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Full Time Park Ranger Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Park Ranger information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$11

$20

$39

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time park ranger in Phoenix, AZ is $20.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.25 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 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 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 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.

Is it hard to get a job as a full time park ranger?

Securing a full-time park ranger position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education, such as a degree in environmental science or natural resource management, along with experience in outdoor or conservation work. Candidates typically need to pass background checks, obtain certifications like CPR or first aid, and demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills. The hiring process may involve multiple interviews and assessments, making persistence important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Park Ranger job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,672 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Ranger Assistant - Seasonal

Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with guest wayfinding and parking control during special events.

  • Perform alcohol compliance checks during and after events, ensuring guests follow Garden policies.

  • Monitor designated zones, report concerns or safety issues, and staff first aid room during events.


Job description

Position Purpose
Ranger Assistants support the Desert Botanical Garden Ranger team during the Garden's busiest seasons and events. This role is ideal for individuals who are reliable, customer-service oriented, and able to work evenings and weekends. Ranger Assistants help with parking direction, event monitoring, first aid support, and alcohol compliance checks, but are not assigned high-level security or emergency responsibilities.
(This position is not authorized to carry keys or access restricted areas nor responsible for incident command or emergency response.)
Works under supervisor and direction of on-duty Lead or full-time Ranger.
Note: this is a temporary, seasonal role and does not guarantee ongoing employment after the event season concludes.
Position Information:
Job Type: Seasonal
Hours: Approximately 28 hours/week
Pay: $18.00/hr
Essential Duties
  • Assist with guest wayfinding and parking control during special events.
  • Perform alcohol compliance checks during and after events, ensuring guests follow Garden policies.
  • Monitor designated zones and report concerns or safety issues to full-time Rangers or Lead Rangers.
  • Staff first aid room during events and notify Rangers of any medical needs.
  • Support the Ranger team in escorting guests or vendors when needed.
  • Provide friendly and informative guest service without issuing formal enforcement.

Requirements
Competencies
  • Previous guest services, event support, or campus safety experience preferred.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
  • Reliable and punctual.
  • Strong communication and observation skills.
  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred (can be provided upon hire).
  • Valid Arizona driver's license.
  • Must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, during seasonal events (especially November - December and March - April).
  • Shifts vary depending on event needs. Most shifts occur between 12pm - 11pm during seasonal events, with some earlier daytime availability needed during peak weekends.

Equipment Used
Typical office equipment: this role will also use a two-way radio, motorized cart, first aid equipment, and AED.
Internal Communication
Frequent interaction with all Garden employees.
External Communication
Rangers will have frequent communication with guests and vendors.
Working Conditions
Some physical effort beyond what's typically required in a normal office environment. Time periods of high workload may require additional hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate. The Garden is an outdoor venue, and while the offices and climate controlled, patrolling the Garden and walking between sites in extreme heat and occasional cold is expected. Most shifts will be outdoors, even in inclement weather.
  • Outdoor environment, often in low light and variable weather.
  • Standing/walking for long periods.

Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, see, hear, speak, read, and type. Manual dexterity and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.
The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.
All employees will help add to the Garden's diversity and fully embrace it.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.