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Law Enforcement Ranger Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

... Ranger" self-pay stations. The Host maintains a professional line of communication with the Campground Coordinator, Idaho Fish and Game, and local law enforcement to report infrastructure damage ...

Campground Host

Cascade, ID · On-site

$50/day

... Ranger" self-pay stations. The Host maintains a professional line of communication with the Campground Coordinator, Idaho Fish and Game, and local law enforcement to report infrastructure damage ...

Law Enforcement Ranger information

See Idaho salary details

$11

$19

$37

How much do law enforcement ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for law enforcement ranger in Idaho is $19.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a law enforcement ranger?

Law Enforcement Rangers are specially trained officers who work in national parks, forests, and other public lands to enforce laws, protect resources, and ensure visitor safety. They have authority to investigate crimes, issue citations, make arrests, and respond to emergencies like search and rescue operations. In addition to law enforcement duties, they also educate the public on park regulations and conservation efforts. Law Enforcement Rangers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of protected natural areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a law enforcement ranger?

To thrive as a Law Enforcement Ranger, you need knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, law enforcement procedures, and a background in criminal justice or natural resource management, often supported by specialized training and certification through agencies like the National Park Service. Familiarity with patrol vehicles, incident reporting systems, firearms, and other law enforcement tools is typically required. Excellent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring public safety, protecting natural resources, and effectively managing incidents in diverse and sometimes remote environments.

What are some common challenges faced by law enforcement rangers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Law Enforcement Rangers often work in remote or rugged environments, which can pose challenges such as unpredictable weather, wildlife encounters, and limited immediate backup. New hires should be prepared to exercise sound judgment, remain calm under pressure, and adapt quickly to changing situations. Physical fitness, solid communication skills, and thorough knowledge of park regulations are essential. Rangers frequently collaborate with other agencies and the public, so strong interpersonal skills are also important for building trust and ensuring safety.

What is the difference between Law Enforcement Ranger vs Park Ranger?

AspectLaw Enforcement RangerPark Ranger
Required CredentialsPeace officer certification, law enforcement trainingBasic park service training, sometimes law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentEnforces laws, responds to emergencies, patrols public areasEducates visitors, maintains park facilities, enforces park rules
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local law enforcement agenciesNational, state, or local park services

Law Enforcement Rangers have law enforcement authority, requiring peace officer certification, and focus on law enforcement duties within parks. Park Rangers primarily focus on education, conservation, and visitor services, with some law enforcement responsibilities. Both roles work in outdoor environments but differ in their primary responsibilities and required credentials.

What does a law enforcement ranger do in law enforcement?

A law enforcement ranger enforces laws and regulations within parks, forests, or protected areas, ensuring public safety and environmental protection. They may conduct patrols, issue citations, assist visitors, and respond to emergencies, often requiring knowledge of law enforcement procedures and relevant certifications. Their work environment is typically outdoor and may involve specialized tools or vehicles.

What are popular job titles related to Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Idaho?

For Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Idaho, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Idaho look for?

The top searched job categories for Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Idaho are:

Infographic showing various Law Enforcement Ranger job openings in Idaho as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,437 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

$19.52/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

These positions are located in the Pacific West Regional Office, Interior Regions 8, 9, 10, and 12, within the Southeast Idaho National Parks Group.
Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. See Duties section for more information.
Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.

Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/17/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
To qualify at the GS-05, you must possess ONE of the following by close of the announcement:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: park guide or tour leader, law enforcement or investigative work, archaeological or historical preservation research work, forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area, management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations, or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked.
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study which includes 24 semester hours of related course work. Major study may include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must include transcripts.
  • Successful completion of a COMBINATION of experience and education as described above that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement. NOTE: Only progressive education in excess of the first 2 years (60 semester hours or equivalent) is creditable when combining. You must include transcripts.
To qualify at the GS-07, you must possess ONE of the following by close of the announcement:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (Note: One grade interval work such as guide, clerk, assistant or technician work in a single grade occupational series at the GS-05 level does NOT qualify for this position, however GS-06 level may). This experience can be obtained in either the public or private sectors. This experience MUST include: (1) developing and presenting independently researched programs; (2) developing material for nonpersonal services and interpretive media; (3) coordinating the operation of a visitor facility and/or information desk; (4) assisting in coordinating special projects. You must include hours per week worked.
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year of graduate-level education in a related field appropriate to the position, such as natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled. You must include transcripts.
  • Successful completion of a COMBINATION of experience and graduate education as described above that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement. NOTE: Only graduate level education is creditable when combining. You must include transcripts.
  • Superior Academic Achievement: Successfully completion of a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the duties of this position AND meet one of the following Superior Academic Achievement provisions: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision , such as College of Liberal Arts or School of Business Administration, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average: earn a grade-point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field, or the required courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum. Note: grade-point averages will be rounded to the one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9, and 3.45 = 3.5; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: elected membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision. You must provide transcripts.
To qualify at the GS-09, you must possess ONE of the following by close of the announcement:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience MUST include: (1) coordinating, evaluating or directing interpretive programs; (2) assisting with developing long-range program plans; (3) developing educational programs; (4) coaching/mentoring interpretive, or similar, staff. You must include hours per week worked.
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education OR a master's/equivalent graduate degree related to the occupation, such as natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled. You must include transcripts.
  • Successful completion of a COMBINATION of experience and graduate education as described above that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement. NOTE: Only progressive graduate education beyond the first year is credible when combining. You must include transcripts.
Education:You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Employment Type: OTHER