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Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Ogden, IA · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee Benefits, this position has been classified as FLSA Non-Exempt Accountable To: Boone County Conservation Board Executive Director, Governed by the Boone ...

Full Time Park Ranger information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$37

How much do full time park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time park ranger in Iowa is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Full Time Park Rangers typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually based on annual pay scales. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily often include specialized roles such as corporate executives, certain medical specialists, or high-level consultants, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These roles are generally found in industries like finance, law, or executive management.

Is it hard to get a park ranger job?

Getting a full-time park ranger position can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, such as a degree in natural resources or environmental science, along with experience in outdoor or conservation work. Candidates typically need to pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and sometimes obtain certifications like CPR or first aid.

What is the highest paying park ranger job?

The highest paying park ranger jobs are typically supervisory or specialized roles, such as Chief Ranger or Park Superintendent, which can earn significantly higher salaries than entry-level positions. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and management skills, and they may be found in larger or more prominent national parks or protected areas.

What are full time park rangers?

Full time park rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing national, state, or local parks and natural resources. Their duties often include enforcing park rules, conducting educational programs, maintaining trails and facilities, and ensuring visitor safety. Full time park rangers may also participate in wildlife conservation efforts and respond to emergencies within the park. They typically work outdoors in various weather conditions and may be employed by government agencies or private organizations.

How to become a full time park ranger?

To become a full-time park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in outdoor or conservation work, and often a background in environmental science or related fields. Many agencies require passing a physical fitness test, background check, and obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. Volunteering or seasonal work can also help build experience for permanent positions.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time park rangers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Full-time park rangers often face challenges such as managing large crowds during peak seasons, responding to emergencies like lost hikers or medical incidents, and balancing administrative duties with fieldwork. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication and conflict resolution skills, staying physically fit for outdoor tasks, and familiarizing themselves with local wildlife and park regulations. Training is provided, but being proactive about learning safety protocols and visitor engagement techniques will help you succeed in this dynamic role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Park Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resource management, law enforcement, and first aid, often backed by a degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, two-way radios, and incident reporting systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, public engagement, and problem-solving skills help you educate visitors and handle emergencies effectively. These skills ensure the safety of park visitors, protection of natural resources, and positive visitor experiences.

What is the difference between Full Time Park Ranger vs Part Time Park Ranger?

AspectFull Time Park RangerPart Time Park Ranger
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; certifications in first aid and CPR often preferredSame as full time, but may have less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentFull schedule, often year-round in parks or recreation areasLess hours, seasonal or as-needed basis
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, parks, and recreation departmentsSame as full time, often for seasonal or part-time roles
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for job stability and benefitsCompared for flexibility and supplemental income

Full Time Park Rangers typically work year-round with full benefits, requiring similar credentials as part time roles but with more responsibilities. Part Time Park Rangers offer flexible schedules, often seasonal, with similar qualifications but fewer hours and benefits. The choice depends on your career goals and availability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Iowa? For Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Full Time Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Full Time Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Park Ranger job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 58% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,367 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Park Ranger

Boone County Iowa

Ogden, IA • On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description: PARK RANGERPosition Description

Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee Benefits, this position has been classified as FLSA Non-Exempt

Accountable To: Boone County Conservation Board Executive Director, Governed by the Boone County Employee Handbook

Payment: Pay range between $48,000-$55,000 depending on experience.


Position:

Under general supervision of the Director, serves as a peace officer under the provisions of Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. Responsible for enforcing Conservation Board rules and natural resource laws, maintaining a safe environment for the public, and protecting public lands. Oversees the daily maintenance and operation of Swede Point Park, Grant’s Woods, and the High Trestle Trail. Recommends and implements improvements, enhancement in natural resource and recreational management, including timber stand improvement, prairie and tree planting, invasive species control, and prairie burns. Perform routine and special patrol duties, including the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, maintain good public relations, and maintain park facilities and equipment.


Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required, with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related natural science field; experience in natural resource or law enforcement work may be substituted for the course work requirement.


Essential Job Functions: These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other skills and duties may be required and assigned.

? Enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue citations and warnings to violators. Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform

? Enforcement of Boone County Conservation Board (BCCB) rules and regulations, state park laws, Iowa traffic laws, Iowa fish and game laws that may apply to public lands

? Knowledge of native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Boone County

? Knowledge of principles and practices of park and natural resource management

? Ensures the cleanliness of properties, parking lots, shelters, and bathrooms.

? Oversees the care and maintenance of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees and wetlands on the facility grounds.

? Manages the High Trestle Trail System in Boone County, including mowing, weed control, tree trimming, sign maintenance, plowing, etc.

? Collect user fees, meet, understand, and assist the general public

? Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and agencies, and volunteers

? Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and ages

? Work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision

? Operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, in-car computer, and emergency equipment

? Repair and maintain park structures and grounds

? Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and native grasses through drilling, planting, broadcasting, mowing, burning, and spraying herbicide

? Operate, repair, inspect, and service vehicles, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, skid loaders, dump truck, and other tools

? Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays


Essential Administration Responsibilities

? Operate common office equipment such calculators, photocopiers, and multi-line telephones

? Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email, and web browsing

? Apply for local, state or federal grants

? Plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employees, volunteers and contractors

? Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situations

? Operate the administrative side of the MyCountyParks reservation system to change, make, and check campground, shelter, and cabin reservations.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation, Natural Resources, or related sciences preferred, High School Diploma/GED, Pre-Employment Physical, Pre-Employment Drug test, Clear Motor Vehicle Record, must be insurable under Boone County liability coverage, Pre Employment Background Check


Required Essential Licenses and Certifications

Certified peace officer in the State of Iowa (or be able to obtain certification), CPR and First Aid Certification (within one year of employment), Pesticide Applicator’s Certification


Mental/Visual Demands

Position demands attention in maintaining accurate records. Work under pressure with interruptions and challenging deadlines.


Required Essential Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 75 pounds of force. Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting. Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communications is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken work levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location, occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas and ditch embankments.


Environment

Frequently subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, cold and heat. Position will encounter dusty, windy, wet and icy work conditions.


Position Location

Primary location is Swede Point Park, Madrid, IA. Some traveling is required. Telecommuting is NOT approved for this position. Successful candidate will be offered a chance to live in the county residence at Swede Point Park as a rented residence.


Contacts

Position requires regular daily contact with others such as the public, other county offices and vendors.


Accountability

Accuracy is important to avoid errors in recording transactions. Be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Reliable work attendance. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and personal high level of integrity. Represent Boone County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner.


The Above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
performed by employee assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an
exhaustive list of all skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions required of a
person assigned to this job classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer
and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.Requirements: