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Forest Ranger Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ranger information

See Nevada salary details

$5

$22

$31

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Nevada is $22.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $26.44 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 Nevada? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Nevada are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Nevada? For Forest Ranger jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in NV? For Forest Ranger jobs in NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Nevada as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,174 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
PARK RANGER 1 - COMMISSIONED

PARK RANGER 1 - COMMISSIONED

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV • On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Nevada rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary This position is in the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Division of State Parks. The person selected for this position will assist with the management of Lahontan State Recreation Area near Fallon.

The incumbent supervises permanent as well as seasonal staff, performs field and administrative duties including completion of routine and special reports. This is a commissioned position with public safety responsibilities and is required to work various hours and shifts including holidays and weekends in a variety of weather conditions. After hours call outs are common and night shift rotations are required during the summer.

The schedule will vary by season. As a state park peace officer, the incumbent writes citations, handles accidents and incidents, resolves disputes, and responds to emergency situations as required. All personnel in the Park Ranger series perform grounds maintenance, custodial duties, collect and account for fees, present interpretive programs and perform minor maintenance to facilities.

The candidate provides land management, recreation and administrative expertise to ensure efficient management of the park's operations and ecosystems. The Park Ranger III must make decisions regarding resources, training, facility maintenance, equipment and materials. The position provides guidance and development to assigned staff.

The Park Ranger III works with staff, other agencies and private groups to develop interpretive programming and activities and to promote parks and outdoor recreation. Lahontan State Recreation Area encompasses 25,000 acres and 69 miles of shoreline around Lahontan Reservoir. The primary duty station, Silver Springs Beach, receives approximately 300,000 visitors each year.

Typical activities are camping, boating, and fishing. Lahontan is a Desert climate with 90-to-100-degree summers and some snow in the winter. The Park is located approximately 45 miles from the nearest large town.

In order to receive consideration applicants must indicate their ability to work in this geographical location. Park residency is required in the provided state housing. Park Rangers (Commissioned) participate in operations, law enforcement, resource management, interpretation, and maintenance activities at an assigned State park.

Essential Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or minor in park management, outdoor recreation management, ecology, forestry, biology, agriculture, education, natural or environmental sciences, horticulture, history/folklore, wildlife management, museum management, park interpretation, business or public administration, criminal justice, or related field; OR two years of experience which provided experience in organizing, overseeing and performing park maintenance, interpretive programming, visitor services, and resource management duties; OR one year of experience as a Park Ranger Technician III in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Job Duties Coordinate and participate in day-to-day park operation and maintenance projects; train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned seasonal personnel; clean and maintain park buildings, grounds, offices, restrooms, and vehicles; schedule and assign personnel to collect fees, staff visitor centers, and conduct tours. Gather, record and audit information related to visitor use and fees collected; take inventory and submit supply requests; prepare activity reports on areas of responsibility; make reservations and respond to letters and telephone inquiries; operate park weather station, sales outlet and water safety and control devices at the park.

Enforce laws and regulations including applicable State laws, county ordinances, and park rules and policies; investigate accidents, write citations, make arrests, conduct search and rescue operations, respond to emergency situations, and interact with other law enforcement agencies to preserve the peace and protect park visitors. Implement the resource management plan; identify resource problems; develop solutions and initiate projects for resource preservation and rehabilitation. Participate in planning, developing, and conducting special events and on-going interpretive activities such as tours, hikes, displays, exhibits, talks and visitor centers to inform park visitors of park attractions, flora, fauna, cultural and natural history, and environmental education.

Under the direct supervision of a Park Supervisor, incumbents receive training in performing the duties described in the series concept. This is the trainee level in the series and progression to he next level in the series may occur upon meeting the minimum qualifications, satisfactory performance, and with the recommendation of the appointing authority. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities General knowledge of: basic principles of park operations and maintenance; basic principles of park and resource management; natural and cultural history; accepted land management practices; interpretation of natural resources and historic areas; operation of standard hand and power tools used in facility maintenance. Ability to: participate in the operation and maintenance of an assigned State park; perform custodial and general maintenance duties in park buildings and grounds; provide information and assistance to park visitors; maintain records and prepare reports; participate in planning and providing interpretive programs for park visitors; communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley - q.ashley@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864