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Forest Ranger Jobs in Lehigh Acres, FL (NOW HIRING)

OPS PARK RANGER - 42902106 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 42902106 Salary: $15.00/Hourly Posting ... Maintains the forest road system and harrows existing fire-lines. Assists foresters with other ...

OPS PARK RANGER - 42902106 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 42902106 Salary: $15.00/Hourly Posting ... Maintains the forest road system and harrows existing fire-lines. Assists foresters with other ...

OPS PARK RANGER - 42902106 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 42902106 Salary: $15.00/Hourly Posting ... Maintains the forest road system and harrows existing fire-lines. Assists foresters with other ...

Forest Ranger information

See Lehigh Acres, FL salary details

$4

$19

$27

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Lehigh Acres, FL is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.51 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Lehigh Acres, FL?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Lehigh Acres, FL are:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs in Lehigh Acres, FL?

For Forest Ranger jobs in Lehigh Acres, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Lehigh Acres, FL are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs?

Cities near Lehigh Acres, FL with the most Forest Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Lehigh Acres, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,077 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

OPS PARK RANGER - 42902106

Felda, FL • On-site

State of Florida
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Requisition No: 881819
Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services
Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 42902106
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 42902106
Salary: $15.00/Hourly
Posting Closing Date: 08/28/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
OPS PARK RANGER
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE
***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --
THIS IS A PART-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

CONTACT:
Michael Weston, (239) 220-2404 or Amanda Horney (239) 690-8015
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A high school diploma or its equivalent
Requires a valid class E driver license.
***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***
To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
  • All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
  • Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
  • Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Occasional to moderate travel required.
Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.
NOTES:
To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.
Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
JOB DUTIES:
Responsible for monitoring and coordinating the use of recreation areas by the public on Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest.
Collects and reconciles user fees and insures the enforcement of applicable rules and regulations. Provides information to the public, as required. Assists with the development of new recreation areas and facilities as needed.
Performs site and facility maintenance, including landscaping, mowing, basic carpentry, and electrical and mechanical repairs.
Performs equipment maintenance on vehicles, other machinery and forestry tools. Maintains the forest road system and harrows existing fire-lines. Assists foresters with other forest management activities, including stand description, prescribed burning, reforestation, insect and disease control, ecosystem restoration, and boundary line marking.
Researches, performs and reports on specific projects related to resource management. Conducts any required wildlife habitat management work on the tract and controls exotic plant pests which may occur on the area. Insures that endangered and threatened species are protected on the property.
Performs other duties as assigned in a timely manner.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida
Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck.
  • Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
  • Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b). For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
  • State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);
  • Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:
https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
SPECIAL NOTES:
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
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