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Forest Ranger Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ranger information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$5

$21

$30

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 do you become a forest ranger?

To become a forest ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a college degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, physical fitness, and sometimes certification in first aid or firefighting; completing training programs provided by government agencies is also common.

How much do forest rangers make in the US?

Forest rangers in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, with higher earnings possible based on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those in supervisory roles can earn over $60,000 annually. The job often requires outdoor work, physical fitness, and knowledge of conservation practices.

Is it easy to become a forest ranger?

Becoming a forest ranger typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or education in forestry, environmental science, or related fields. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and obtain certifications such as first aid or firefighting training; competition for positions can be high depending on the region and agency.

What work does a forest ranger do?

A forest ranger is responsible for protecting and managing public forests and parks, which includes tasks such as patrolling for illegal activities, maintaining trails, conducting conservation efforts, and educating visitors. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may need certifications in first aid or firefighting. Their work helps preserve natural resources and ensure public safety in forested areas.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,056 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Introduction

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.\r\n

GRADE

19\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

TWO VACANCIES:\r\n\r\n\r\n North Point State Park, 8400 North Point Road, Edgemere MD 21219 (Baltimore County)\r\n Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne MD 21657 (Queen Anne's County)\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

Provides supervision of subordinate employees and direction in the daily operation of\r\nNorth Point State Park. This position is responsible for managing two distinct park\r\noperations in accordance with the short-term and long-term resource management and\r\nrecreation goals of each land unit, meeting the objective of providing a safe and attractive\r\npark setting for the visiting public.\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Park Service is currently accepting applications for a State Park Ranger Manager I position at North Point State Park in Edgemere MD (Baltimore County), and Tuckahoe State Park in Queen Anne MD (Queen Anne's County). These positions are responsible for overseeing visitor resources, personnel, equipment and facility management, maintenance and protection of Maryland State Parks.\r\n\r\n\r\nThese positions develop strategies to address issues and opportunities to enhance park programs and operations, maximize revenues, and meet visitor expectations for quality resource-based recreation and interpretive services. These positions are also responsible for ensuring proper allocation and use of Maryland Park Service resources such as personnel, equipment and funding. Duties also include the review, evaluation and support of emergency response capabilities. Develops plans for visitor services, resource protection, and employee safety activities at State Parks to safeguard visitors, personnel and resources. The incumbents will represent the Department of Natural Resources as a liaison with local governments, businesses and community groups. Duties also include enforcement of DNR regulations and policies to ensure public safety, as well as the protection of Maryland's natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Eight years of experience supervising personnel engaged in park or forest operations work. \r\nNotes: \r\n1. Candidates may substitute additional experience in park or forest operations work at the rate of two years for each year of supervisory experience for up to two years of the required experience. \r\n2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree in forestry, forest management, natural resources management, parks and recreation, business management, education, history or a related natural science from an accredited college or university and four years of experience supervising personnel engaged in park or forest operations work for the required experience. \r\n3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in forestry, forestry management, nature resources management, parks and recreation, business administration, education, history or a related natural resources field for five years of the required experience. \r\n4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in a management and program clerical and assistance classification or management and program clerical and assistance specialty codes in the general, administrative, clerical, and office services field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience, four years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. \r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n Professional experience managing park operations and supervising employees in a Maryland State Park.\r\n Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).\r\n Experience with budget and personnel management.\r\n Experience managing and maintaining park facilities and grounds.\r\n Experience managing natural, cultural and historical resources.\r\n Experience working with community and government agency partners to provide public safety, and resource protection.\r\n\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1.Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day.\r\n2.Employees in this classification may be subject to assignment in any county of the State. Upon permanent appointment, the employee may be required to reside in the county or region assigned.\r\n3.Employees in this classification must be trained in First Responder Training or other equivalent first aid training. \r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. 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 and qualifications of this position. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.\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\r\n

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\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 at Application.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 no earlier than 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 at Emilee.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 RelayCandidates 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

Employment Type: Full-Time