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Forestry Ranger Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

$40K/yr

Coordinating the short-range planning and execution of all activities related to one or more of the following programs: recreation and park administration, shoreline management, forestry, fisheries ...

$40K/yr

Coordinating the short-range planning and execution of all activities related to one or more of the following programs: recreation and park administration, shoreline management, forestry, fisheries ...

$40K/yr

Coordinating the short-range planning and execution of all activities related to one or more of the following programs: recreation and park administration, shoreline management, forestry, fisheries ...

Forestry Ranger information

See Arkansas salary details

$32.7K

$45.9K

$60.8K

How much do forestry ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry ranger in Arkansas is $45,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $47,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forestry ranger?

Forestry Rangers are professionals responsible for managing, protecting, and conserving forests and natural resources. They patrol forested areas to prevent illegal activities such as poaching and logging, respond to emergencies like wildfires, and educate the public about responsible land use. Forestry Rangers also collect data on wildlife and plant populations, assist in habitat restoration, and enforce environmental regulations to ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forestry ranger?

To thrive as a Forestry Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental science, forest management practices, and relevant regulations, usually supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, GPS devices, and fire management certification is often required. Strong observation skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help in monitoring forest health and engaging with the public. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, safety, and successful stewardship of forested lands.

What challenges do forestry rangers face in their day-to-day work?

Forestry Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing large areas of land with limited resources, responding quickly to emergencies like wildfires or illegal activities, and balancing conservation efforts with public access. They must adapt to varying weather conditions and rugged terrains, which can be physically demanding. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with local communities, law enforcement, and other agencies are essential to successfully carrying out their responsibilities.

What is the difference between Forestry Ranger vs Conservation Officer?

AspectForestry RangerConservation Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in forestry or natural resource managementHigh school diploma; certifications in environmental science or conservation
Work EnvironmentForests, parks, and outdoor natural areasWildlife reserves, parks, and conservation sites
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, parks departmentsEnvironmental agencies, conservation organizations

Forestry Rangers primarily focus on managing forest resources, enforcing regulations, and ensuring public safety in natural areas. Conservation Officers also work in natural settings but often have broader responsibilities including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and law enforcement related to environmental laws. Both roles require similar certifications and work outdoors, but their specific duties and focus areas differ.

How do you become a forestry ranger?

To become a forestry ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of conservation practices, proficiency with tools and equipment, and often the completion of certification programs such as first aid or firefighting. Gaining experience through internships or seasonal work can also improve job prospects, and physical fitness is usually required due to outdoor work conditions.
Infographic showing various Forestry Ranger job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,910 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger)

On-site


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About the Position: Serves as a natural resource management staff specialist for a major water resource project.
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Management may select at the GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 grade level. Full performance level of this position is GS-09.
Basic Education Requirement for General Natural Resources Management & Biological Sciences Series, 0401
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Minimum Qualifications GS-7
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes:(1) Planning and accomplishing the day-to-day operations for a group of general recreational areas; (2) Conducting frequent land patrols to inspect and/or observe conditions, activities, and/or operations to project lands or reservoir; and (3) promoting special events by working directly with the area news media, civic groups, and/or schools to provide technical assistance and providing advice on matters dealing with policy, water safety, natural resources, and/or history. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education:
One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Minimum Qualifications GS-9
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience includes: Coordinating the short-range planning and execution of all activities related to one or more of the following programs: recreation and park administration, shoreline management, forestry, fisheries and wildlife, shoreline stabilization, pest control, soil conservation, boundary surveillance, historic properties protection, public education and interpretation, visitor assistance, and public safety. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-04 for the GS-05 grade, GS-05 to qualify at the GS-07 grade level, and GS-07 to qualify at the GS-09 grade level).

Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER


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