1

Forest Ranger Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ranger information

See Massachusetts salary details

$5

$23

$33

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Massachusetts is $23.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do forest rangers make in the US?

Forest rangers in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, with higher earnings possible based on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those in supervisory roles can earn over $60,000 annually. The job often requires outdoor work, physical fitness, and knowledge of conservation practices.

What challenges do forest rangers face in balancing conservation with public access?

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 work does a forest ranger do?

A forest ranger is responsible for protecting and managing public forests and parks, which includes tasks such as patrolling for illegal activities, maintaining trails, conducting conservation efforts, and educating visitors. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may need certifications in first aid or firefighting. Their work helps preserve natural resources and ensure public safety in forested areas.

What is a forest ranger?

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 it easy to become a forest ranger?

Becoming a forest ranger typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or education in forestry, environmental science, or related fields. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and obtain certifications such as first aid or firefighting training; competition for positions can be high depending on the region and agency.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forest ranger?

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 do you become a forest ranger?

To become a forest ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a college degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, physical fitness, and sometimes certification in first aid or firefighting; completing training programs provided by government agencies is also common.

What does a forest ranger do?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Massachusetts?

For Forest Ranger jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forest Ranger jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Ranger jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Forest Ranger job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in MA?

For Forest Ranger jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,522 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

INTERNAL - Watershed Ranger I, Oakham

General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Oakham, MA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) overseesย nearly halfย a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing ourย common wealthย of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all.ย DCRย infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for - strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visitย www.mass.gov/dcrย or contact us atย mass.parks@mass.gov. DEPT Info

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for Watershed Ranger I, Oakham Field Office to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume with the online submission of employment qualifications.

ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย DCR INTERNAL POSTING ONLY

Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. This position may require working weekends, and/or holidays. Schedules/Days off are at the discretion of the supervisor.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:ย 

The basic purpose of this work is to provide a variety of resource and visitor services, protective measures and promote compliance with rules and regulations at the agency sites. Incumbents of positions in this series patrol parks, reservations, historic sites, watershed conservation areas, and/or recreation areas to promote compliance with rules and regulations; protect natural and cultural resources and water supplies; enhance visitor experiences through visibility and information; monitors impact of both authorized and unauthorized visitor use; and coordinates with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action.ย 

Detailed Statement ofย Duties and Responsibilities:ย 

  • Encourages safe and appropriate use of state lands by patrolling an assigned area by car, boat, bicycle, or foot, promoting compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to the operation and management of watershed and water supply lands, parks, reservations, historic sites, and/or recreation and conservation areas.ย 

  • Supervises the dissemination of information to visitors pertaining to the protection of water supplies, the use of public land, available services, trail locations, natural areas, special events, and pertinent rules and regulations.ย 

  • Assists with special functions, organized events, permit monitoring, tours, school groups, special interest groups, and/or programs.ย 

  • Assess the conditions of trails, roads, and other natural and cultural resources; submit reports with improvement and/or enhancement recommendations to appropriate individuals.ย 

  • During the fishing season, assist boaters as needed.ย 

  • Assists the Environmental Quality staff with the Aquatic Invasive Species Control program.ย 

  • Control crowds in areas where large groups of people gather by cautioning observers and by placing barriers, ropes, etc. in order to maintain public order and ensure special events operations run smoothly.ย 

  • Cautiously confronts situations that may require the expulsion of disorderly persons from the area and notifications of the appropriate law enforcement officials.ย 

  • Participates in rescue operations by interviewing others regarding lost persons and searching for lost persons in accordance with agency policy; assists in search function as a searcher, dispatcher, and performs first aid or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary.ย 

  • Assists as needed in the prevention, suppression, and control of forest fires.ย 

  • Performs related duties such as maintaining records and files, maintaining daily field logs, preparing reports, putting up and monitoring surveillance cameras, and assisting maintenance staff as needed.ย 

  • Performs related duties as assigned.ย 

Preferred Qualifications:ย 
1. Possession of a current and valid First Aid/CPR/AED certificate from either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.ย 

2. Possession of current MA Boating Safety Certificate or equivalentย 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
ย 


Minimum Entrance Requirements:ย 
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.ย ย 
Substitutions:ย 
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in park or recreation management, natural resource management, water resources management, environmental education, or park interpretation may be substituted for the required experience.*ย ย 
*Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.ย ย 
Special Requirements:ย ย 
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license.ย ย 
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.ย ย 
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?ย Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.ย ย Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. ย Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)ย may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. ย We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.