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Forest Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Forest Ranger Services

Albany, NY · On-site +1

$133K - $168K/yr

Directly supervise the Assistant Director of DFP, the regional and the central office Forest Ranger 3's (Captains). Indirectly supervise all other staff within the Division. Perform executive ...

... Forest Ranger 3's (Captains). Indirectly supervise all other staff within the Division. • Perform executive functions required for the effective management and administration of the Division ...

Forest Ranger I - Area 32

Jackson, MS · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) has been a leader in the protection, management, and sustainability of the state's forests for 100 years. The MFC provides expert management, protection, and ...

PARK RANGER ASSISTANT

Tombstone, AZ · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS Connecting people with the ... PARK RANGER ASSISTANT TOMBSTONE COURTHOUSE STATE PARK "This is a Temporary / Seasonal Position" May ...

NC · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Agency Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services Division North Carolina Forest Service Job ... The Assistant County Ranger works with the County Ranger to provide services. Position requires ...

... the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work ... The Ranger is responsible for proactively addressing issues that may arise. * Enforces Arboretum ...

... the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work ... The Ranger is responsible for proactively addressing issues that may arise. * Enforces Arboretum ...

... the Tonto National Forest in Superior, Arizona, the Arboretum offers a truly unique work ... The Ranger is responsible for proactively addressing issues that may arise. * Enforces Arboretum ...

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Forest Ranger information

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$5

$21

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How much do forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ranger in the United States is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.96 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 cities are hiring for Forest Ranger jobs?

Cities with the most Forest Ranger job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Forest Ranger jobs?

The top employers for Forest Ranger jobs are:

What states have the most Forest Ranger jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forest Ranger jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Ranger jobs?

For Forest Ranger jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forest Ranger job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,344 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Director, Forest Ranger Services

Albany, NY • On-site, Remote

New York State
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$133K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Duties Description Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Public Protection, the Director of the Division of Forest Protection plans, directs and oversees the delivery of all programs and services provided by the Division of Forest Protection (DFP). Duties include: Plan & direct the DFP programs to ensure that managerial and resource programming processes are properly applied and executed on a timely basis. Advise the Deputy Commissioner for Public Protection on the formulation of policy relative to the Department's responsibilities for statewide management of the Division's programs.

Directly supervise the Assistant Director of DFP, the regional and the central office Forest Ranger 3's (Captains). Indirectly supervise all other staff within the Division. Perform executive functions required for the effective management and administration of the Division's programs.

Oversee and direct the budget processing, program evaluation and reporting; participate in labor/management meetings, negotiations and the development of memoranda of understanding. Oversee all personnel transactions including staff placement, hiring and complaints against division members. Maintain a wildfire program to extinguish wildfires in as short a time interval from detection as possible utilizing modern suppression techniques to limit acreage burned.

Provide a State Land Stewardship Program utilizing Division personnel who are responsible for care, custody and control of lands administered by the Department. Maintain a program of Search and Rescue to ensure high level of preparedness of the Forest Ranger force and volunteers for the purpose of locating and rescuing individuals who become lost or injured in the wild and remote areas of the state. Oversee Licensed Guide Program.

Ensure all Division members receive necessary/mandated training in law enforcement health and safety, fire management and search & rescue. Represent the Department on various commissions and task forces and advises Executive staff on major issues. Promote inter-division and inter-agency cooperation and coordination through meetings and work groups.

Prepares correspondence to other Division heads, outside agencies and the public on various topics related to program delivery. Oversee and prepare various reports and correspondences for the Commissioner's office. Work to advance the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion by assessing and addressing barriers and opportunities in recruitment and hiring practices and demonstrate a commitment to cultural competency.

Minimum Qualifications Eleven years of police law enforcement experience in emergency response related to environmental conservation, protection, or natural resources; or eleven years of police law enforcement experience. Two years of this experience must have been managerial and included responsibility for implementation of program goals and objectives within established budgets and supervision or coordination of staff to achieve specific objectives; or an associate's degree and nine years of experience described above, at least two years of this experience must have been managerial and included responsibility for implementation of program goals and objectives within established budgets and supervision or coordination of staff to achieve specific objectives. Preferred Experience: Candidate has emergency response experience.

NOTE: A bachelor's degree can substitute for four years of the non-managerial experience. A master's or higher level degree can substitute for one year of non-managerial experience. Additional Comments Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.

Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department's Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver's license for this position. Travel may be required.

Overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available for emergency response.

Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies. Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview. We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: Holiday & Paid Time Off Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System Shift & Geographic pay differentials Affordable Health Care options Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost NYS Deferred Compensation plan Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S

Savings Bonds And many more... For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State.

DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e

H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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