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Forest Ranger Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

LTE Park Ranger (Brule)

Brule, WI · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy ... The park ranger is primarily responsible for facilitating customer service, facility and grounds ...

Forest Ranger information

See Wisconsin salary details

$5

$22

$31

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Wisconsin is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $26.20 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A forest ranger typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; most positions pay less and require relevant certifications or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but these are less common and usually require significant skills or risk. Generally, earning $10,000 monthly without a degree is rare and often involves self-employment or advanced skills in specific fields.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include high-level executive roles, specialized medical professionals like surgeons, certain legal positions such as trial lawyers, and highly skilled consultants or contractors in fields like finance or engineering. These roles often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes certification or licensing. Income levels vary based on industry, location, and workload.

How can I become a forest ranger?

To become a forest ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions require a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, physical fitness, and experience with tools like GPS and GIS; obtaining certifications such as first aid or firefighting can also be beneficial.

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.

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.

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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Wisconsin? For Forest Ranger jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forest Ranger jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Ranger jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Forest Ranger job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in WI? For Forest Ranger jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,768 per year, or $22 per hour.
LTE Park Ranger (Brule)

LTE Park Ranger (Brule)

State of Wisconsin

Brule, WI • On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform grounds maintenance, repairs on park structures, building cleaning, and operate park equipment within the assigned area.

  • Assist with visitor services by providing information, maintaining public use areas, operating reservation systems, and educating visitors about property rules.

  • Collect funds from self-pay stations, distribute fee violation notices, and maintain records related to property revenue activities.


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations; DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.
The Wisconsin DNR is hiring an LTE (Limited Term Employee) Park Ranger at our offices, in Brule, WI. The park ranger is primarily responsible for facilitating customer service, facility and grounds maintenance, and public safety within state designated parks, forests, trails, and other lands managed by the Wisconsin State Park System within the Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management.
Specifically, this position will provide recreation management, assistance with resource protection, as well as managing public safety through maintenance, facility management, and administrative activities within the assigned area. This position will maintain internal and external partnerships to include local government, local interests, and other key stakeholders to establish and promote management, public safety and contribute to protection goals. The position will assist with outreach, promotion, and public relations for the property.
This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies.
To see all opportunities currently available at DNR, follow this link: DNR (wisc.jobs) .
Position Summary
30% - Perform grounds maintenance activities, perform repairs on park structures, conduct routine building cleaning, safely operate and maintain park equipment, maintain trails and water distribution systems. Support education programs by providing interpretive services such as guided hikes, and other functional efforts of the park.
25% - Assist with the visitor assistance program, maintain public use areas, operate department camping reservation systems, monitor recreation facilities, maintain detailed reports, records, and statistics. Educate property visitors about user conduct rules, arboretums, and other education points at the property.
25% - Perform land management activities for the property, provide resource protection rule information to visitors, resolve visitor service issues.
20% - Conduct revenue activities (collect funds from self-pay stations, distribute fee violation notices, etc), disseminate information to public, and maintain records.
Salary Information
This position pays between $15.00-16.50 per hour and is in pay schedule and range 05-64. Compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan.
Job Details
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and will not automatically lead to permanent state employment or be entitled to the same benefits as permanent employees.
More about LTE positions:
1) Offer a great opportunity to gain experience and learn about careers at the WI Department of Natural Resources.
2) Provide opportunities for individuals to enhance their resumes with skills learned on the job.
3) May accommodate flexibility for part-time or full-time work hours and seasonal schedules. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.
4) Allow individuals to hold multiple LTE appointments concurrently. If both LTE positions are at the same agency, the positions must be bona fide different positions. Each individual LTE position allows for maximum of 1039 hours in a twelve-month period.
Special Requirements:
1) Residency: To be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.
A Wisconsin resident is a person who:
a. Has established a residence, as defined in s. 6.10(1), in this state not less than 10 days earlier;
b. Has resided in this state for not less than a total of one year out of the immediately preceding 5 years;
c. Is eligible to register to vote in this state; or
d. Is the spouse of a person meeting the requirements of par. (a), (b), or (c)." s.230.03(12), Wis. Stats.
2) Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to a job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.
3) Eligible to work in U.S.: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The Department of Natural Resources does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility I-9 form upon hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The DNR is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications below, the selected candidate must be eligible to drive a state vehicle and meet the following criteria:
  • Have a valid driver's license
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a minimum of two years licensed driving experience
  • Have not had three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years
  • Have no OWI/DUI violations within the past year
Minimum qualifications:
  • Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public
  • Customer service and cash handling experience
  • Knowledge, skills and experience of general maintenance operation
  • Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and punctual
  • Ability to work a modified schedule; nights, weekends, holidays, etc.

How To Apply
Click the "Apply for Job" button and follow the directions. You will be able to save your application as many times as needed and make edits up until the point you submit your application. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.
Please note that the Wiscjobs system will time you out after 30 minutes of activity, so be sure to save your work often to avoid having to re-start the application process.
For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Gervase.Thompson@wisconsin.gov
For technical questions and troubleshooting related to the Wisc.Jobs site, please visit Commonly Asked Questions. Keep in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm.
Your resume and letter of qualifications are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Deadline to Apply
Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on July 6, 2026 in order to be considered.

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