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Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$24.15 - $35.78/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our parks safe and protect our natural resources. You're the friendly face at our parks through positive ...

Ranger

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$42.78/hr

This full-time position may require working dayshifts or nightshifts and may include working ... Enforces Park rules, regulations and by-laws, and Federal laws and State laws. Apprehends, arrests ...

Ranger Clerk

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$19.02 - $23.78/hr

Great Parks is accepting applications for full time Clerk in the Ranger Department based at Winton Woods Park. The position provides our Ranger Division communications and dispatching services, and ...

Full Time Park Ranger information

See Ohio salary details

$11

$19

$37

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time park ranger in Ohio is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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. Strong communication skills and knowledge of park regulations also improve chances of hiring.

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 law enforcement or natural resource management. Many positions require passing a background check, physical fitness tests, and obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. A bachelor's degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities.

Do park rangers work full time?

Full-time park rangers typically work 40 hours per week, often including weekends, holidays, and sometimes evenings, depending on the park's needs. They may also work seasonal or part-time hours during peak visitor times or for specific projects.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Full Time Park Rangers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial fishing, certain sales roles, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require specific skills, licenses, or business acumen rather than formal education. Most jobs paying this amount rely on experience, performance, or physical demands rather than educational credentials alone.
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Ohio? For Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Full Time Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Full Time Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Park Ranger job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,858 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

$24.15 - $35.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our parks safe and protect our natural resources. You're the friendly face at our parks through positive interactions with people on a daily basis. You'll combine traditional traffic and criminal law with community oriented policing and crime prevention to ensure we maintain our "Clean, Safe, and Natural" promise.
Day in the Life?
No two days are the same. You set your routine based on our department goals to keep our parks safe. You might be patrolling a park trail on a bike, engaging with park visitors, or participating in a community outreach program.
Here's why we think you'll love working at Metroparks
  • Work outside in our beautiful Metroparks. Patrol in multiple ways - vehicles, bicycles, ATVs, on foot.
  • Known schedule (4 10s, 3 days off weekly) so you can plan your life outside of work.
  • Proactively create your daily activities rather than respond to a large call load.
  • Competitive pay, health care, retirement, and time off. Read more here.
  • Grow your career on a special assignment or develop to become Sergeant.

You'll love this job if
  • You want to combine traditional traffic and criminal law with community oriented policing and crime prevention.
  • You want to build relationships with our park visitors and interact with people in a positive way on a daily basis.
  • You care deeply about preserving the natural resources in our parks for future generations.

Job Summary
Serve as law enforcement officer to assure the public's safety, protection and enjoyment. Responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and protecting life and property at Metroparks Toledo.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Patrols Metroparks to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect.
  • Patrol a designated area in a motor vehicle, bicycle and/or on foot; prevent and discover the commission of crimes, direct and enforce traffic, parking, and laws, administer medical assistance, check for safety hazards, answer calls and complaints, check security of buildings, and investigate accidents. Take corrective action as needed.
  • At the scene of a crime or accident, initiate department procedures as relates to: emergency medical care, investigation, witnesses, site inspections, gathering and maintenance of evidence and arrests.
  • Conducts investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift and performs follow up investigations as needed.
  • Make arrests, escort suspects from the crime scene, and prepare detailed reports.
  • Give advice, assistance, and general information to the public.
  • Answer all emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Attend assigned training classes and programs.
  • Analyzes and evaluates evidence. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
  • Obtain working knowledge of, and acquire the needed skills to enter and retrieve data for both in car mobile data terminals and in-house computer systems.
  • Make daily checks of equipment to ascertain that they are in proper working condition.
  • Serve in special assignment roles such as firearms instructor, detective, public information officer, or defensive tactics instructor, as assigned.
  • Carry out any lawful order or duty as prescribed by the Chief or other supervisor.
  • Perform outreach programs.
  • Ensure effective communication and working relationships between external departments and organizations.
  • Assist other law enforcement agencies through mutual aid.
  • Promote cross departmental communications and objectives.
  • Maintains a professional appearance to include grooming, uniforms and vehicles
  • Maintains all departmental equipment and work areas to highest professional standards.
  • Open and close parks; lock and alarm all buildings and facilities.
  • Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, traffic safety, etc.
  • Assist with river rescues.
  • Respond to animal and wildlife calls; enforce fish and wildlife regulations to ensure protection of wildlife and natural resources.
  • Promote compliance with all safety regulations.
  • Direct the work of Metroparks and volunteer staff as needed.
  • Other Park District work related duties as assigned.

Equipment Used
  • Vehicles: Law enforcement patrol vehicles equipped with lights and siren, UTVs, bicycles
  • Handguns, patrol and wildlife control rifles, TASER, OC spray, handcuffs, radar/laser guns, body worn cameras, and other equipment as needed.
  • Radios, mobile data terminals, cell phones with specialized apps
  • First Aid Equipment and AEDs
  • Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS), Specialized law enforcement software
  • General office equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 hour shift on either 2nd shift or 3rd shift
  • Home Work Location: Glass City Metropark
  • May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
  • Requires physical agility to perform law enforcement duties. Requires wearing 20 pounds of equipment. Must pass fitness for duty, psychological assessment and drug test at the time of hire.

Requirements
Job Requirements
  1. Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  2. Education: High School Diploma or GED
  3. Experience: Some experience that demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities of position. Some park operations and natural resources management experience preferred.
  4. Certifications: Certified Peace Officer in the State of Ohio (OPOTA)
  5. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements: First Aid / CPR

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal criminal statutes of which charges and arrests are executed.
  • Understanding of state wildlife and watercraft laws.
  • Knowledge of Metroparks rules, regulations and standard operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn Metroparks properties, features, and natural resources areas.

Skills
  • Computer skills including word processing and data entry.
  • Problem solving skills; ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
  • Customer service skills.
  • In-depth interpersonal skills; demonstrated sensitivity and empathy.
  • Oral communication skills and presentation skills.

Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to work without supervision.
  • Ability to maintain all required law enforcement certifications.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and apply departmental standards for security and privacy.
  • Ability to observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
  • Ability to maintain high standards in law enforcement activities; such as, use of firearms, self-defense, operation of a motor vehicle, interviewing techniques, radio and communication procedures, testifying in court, report writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public, and to effectively and discreetly convey information.
  • Ability to instruct and train others.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Description
$24.156 - $35.789 / hour