid Class C Maine motor vehicle operator's license.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Warren Dowling at: Warren.Dowling@maine.gov or (207) 589-4255.

The following general information pertains to seasonal employment at Maine State Parks:

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older (Lifeguards must be 16 or older)
  • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or have legal authority to work in the U.S.
  • Housing is provided in the Penobscot River Corridor and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
  • In general, housing is not available at the other parks.
  • Most positions are scheduled to work 40 hours each week, with weekends and some holidays required.
  • Parks seasonal positions are required to wear uniforms which are provided by the agency.

Job offers to a new hire are conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal record, and driver's license check if applicable. Three references must be made available at the interview to include at least one work-related reference. Anyone who meets the minimum qualifications of the position may apply.

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service or faxing malfunctions.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Balance- Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Health Insurance Premium Credit- Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
  • Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes14.11%of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
  • Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.
  • Living Resources Program- Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
  • Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.
  • Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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