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Forest Ranger Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

PARK RANGER ASSISTANT

Benson, MN · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories. Arizona State Parks and Trails is ...

Administrative Support Assistant

Ely, MN · On-site +1

$45K - $65K/yr

This position performs a wide variety of administrative tasks for Ranger District personnel. The ... Additional information For the Northern Region, Region 1, Lolo National Forest: For more details ...

Administrative Support Assistant

Ely, MN · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

This position performs a wide variety of administrative tasks for Ranger District personnel. The ... Forest Service daycare facilities are not available. Government Housing is not available.

Forest Ranger information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$21

$30

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Minnesota is $21.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Is it easy to become a forest ranger?

Becoming a forest ranger typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in forestry or environmental science, and often passing physical fitness tests. Some positions may require specialized certifications or training, and competition for jobs can be high depending on the region and agency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Minnesota as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,411 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

PARK RANGER ASSISTANT

Benson, MN • On-site

The State of Arizona
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$16 - $17.50/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Arizona rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

PARK RANGER ASSISTANT

Apply now Job No: 543587
Work Type: Temporary
Location: BENSON
Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources

ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.
Arizona State Parks and Trails is the leader in sustainable outdoor recreation for current and future generations.
To learn more about Arizona State Parks and Trails, visit our web site at azstateparks.com.
Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas. The agency also includes the statewide trails program, outdoor-related grants program, the State Historic Preservation Office, as well as the Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and more. With parks located across the state, the agency strives to make outdoor recreation accessible and available to everyone.
PARK RANGER ASSISTANT
KARTCHNER CAVERNS
This is a Temporary / Seasonal Position
*May work up to 40 hours per week and up to 1500 hours per calendar year*
**must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays**
Job Location:
Address:  2980 S. Hwy 90, Benson, Arizona 
Posting Details:
Salary: $16.00 - $17.50 / per hour 
Grade: 15
Closing Date: September 21, 2026
Job Summary:

Under supervision, performs a variety of work activities while providing customer service in the operation of a recreational/ natural resource park; interprets natural features of the area, and ensures public safety by enforcing Park rules and regulations.

Job Duties:

Outdoor Recreation & Programmatic:
- Hosts visitors.
- Assists with interpretive programs and will lead guided cave tours in an enclosed humid environment.
- Assists with information in response to visitor questions, direction, guidance, and concerns.
Customer Service:
- Provides customer service by phone and in-person and respond to publics inquiries about park hours, accommodations, and reservations.
Cash Handling:
- Perform cashier duties at Contact Station/Gift shop; and account for fees for the park admission and store purchases.
Public & staff Safety:
- Promote the safety of park visitors, enforces Park rules, and protect Park resources.
- Utilizes two-way radio communications system.
- Completes all necessary reports concerning incidents.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
- A working understanding of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Park rules/ regulations, fees and revenue functions.
- Techniques for display and interpretation of objects/ artifacts and general resources to visitors.
Skill in:
- Public relations and information dissemination.
- Customer service.
- Active listening.
- Critical thinking.
- Driving and operating automotive equipment.
- Basic curatorial techniques.
Ability to:
- Research of natural or historical information.
- Performing math calculations.
- First aid techniques.
- Oral and written communications.
- interpersonal relationships.
- deescalate upset or non-compliant visitors.

Selective Preference(s):

One year of  service experience equivalent ; OR a Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Any combination of training and experience that meet knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Must possess and maintain a current Arizona Driver's license appropriate to assignment.
Some positions may require certification as an Emergency Medical Technician .

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

This is a seasonal temporary position with no benefits.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Eligible for Arizona State Retirement System pension. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment for newly hired State of Arizona employees.

Contact Us:

Recruitmenthr@azstateparks.gov
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (480) 604 -7331. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.


Having trouble applying for this position?
Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.

Advertised: 09 Sep 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 21 Sep 2026 US Mountain Standard Time

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What State Of Arizona employees say

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About State of Arizona

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Arizona is not a conventional company, but the governmental structure presiding over the U.S. state of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. The State of Arizona operates within the industry of government administration and public services across various sectors including education, health, public safety, transportation, and economic services. These services are aimed to ensure the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Arizona citizens and communities. Founded on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state to join the Union, the State of Arizona is committed to providing people-centric, efficient, and effective government. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans by providing a secure environment and advancing the state's economy.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

Year founded

1912