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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 Aug 5, 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.

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 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 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. 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 2 - UNDERFILL - ELKO

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV • On-site

$72K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th 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 The Park Ranger 2 (Underfill for Park Supervisor 1) is responsible for the management of Wild Horse State Recreation Area, located in Northern Elko County. This park is known for its dynamic winter conditions, spectacular fishing, and beautiful views.

The park maintains two 24/7 campgrounds and cabin rentals and serves as a base camp for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Management responsibilities include supervision of employees, budget development, administration and oversight, collection and safeguarding of fees, overall maintenance and operations, and completion of routine and special reports. This is a commissioned (Law Enforcement) position with public safety responsibilities, subject to Call Back and is required to work various hours and shifts including holidays and weekends in a variety of weather conditions.

All personnel in the Park Supervisor series are responsible for ensuring a high level of customer service, developing and presenting a variety of visitor programs, performing ground/facility maintenance and custodial duties. In addition, the successful candidate should have a knowledge of natural resource management and recreation and administrative expertise. Park Supervisors, at this level, are often required to determine the most applicable natural resource approach.

They are also required to provide training and career development for their staff, identify facility/grounds maintenance needs and determine the most cost effect way to coordinate equipment and materials. Park residency is mandatory, in state park provided housing. As a state park peace officer, incumbents write citations, make arrests, handle accidents and incidents, resolve disputes, keep the peace, and respond to emergency situations as required.

Live-in law enforcement academy training will be provided, if not currently NV POST certified. The cost of the academy will be paid by the agency. 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, and one year of professional park ranger experience in park operations and maintenance; OR one year of experience as a Park Ranger I (Commissioned) 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 general supervision of a Park Supervisor, incumbents perform the full range of duties outlined in the series concept. This is the journey level in the series. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. General knowledge of: natural and cultural history of the assigned park and surrounding areas; ecological concepts; laws, policies and practices related to park operations; personnel practices and principles used in supervision; inventory techniques required to maintain operating supplies; basic fire suppression techniques as applied to grass, brush, and forest areas.

Ability to: make oral and visual presentations to groups to provide information about State parks; enforce laws and regulations and perform law enforcement duties as required by the assignment; work effectively in situations involving argumentative or combative individuals; render emergency medical assistance including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to park visitors as necessary; and all knowledge, skills, and abilities required at the lower level. 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