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Forest Ranger Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Texas is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $24.18 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,245 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Jefferson, TX • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, SWD, Fort Worth District, Operations Division located at one of the following duty station locations: Clifton, Lewisville, Texarkana, or Jefferson, TX.
See "Additional Information" Section for more info.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger):
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Related disciplines would be ecology, land use planning, arboriculture, zoology, environmental law, wildlife management, botany, fire science, landscape architecture, forestry, horticulture, conservation education, fisheries biology, plant physiology, range management, wildlife biology, geology, wildlife ecology, geographic information systems, soils science, air resources, or environmental interpretation.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-05 for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger):
Applicants who meet the basic requirements described above are fully qualified for this grade level.
GS-07 for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger):
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Preparing documents pertaining to leasing and/or managing project lands; AND 2) Providing project information to the visiting public through brochures, bulletin boards, news releases and/or telephone calls. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, ecology, land use planning, arboriculture, zoology, environmental law, wildlife management, botany, fire science, landscape architecture, forestry, horticulture, conservation education, fisheries biology, plant physiology, range management, wildlife biology, geology, wildlife ecology, geographic information systems, soils science, air resources, or environmental interpretation.].
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-09 for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger):
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Enforcing project regulations, laws and/or policies by educating visitors; AND 2) Planning and/or implementing environmental, recreational, or natural resources activities at a park or lake. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, ecology, land use planning, arboriculture, zoology, environmental law, wildlife management, botany, fire science, landscape architecture, forestry, horticulture, conservation education, fisheries biology, plant physiology, range management, wildlife biology, geology, wildlife ecology, geographic information systems, soils science, air resources, or environmental interpretation..
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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