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Forest Ranger Jobs in Somerville, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Forest Ranger information

See Somerville, MA salary details

$5

$23

$33

How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in Somerville, MA is $23.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.32 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.

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Forest Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in Somerville, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,484 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Seasonal Property Ranger

Seasonal Property Ranger

The Trustees of Reservations

Ipswich, MA • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation's premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees' preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17-$18/hour 

Hours per week: 8-32 

Job Classification: Limited, non-exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: Variable. Peak season is May 14th - September 7th 

Location: Crane Beach & Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA 

What You'll Do:  

Your Impact: 

Visited by more than 350,000 people annually, the Crane Estate, including Crane Beach, remains a national model for balancing conservation of diverse natural habitats and wildlife-more than 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes, and maritime forest grace the property-with the management of active public recreation. Whether you want to take a refreshing plunge, play in the sand, or bask in the sun, this unparalleled seaside experience has provided fun and lasting memories for generations. Our seasonal team members are the driving force for creating a safe, mission driven and memorable experience for all Crane Estate visitors. 

The Role: 

The Trustees is seeking part time Seasonal Rangers for The Crane Estate. As a Ranger, you will play a pivotal role ensuring that thousands of visitors each year have a positive experience on the property by ensuring public safety, protecting the natural resources of the property, assisting, educating and answering questions, monitoring and enforcing rules and regulations and properly reporting and recording such. You are charged with promoting the organization by demonstrating knowledge of the history of The Trustees, the Crane property, and Trustees Membership.You are responsible for assisting with special events and may occasionally be required to staff entrance stations and parking lots and perform related duties. As a Ranger, you additionally will assist with general cleaning and/or maintenance of the facilities, beach, trails, estate grounds, and parking lots.   

Specifically, you'll: 

  • Patrol the property, upholding the rules and regulations of the Crane Estate.  
  • Engage with the public in a positive manner at all times, educating them about safety, property orientation, and the protection of both cultural and natural resources.  
  • Diligently report patron violations as required for daily reporting.  
  • Report safety concerns and maintenance needs to supervisors.  
  • Clean and inspect ranger work area, work vehicles, parking lots, beach, estate grounds and trails.  
  • Perform basic maintenance and safe operation of all vehicles, including 4-wheel drive ATV's, side-by-sides, and trucks.  
  • Assist with trail and general maintenance as required.  
  • Other duties as assigned. 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position [8-32 hrs per week] reporting directly to the Crane Beach Public Safety Manager.  

Requirements

What You'll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

  • Position is ideal for those either seeking or involved in a Law Enforcement career.  
  • Required to demonstrate punctuality and reliability.  
  • Strong interest in park and visitor management, environmental education, and customer relations. Experience and/or education in these areas are preferred but not mandatory.  
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, which could include handling radio traffic, answering the phone, handling walk-in emergencies and customer issues, among others.  
  • Experience record/log keeping and public safety documentation.  
  • Good natured, team player, with a strong work ethic.  
  • Exceptionally strong communication, customer service, and engagement skills.  
  • Radio communication experience.  
  • Must be capable of effectively handling high-pressure situations while remaining calm.  
  • Must be comfortable on their feet for extended periods of time walking on challenging terrain including an ability to hike our trail system and sandy beach.  
  • Additional experience/background in the following areas is a plus: public safety, recreation, natural resource management. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • CPR certification is required, Basic First Aid strongly preferred.  
  • Rangers are required to wear a Trustees-assigned uniform. 
  • Current authorization to work in the United States - a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 
  • A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy. 
  • A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 
  • Comfortable working in variable outdoor weather conditions.  
  • Able to consistently lift 40lbs and be on feet up to 10 hours per day. 
  • Able to perform foot patrols over varying terrain including hilly terrain and soft sand. 
  • Variable work schedule to meet the needs of the business.  
  • Must be able to accept evening, weekend and Holiday shifts. 

Don't quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Have questions?Reach out to our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org. 

Benefits

Your Benefits:

  • Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront. 
  • Reciprocity:Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  
  • Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees' commitment to advancing the organization's vision for this work may be found here:Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.

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