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Forest Ranger Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Forest Ranger information

See Minnesota salary details

$5

$21

$30

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 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 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.

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:
PARK RANGER SENIOR

$20 - $22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Arizona rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states


Job description

PARK RANGER SENIOR

Apply now Job No: 541983
Work Type: Full-time
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 SENIOR
KARTCHNER CAVERNS
(CAVE UNIT)
*must be able to work weekends, evenings and holidays*
*no housing is included*
Job Location:
Address:  Benson, Arizona
Posting Details:
Salary: $20.00 - $22.00 / per hour 
Grade: 17
Closing Date: July 9, 2026
Job Summary:

The Park Ranger Senior serves as a resource supervisor leading daily cave operations, ensuring the preservation and protection of the Kartchner Caverns Cave Unit. This unique role oversees conservation practices, supervises staff and volunteers, maintains safe cave operations, supports training, provides tours and interpretive programs as needed, and collaborates closely with the Cave Resource Manager to protect this exceptional natural resource.

Job Duties:

Duties include:
- Administer and supervise day to day operations for the Cave. Prepare schedule for the open and close of the cave. Prepares cavern(s) for tours. Oversee, schedule and perform specific daily, weekly, monthly and annual task and procedures that are done to maintain the health of the cave ecosystem and safety standards for the staff and visitors. Oversight of all aspects of the Cave operations, customer service, interpretive planning, overseeing manages assigned park staff and volunteers on the conservation, preservation and protection of the living cavern as established in the Annual Operation Plan. Provide communication to all staff and departments across Kartchner Caverns State Park. Inventory Cave Unit supplies and make purchases.
- Lead, develop, and mentor staff to problem solve, while using best management practices. Adherence to Agency policies and procedures; human resource management. Complete one on one sessions with supervised staff in Cave Unit. Make purchases for the Cave Unit office. Develop and provide cave tours to park visitors and/ outreach programs when requested.
- Assist and communicate with Resource Manager with oversight of facility care standards, cave unit annual operating plan development, updating, and implementation. Reviews and makes recommendations of current policy, principles and laws pertaining to Park operations, protection of natural, cultural and environmental resources.
- Understands, maintains, and supports the cave lighting system and overall cave maintenance needs, a responsibility that frequently requires critical thinking and effective problem-solving in a sensitive cave environment. Communicates and collaborates closely with the Cave Resource Manager, Kartchner Caverns leadership team, Cave Unit Rangers, and the Southern Region Construction Services team to plan, coordinate, and implement cave maintenance and lighting system projects.
- Other duties as assigned for the position

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
Outdoor recreation and park management,outdoor/environmental and/or history/archeology education. Principles and processes for providing customer service satisfaction, safety, security, sanitation, operation maintenance, and public relations procedures and practices. Park rules, department policies, facility operational standards, and emergency response procedures. First Responder Training, EMS or First Aid training or equivalent experience. Knowledge of cave resources and conservation methods.resources. Knowledge of fees and revenue functions, general office procedures and outdoor parks and recreation. May require knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes and law enforcement techniques.Audio and visual equipment.Federal, State and Agency laws, statutes, policies and procedures.Emergency medical procedures.
Skills in:
Skill in effective communication both written and verbal, active listening. Skill in public speaking both in a lecture setting and impromptu. Skill in customer service satisfaction, critical thinking, and issue resolution techniques to de-escalate upset or non-compliant visitors.
Conflict resolution.
Addressing visitor complaints, emergency situations, and other stressful work issues while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Skill in the development of training and education programs involving parks safety training or other related programs. May require supervisory skills relevant to supervising employees and volunteers and special assignment personnel.
Ability to:
Work unsupervised in a constantly changing and dynamic environment. Ability to work and collaborate with coworkers to produce innovative concepts and resolve issues in a way that promotes a positive and healthy workplace culture. The ability to develop, modify, maintain and manage special assigned programs, projects and or duties specific to the operation of the park and the park goals. Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of customers visiting the facility and successfully meeting their needs. Work in extreme temperatures and 99% humidity.

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate is a passionate cave enthusiast with strong leadership and problem-solving skills, who collaborates effectively across teams and is motivated to work in a unique environment focused on stewardship, safety, and long-term resource protection.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Obtain and maintain an Arizona Class D driver's license.
Must possess and maintain a current Arizona Driver's license appropriate to assignment.
Obtain CPR/First Aid within 90 days.

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:

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Parental Leave - Up to 12 weeks per year pid leave for newborns or newly placed foster/adopted child.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot 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: 26 Jun 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 09 Jul 2026 US Mountain Standard Time

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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