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Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

State of Oregon

Park Ranger 2 - Clyde Holliday

Salem, OR · On-site

$4.3K - $5.9K/wk

As a permanent full-time Park Ranger 2 , you will independently plan and carry out personally, or by conducting others, complex park maintenance, operation, facility and resource conservation and/or ...

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Full Time Park Ranger information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$21

$41

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time park ranger in Oregon is $21.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $22.60 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Oregon? For Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Full Time Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Full Time Park Ranger job openings:
Full Time Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Park Ranger job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,439 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Park Ranger 1 - Interpretive - Seasonal - Wallowa Lake State Park

Park Ranger 1 - Interpretive - Seasonal - Wallowa Lake State Park

State of Oregon

Joseph, OR • On-site

$4.1K - $5.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

State Of Oregon rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states

Job description

Initial Posting Date:
07/22/2026
Application Deadline:
08/05/2026
Agency:
Parks and Recreation Department
Salary Range:
$4,124 - $5,445
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Park Ranger 1 - Interpretive - Seasonal - Wallowa Lake State Park
Job Description:
Wallowa Lake State Park
Near Joseph, Oregon
Welcome Statement
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon's extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state's resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.
Your New Role
As a seasonal full-time Park Ranger 1, you will assist in the protection, maintenance, operation, and repair of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment, and systems. In this role, you will perform a variety of park operational tasks such as janitorial work, landscape maintenance, facility maintenance, safety, and visitor services. Some work may require skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, equipment repair, and landscape maintenance. Additionally, specialized skills in park maintenance and operations may be required. You may also support basic resource interpretation by engaging visitors with information about the park's natural, cultural, or historic features, and assisting with small interpretive activities or presentations as appropriate for the park. On a task-specific basis, you may guide the work of individuals or teams composed of volunteers, seasonal, and/or temporary state park employees. Located in the Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake Management Unit includes Wallowa Lake State Park, Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, and Minam State Recreation Area.
For a complete list of duties and working conditions for this position, please clickhere.
Housing is available at this location.
What's in it for you:
An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:
  • Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package
  • Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Two (2) years of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

OR
  • An Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (6) months of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

Special Requirements:
  • To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver's license.

Desired Attributes:
  • Experience developing and delivering presentations and products within established resource interpretation programs.
  • Experience communicating work procedures and goals to employees, hosts, volunteers from the public and youth groups to accomplish varied tasks and achieve goals.
  • Experience providing customer service and resolving customer complaints related to day use, overnight camping and park rule interpretation.
  • Experience performing facility and landscape maintenance to include basic janitorial, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and grounds-keeping tasks, and the safe use of related tools and equipment.
  • Experience using computer for data entry, registration of customers, fee collection, reconciling fees, completing deposits, emailing, creating letters/memos, generation of spreadsheets, and similar.
  • Skill in listening to what people say and asking appropriate questions to obtain needed information or resolve visitor complaints and conflicts.

How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.
  • Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job
  • The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project
  • External Applicants: Click on the "Apply" link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
  • Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.
  • Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans' Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under "Qualifying for Veterans' Preference".
  • After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.

Additional Information:
  • This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
  • This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
  • Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:
  • For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Brian Vaughan at Brian.VAUGHAN@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on
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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

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About State of Oregon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Not a traditional company, the State of Oregon is a governmental entity that serves the citizens of Oregon, United States. Based in the capital city of Salem, its industry spans a wide range of public services from health care, education, and transportation, to natural resources, housing, and public safety. Founded with the admission of Oregon to the Union in 1859, it operates on the judicious use of finite resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generation. Its primary mission is to serve the public through their core values of integrity, accountability, excellence, and equity.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1859

Social media

Twitter

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