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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 Jun 10, 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 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.

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 58% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 3% 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.
Archaeology Crew Lead (USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest)

Archaeology Crew Lead (USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest)

Great Basin institute

Reno, NV โ€ข On-site

$30/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting two (2) Archaeology Crew Leads to complete Section 106 cultural resource surveys, site recording, and monitoring for various projects within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. These projects all serve the Cultural Resources program's greater mission of helping the USFS in their critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. The work that you will do directly protects sensitive cultural sites, helping ensure the stories they tell are preserved for generations to come.
The Archaeology Crew Lead position provides professional development and leadership opportunities in cultural resource management including increased exposure and responsibility enacting USFS processes, procedures, and compliance measures; assisting in reporting and data entry/quality assurance and control; and increased technical experience. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., forestry, wildlife, hydrology, etc.) and projects may exist. This position will serve USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources.
The Archaeology Crew Lead will perform a variety of activities to support all stages of project work. Leads will be responsible for crew safety and oversight, provide or assist in training, and communicate with agency and GBI staff as needed. Crew size will range between 3-8 people. Primary archaeology field duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead archaeology crew consisted of AmeriCorps members to conduct and complete field surveys to document, assess and characterize the status of new cultural resources.
  • Delegate field and documentation tasks; help crew members understand their tasks, identify artifacts and features, and comply with documentation and safety standards.
  • Monitor existing sites and complete site updates and condition assessments.
  • Prepare Nevada IMACS site records, GIS maps, and photographic records in addition to potentially adding data to the USFS heritage database.
  • Lead and collaborate with agency personnel and all other crew members to support field safety, communication, planning, logistics, quality assurance, field implementation, and reporting efforts.

Location: Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge Ranger District, Elko, NV
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers a setting of classic Western beauty and is known for its many recreational opportunities, scenic vistas, and wild places where visitors can still find solitude. The Forest does not resemble most other National Forests in that it has numerous fairly large but non-contiguous sections scattered across most of the state of Nevada and a portion of eastern California. It is divided into seven uniquely different administrative units. Six of the units are referred to as "ranger districts" and one is a "national recreation area." Located in northeastern Nevada, the Ruby Mountains area is composed of rocky peaks, glacier-formed lakes, steep narrow canyons, and rolling hills.
Compensation & Benefits:
Wage: $30/hour with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate;
Benefits:
  • Shared housing may be provided;
  • Camping Per Diem: $30/night as necessary;
  • Uniform Stipend;
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment;
  • Sick Time accrued (beginning on the first day of employment) at a rate of 0.05 hours per hour worked (~4 hours biweekly);
  • $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance covered 100% by GBI;
  • Paid federal holidays.

Timeline:
  • Anticipated project timeline of June-October, with potential to extend based on performance or project need;
  • Full time, average 40 hours per week;
  • Projects are dependent on the local weather, and there is always a chance the season will end earlier if weather prevents safe field operations.

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline, including relevant field methods training coursework AND one year of archaeology-related fieldwork;
  • Experience leading crews in the field, including oversight of crew safety, communication, fidelity to methods and data quality;
  • Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic maps and a compass;
  • Ability to recognize and record prehistoric and historic artifacts, features, and architecture
  • Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver's license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
  • Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners;
  • Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This may include regular overnight work & camping in remote areas for consecutive nights;
  • Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols;
  • Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff;
  • Strong communication skills with diverse audiences, both written and oral;
  • Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, possibly including some weekends, nights, and holidays;
  • Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons;
  • Ability to work independently.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in anthropology, archaeology or related discipline and at least one year of field leadership experience;
  • Familiarity with Section 106/110 NHPA and Nevada SHPO compliance procedures;
  • Knowledge of cultural resource management issues in the Western United States;
  • Familiarity with cultural history of the Great Basin region;
  • Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth.

TO APPLY
Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact isengupta@gbinstitute.org
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This physically demanding work, often in remote locations, will provide crew members with rewarding exposure to some of America's backcountry landscapes. These positions require extensive hiking in sometimes steep terrain at altitudes ranging from 750 - 10,000 ft AMSL. Archaeology crew members will be expected to carry their own personal gear and water on a daily basis, possibly during extreme or inclement weather conditions such as heat, snow, or rain. Work schedules, generally four 10-hour days with 3 days off each week, are subject to change depending on weather and project needs. Camping near a work site for several days will be required to meet project objectives.
Archaeology crew members must be able to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, camp in the backcountry for consecutive days, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry a heavy pack in excess of 40lbs, and be in overall good physical condition. Prior experience working in similar backcountry settings is preferred.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.