ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forest Ranger Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

All JobsForest Ranger JobsForest Ranger Jobs in Washington

Forest Ranger information

See Washington salary details

$5

$24

$34

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Washington is $24.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $29.42 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.

More about Forest Ranger jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Washington? For Forest Ranger jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forest Ranger jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Ranger jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in WA? For Forest Ranger jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forest Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,357 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Seasonal Hourly Shift - Multiple Vacancies

State of Maryland - DNR - Maryland Park Service - State Wide Operation

Prince George's, MD • On-site

$17.15/hr

Full-time

Dental, Life

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Introduction

Salary $17.158+/hour\r\n\r\n\r\nEmployment type - Full-time and Part-Time\r\n

GRADE

HRLY 0008\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine MD 20613 (Prince George's County)\r\n\r\n\r\nThis park complex includes:\r\nCedarville State Forest, 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine MD 20613 (Prince George's County)\r\nSmallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point, Marbury MD 20658 (Charles County)\r\nRosaryville State Park, 7805 West Marlton Avenue, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 (Prince George's County)\r\nMerkle NRMA, 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 (Prince George's County)\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

The Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service is currently recruiting for multiple seasonal contractual positions for the upcoming 2026 season at Cedarville State Forest, Merkle NRMA, Smallwood, Calvert Cliffs and Rosaryville State Parks. Contract duration will be approximately between the dates of Memorial Day and Labor Day, depending on specific need.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe working titles that the Maryland Park Service is currently recruiting for are noted below. You must indicate on the Supplemental Questionnaire the position(s) of interest in order to be considered for this recruitment. Please review the duties of each job closely before applying.\r\n\r\n\r\nYou can review the position duties of each series HERE.\r\n\r\n\r\nMaintenance Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Maintenance Worker\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAdministrative/Customer Service Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Contact Station/Concession Attendant\r\n Concession Manager\r\n Visitor Services Attendant\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHistorical Interpreter/Naturalist Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Naturalist\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRanger Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Park Ranger\r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: None\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience: 40 hours of Customer Service or Maintenance Experience. This includes but is not limited to professional or volunteer experience in retail, service industry, administrative, or similar fields as indicated on application. * Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that you fail to indicate.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least six (6) months of experience working in a park location performing park operations.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle, UTV or golf cart. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland and five points or fewer on their current driving record. Please note, a provisional driver's license will not be accepted as the restrictions may interfere with the job requirements.\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants selected for employment may undergo an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to: employment reference check, education verification, driving record check (if the position requires employees to drive a vehicle) and a criminal history check including fingerprinting. Should the position you are in consideration for require an employment, driving or criminal history check, continued employment will be contingent on the results.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions of this position.\r\n\r\n\r\nFor education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.\r\n

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.\r\nLeave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.\r\n\r\n*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.\r\n\r\n\r\nFaxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management atApplication.Help@maryland.gov; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you need to make adjustments to a submitted application or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Emilee Knott atEmilee.Knott@maryland.gov.\r\n\r\n\r\nSupplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.\r\n\r\n\r\nPlease provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.\r\n\r\n\r\nTTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time

Apply