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Forest Ranger Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ranger information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$5

$20

$29

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Phoenix, AZ is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.62 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 Phoenix, AZ? The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs? Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Forest Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 26% Contract, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,999 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Recreation Technician Crewmember - Cave Creek, AZ

Recreation Technician Crewmember - Cave Creek, AZ

Conservation Legacy

Scottsdale, AZ โ€ข On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted yesterday


Job description

Description
Recreation Technician Crewmember-Tonto National Forest - AmeriCorps (1 opening)
Conservation Legacy Program: Arizona Conservation Corps
Site Location: Cave Creek Ranger District (40202 N. Cave Creek Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85262)
Term of Service:
  • Start Date: July 13, 2026 (anticipated)
  • End Date: November 27, 2026
  • Flexible start and end date depending on availability.
  • AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

Purpose:
This is an AmeriCorps position with Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC), which is an AmeriCorps program of Conservation Legacy. The member selected for this position will be serving with Tonto National Forest as an AmeriCorps member with Arizona Conservation Corps, and completing service projects with Tonto National Forest.
AZCC aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's, and is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with communities and conservation service projects on public lands. AZCC operates programs across Arizona that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. AZCC has program offices in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson.
Tonto National Forest:
At over 2.9 million acres, the Tonto National Forest is the largest national forest in Arizona, and the seventh largest national forest among 154 USDA National Forests. The Tonto features some of the most rugged and inherently beautiful land in the country. Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude -- from 1,300 to 7,900 feet -- offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it's lake beaches or cool pine forest.
Description of Duties:
The Cave Creek Ranger District of Tonto National Forest is seeking a temporary, full-time Recreation Technician Crewmember. The primary focus of this position will be monitoring and controlling access to highly developed recreation sites, in addition to conducting vehicle patrols and fee enforcement, at recreation sites on the Forest. Other duties include OHV monitoring, maintenance at recreational facilities, painting, installing signage, vegetation control, and patrolling recreation areas. The crewmember may also have the opportunity for involvement with larger maintenance projects and special events, such as those with agency partners (Arizona Game & Fish Department, Natural Restorations, County Sherriff's Office, etc.).
Essential Responsibilities and Functions:
  • Act as a representative of the Forest Service.
  • Assist the public with questions about recreation sites, alternative sites, and overall forest information.
  • Continually check on and maintain the facilities, including parking lots, bathrooms, and Forest Service equipment.
  • Assist with day-to-day operations and maintenance of recreation facilities as directed by a supervisor.
  • Assist with developed and dispersed recreation sites in District recreation areas.
  • Perform light facilities maintenance, vegetation control, traffic management, issuing of recreation passes, making public contacts, cleaning bathrooms, picking up trash, and leading volunteers.
  • Perform frequent public contacts with the recreating public in a high use, urban forest setting to provide information and gain compliance with federal regulations. Must be able to work efficiently, independently, and sometimes with minimal daily supervision.
  • Survey and inspect trails and roads. Sign, brush, and maintain where necessary in both developed and dispersed recreation areas.
  • Work with volunteers to complete various project work.
  • Work will be in the outdoors in adverse conditions and terrain. Must be able to work while standing with exposure to high temperatures and under constant direct sun exposure for extended periods of time.

Qualifications:
  • United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
  • Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
  • Interest in recreation, natural resources, or a related field.
  • A self-starter that can easily work as a team or alone.
  • Ability to communicate via radio while in the field.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, both in demeanor and appearance.
  • Applicants must pass a criminal history background check and possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Valid driver's license with 3 year driving history required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 4x4 or off-road driving experience.
  • Previous experience with public lands agencies.
  • Customer service skills as it pertains to interacting with the Public.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is helpful.

Physical Requirements:
Conservation Legacy is committed to all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
This position is expected to serve 40 hours per week, with at least one weekend day, typically working a four-ten hour day schedule, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
Orientation and Training:
Member will receive an Arizona Conservation Corps Individual Placement Program New Member Orientation at start of service that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Benefits:
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14 with successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $480 per week.
  • Additional Benefit of $150 per week.
  • Public Lands Corps Certificate*
  • Healthcare Coverage provided by The Corps Network and Cigna.
  • Childcare Coverage.
  • Qualifies for Student Loan forbearance and Interest Payment reimbursement through AmeriCorps.

*To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, members must be between the ages of 18-30, or up to 35 if a military veteran, at the time the individual begins the term of service and must complete 640 service hours or more to qualify.
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
Supervisor Name:
This position reports to Jordan Bohlen, Recreation Staff Officer, Cave Creek Ranger District.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter and apply by clicking the APPLY link on this page.
If you have questions, contact AZCC's Individual Placement Coordinator Preston Sands at psands@conservationlegacy.org.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.