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Forest Ranger Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger I

MD · On-site

$55K - $87K/yr

... Ranger I position in the Department of Recreation & Parks. The work involves the operation of a ... forestry. Experience: Six (6) months or more of experience in park, conservation, or natural ...

... Ranger I position in the Department of Recreation & Parks. The work involves the operation of a ... forestry. Experience: Six (6) months or more of experience in park, conservation, or natural ...

Forest Ranger information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$5

$21

$30

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Baltimore, MD is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $25.82 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Baltimore, MD? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Forest Ranger jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forest Ranger jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Ranger jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Forest Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Baltimore, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,056 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Park Ranger I

$55K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Anne Arundel County rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

636th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $55,066.00 - $87,015.00 Annually
Location : Anne Arundel County, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 8664
Department: Recreation and Parks
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
Anne Arundel County Government is looking to fill a full-time, permanent, represented, safety-sensitive Park Ranger I position in the Department of Recreation & Parks.
The work involves the operation of a large, public Anne Arundel County park. The employee researches and interprets rules and regulations involving wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections, and routine patrol. Include security duties, park maintenance, and operations.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
Work also includes public relations and the enforcement of laws and regulations. Work is performed under general supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment and action, and is reviewed by a superior through conferences, reports, and review of results obtained. Includes directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails, and open spaces; accountability for all patrol functions; inspection of permits; inspecting, monitoring, and enforcing rules and regulations pertaining to user permits for special events and temporary access permits; and enforcement of all park rules and regulations through courteous contact.
Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
  • Patrols the park on foot and in a vehicle; enforces park rules and regulations; performs first aid as necessary; opens buildings.
  • Advises maintenance crew and volunteers of daily priorities; sets up cash for receptionist and gate attendant; raises flags; fills vending machines; readies pavilions for reservations.
  • Checks gate attendants and verifies money pick-ups; supervises part-time employees and volunteers; checks in groups for pavilions and camps.
  • Secures park for the night; counts daily receipts; and secures cash.
  • Prepares a variety of written reports, including but not limited to daily logs, incident reports, graffiti reports, and chemical data forms.
  • Plans and presents interpretive, recreational, and informational programs, and maintains live animal displays.
  • Operates and maintains audio-visual equipment.
  • Performs general park maintenance, including mowing the grass, picking up litter, repairing signs, and trimming trees.
  • Assists with the preparation of forms and brochures; acts for the superior.
  • Performs related work as required.
POSITIONS IN THIS CLASS OF WORK REQUIRE THE ABILITY TO LIFT, OR CAUSE TO BE LIFTED, OBJECTS WEIGHING IN EXCESS OF ONE HUNDRED POUNDS; AND EXPOSURE TO ALL TYPES OF WEATHER.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of methods and techniques of park operation and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of safety and emergency first-aid procedures and the ability to perform First Aid and/or CPR.
  • Skill in the use of a bicycle and/or a vehicle to patrol park grounds.
  • Ability to learn and apply County laws, regulations, and administration procedures applicable to park operations.
  • Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner.
  • Ability to lead others in the work.
  • Ability to think and act quickly in an emergency.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.
  • Ability to plan and carry out varied maintenance activities.
  • Ability to operate specialized mechanical, electrical, transportation, and computerized equipment.
  • Ability to develop and present educational programs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry.
Experience: Six (6) months or more of experience in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
NOTE: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry may be substituted with 60 college credits and two (2) additional years of experience for a total of two (2) years and 6 months of experience in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license
NOTE: For a University or College outside the United States, the applicant must provide documentation of accreditation and educational equivalency, which can be accomplished through a credential evaluation service. Applicants with a foreign degree must provide this documentation upon the close of the announcement. An Accredited University or College is the recognition from an accrediting agency that an institution maintains a certain level of educational standards. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accrediting agencies it recognizes for schools within the United States.
NOTE: This position is Safety Sensitive, and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and Alcohol Testing.
Supplemental Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following:
1. Experience beyond a beginner level in Microsoft Word and Excel.
2. Strong customer service skills to include telephone and face-to-face contact with co-workers and the general public.
3. Experience working in a government environment.
  • Medical/Health Insurance Plans
    • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
    • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
  • Dental Insurance
    • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
    • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
    • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
  • Vision Insurance
    • EyeMed
  • Employee Life Insurance
    • Term insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) for employees at no cost.
    • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Disability Income Insurance
  • Pension Plan
    • Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
  • Direct Deposit
  • Credit Union
  • Holidays
    • Twelve days provided per year, thirteen in a general election year
  • Annual Leave
    • Less than 3 years - 13 days
    • 3 to less than 15 years of service - 20 days
    • 15 or more years of service - 26 days
  • Disability Leave
    • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
  • Personal Leave Day, 5 per calendar year
  • Leave Sharing
  • Employee Assistance Program
    • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Dependent Care Reimbursement
    • Health Care Reimbursement
  • Voluntary Benefits
    • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
    • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
    • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR CUT AND PASTE YOUR RESUME IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU MAY BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Did a county employee refer you? If yes, indicate their name, department and badge/id number. If you weren't referred by an Employee indicate N/A.
03
This position is "Safety Sensitive". This means, employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. Please check "yes" if you understand this condition of employment.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Did you graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry?
  • Yes
  • No

05
If you answered yes to the question above, please list your major coursework and degree earned.If you answered "No," please write N/A
06
For a University or College outside the United States, the applicant must provide accreditation and educational equivalency documentation, which can be accomplished through a credential evaluation service. Applicants with a foreign degree must provide this documentation upon the close of the announcement.Does this apply to you, and if "Yes", did you attach the necessary documentation?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry may be substituted with 60 college credits and two (2) additional years of experience for a total of two (2) years and 6 months of experience in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's licenseDoes this apply to you?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please detail your combination of education and/or work experience, including position title, length of time in position, and any education you possess. Work experience MUST appear in the work history section of your application.If you answered "No," please type N/A
09
Do you have six (6) months or more of experience in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry?
  • Yes
  • No

10
If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please explain your experience, including position title, length of time in position, and major duties.This experience MUST also appear in the work history section of your application.If you answered "No," please write N/A
11
Do you have a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license?
  • Yes
  • No

12
Do you have experience beyond a beginner level in Microsoft Word and Excel?
  • Yes
  • No

13
If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please explain your experience, including position title, length of time in position, and major duties.This experience MUST also appear in the work history section of your application.If you answered "No," please write N/A
14
Do you have strong customer service skills to include telephone and face-to-face contact with co-workers and the general public?
  • Yes
  • No

15
Do you have experience working in a government environment?
  • Yes
  • No

16
If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please explain your experience, including position title, length of time in position, and major duties.This experience MUST also appear in the work history section of your application.If you answered "No," please write N/A
Required Question

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