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Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Park Operations/Landscape Manager FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt Salary Grade: Grade 1 Salary ... The Ranger is a steward of the landscapes, natural resources and wildlife in our care and is ...

Full Time Park Ranger information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$18

$35

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time park ranger in Tennessee is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time park ranger?

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.

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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee? For Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Full Time Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Full Time Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Park Ranger job openings in Tennessee 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 $39,007 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job title:                                Park Ranger

Department:                         Park Operations

Reports to:                            Park Operations/Landscape Manager

FLSA Status:                           Full Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Grade:                       Grade 1

Salary:                                  $15–19/hr (commensurate with education and experience)

About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area.

About Shelby Farms Park

At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all.

Position Summary

The Park Ranger is responsible for keeping Shelby Farms Park clean, green and safe to ensure an excellent visitor experience every day. The Ranger is a steward of the landscapes, natural resources and wildlife in our care and is focused on creating a healthy, thriving park for people and wildlife.

Key Responsibilities

•  Inspects, maintains and improves grounds, facilities, structures, and site amenities.

•  Provides life safety and emergency assistance to visitors; supports law enforcement, fire, and EMS.

•  Actively engages with visitors to provide excellent hospitality and visitor experience; shares mission, park history, news and information with visitors.

•  Performs inspections and preventative maintenance on all systems, grounds and facilities.

•  Promotes wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship through the monitoring of wildlife conditions, assistance with injured animal response efforts, and the safe, humane, and regulatory-compliant removal and disposal of deceased animals.

•  Collaborates with team to support facility rentals, events and programs.

•  Manages litter, debris and recyclable materials daily to ensure a clean park.

•  Opens and closes park entry gates and public buildings daily.

•  Communicates and enforces park rules.

Skills and Qualifications

•  Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.

•  Proven relevant work experience in outdoors, recreational, grounds, maintenance, wildlife, or natural resource management.

•  Experience operating chainsaws safely and effectively for tree maintenance, debris removal, and vegetation control activities.

•  Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects through a work order system.

•  Strong verbal communication skills that balance professionalism, diplomacy and compassion both internally and externally.

•  Ability to provide and follow oral and written instructions clearly and effectively.

•  Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

•  Ability to perform routine maintenance on all park equipment and features.

•  Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in an outdoor setting, including in inclement weather.

•  Must be able to bend, stoop, reach and work at a constant pace; lift and carry 50 pounds; carry, climb and work on a ladder.

•  Can safely operate park vehicles and equipment.

•  Must possess a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license.

•  Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Personal Qualities

•  Demonstrates values of collaboration, accountability, authenticity, trust and learning.

•  Commitment to the consistent production of high quality, detailed work.

•  Organizes, plans, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner.

•  Manages stress in a fast-paced, changing organization.

•  Collaborative spirit; works well with team members and volunteers of different races, backgrounds and experiences; willingly does whatever needs to be done.

•  Elicits confidence and builds rapport.

•  Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated, and self-aware.