This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit. Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve ...
New
This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit. Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve ...
New
This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit. Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve ...
New
This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit. Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve ...
New
Forest Ranger information
See Golden, CO salary details
$5.46 - $7.85
0% of jobs
$7.85 - $10.24
0% of jobs
$10.24 - $12.64
0% of jobs
$12.64 - $15.03
11% of jobs
$17.25 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.03 - $17.42
15% of jobs
$17.42 - $19.81
19% of jobs
$19.81 - $22.20
3% of jobs
The median wage is $22.49 / hr.
$22.20 - $24.60
18% of jobs
$26.03 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$24.60 - $26.99
16% of jobs
$26.99 - $29.38
11% of jobs
$29.38 - $31.77
7% of jobs
$5
$22
$31
How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Golden, CO is $22.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $26.83 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?
| Aspect | Forest Ranger | Park Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field; certifications in firefighting and first aid | Often requires similar degrees; certifications in first aid, law enforcement, or visitor services |
| Work Environment | Forests, wilderness areas, national forests | National parks, recreational areas, visitor centers |
| Employer & Industry | U.S. Forest Service, state forestry agencies | National 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.
More about Forest Ranger jobs
What cities near Golden, CO are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs?
Cities near Golden, CO with the most Forest Ranger job openings:
$67K/yr
Full-time
Posted 2 days ago
New
Job description
This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve assisting in the planning and execution of the fire prevention, suppression, and education programs on a large, highly complex land area.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08:One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in directing safe initial and extended attack suppression actions, including determining incident needs, dispatch and deployment of personnel and equipment; Identified, collected, preserved and/or examined evidence in the determination of the probable cause of fire; Assisted in the development, implementation and presentation of the role of fire in ecosystems management educational programs.
For the GW-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in developing and executing plans to solve complex problems involving fire preparedness, fuels management, fire prevention, and/or training; Assisted the management of fire prevention and detection programs, scheduling staffing, maintenance and/or training; Assisted the development of fire control plans and/or documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, suppression tactics and/or strategies.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER
Serves as the Assistant District Fire Management Officer (ADFMO) on a Ranger District of a National Forest. Primary responsibilities involve assisting in the planning and execution of the fire prevention, suppression, and education programs on a large, highly complex land area.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional Contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08:One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in directing safe initial and extended attack suppression actions, including determining incident needs, dispatch and deployment of personnel and equipment; Identified, collected, preserved and/or examined evidence in the determination of the probable cause of fire; Assisted in the development, implementation and presentation of the role of fire in ecosystems management educational programs.
For the GW-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in developing and executing plans to solve complex problems involving fire preparedness, fuels management, fire prevention, and/or training; Assisted the management of fire prevention and detection programs, scheduling staffing, maintenance and/or training; Assisted the development of fire control plans and/or documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, suppression tactics and/or strategies.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System. Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER