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Local Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winnetka Park District

Park Ranger

Winnetka, IL

$20 - $23/hr

Company Description The Winnetka Park District is one of five units of local government in Winnetka ... The Park Ranger provides on-site patrols and monitors compliance with rules, policies, and ...

ZION PARK DISTRICT

Park Ranger (Part-Time)

Lincolnshire, IL

$19 - $23.50/hr

The park ranger responds to calls for service which include parking enforcement, lock-outs, animal ... Applying knowledge of local governmental codes and ordinances * Operating necessary tools for ...

City of Fremont, CA

Park Ranger/Naturalist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Park Ranger/Naturalist VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE The Department The Community Services ... State and local laws related to park operations and management; water and/or small craft safety ...

Mirador, Inc.

Park Ranger (Part-Time)

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18/hr

The park ranger responds to calls for service which include parking enforcement, lock-outs, animal ... Applying knowledge of local governmental codes and ordinances * Operating necessary tools for ...

Boone County Iowa

Park Ranger

Ogden, IA · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

PARK RANGER Position Description Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee ... Apply for local, state or federal grants ? Plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal ...

Northgate Resorts Jellystone Park

Park Ranger

Waller, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $13/hr

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... local laws. Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to ...

City of Farmington

PARK RANGER

Farmington, NM · On-site

$17.64/hr

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... and local licenses. Obtaining and Renewing Trespass Authority within the City of Farmington.

City of Farmington, NM

PARK RANGER

Farmington, NM

$18.08/hr

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... and local licenses. Obtaining and Renewing Trespass Authority within the City of Farmington.

Northgate Resorts

Park Ranger

Breaux Bridge, LA · On-site

$14.30 - $14.70/hr

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... local laws. Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to ...

City of Farmington

PARK RANGER

Farmington, NM · On-site

$17.64/hr

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... and local licenses. Obtaining and Renewing Trespass Authority within the City of Farmington.

Canton Township

Park Ranger (Variable Hour)

Canton, MI · On-site

$16.80/hr

Responsible for enforcement of established park rules and local ordinances. * Responsible for ... Park Ranger (Variable Hour) * This is a variable-hour job opportunity. Employee's hours will ...

Canton Township

Park Ranger (Variable Hour)

Canton, MI · On-site

$16.80/hr

Responsible for enforcement of established park rules and local ordinances. * Responsible for ... Park Ranger (Variable Hour) * This is a variable-hour job opportunity. Employee's hours will ...

Northgate Resorts

Park Ranger

Barryville, NY

$16 - $20/hr

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... local laws. Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to ...

Northgate Resorts

Park Ranger

Breaux Bridge, LA

$14.30 - $14.70/hr

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... local laws. Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to ...

clatsopcounty

Park Ranger

Astoria, OR · On-site

$5.2K/mo

Park Ranger $ 4,326.57 TO $5,258.97 per month Variable schedule, 5 consecutive days totalling 40hrs ... The county also administers a road district, a rural law enforcement district, and a local sewer ...

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All JobsLocal Park Ranger Jobs

Local Park Ranger information

See salary details

$12

$20

$39

How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for local park ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a park ranger without being a cop?

Yes, most park rangers are not law enforcement officers and do not carry weapons or have police authority. They typically focus on conservation, visitor assistance, and enforcing park rules, and some may have law enforcement training or certifications if they perform law enforcement duties. The specific requirements vary by park and agency.

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

Getting a job as a park ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field, 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. The hiring process may also involve interviews and assessments of knowledge about park management and safety procedures.

What are Local Park Rangers?

Local Park Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing parks, natural reserves, and recreational areas within a specific locality. Their duties include enforcing park rules, educating visitors about conservation, maintaining trails and facilities, and ensuring the safety of both the environment and the public. They often lead educational programs, monitor wildlife, and assist in emergency situations. Park Rangers play a vital role in preserving natural resources and providing enjoyable outdoor experiences for the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Park Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Park Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental science, wildlife management, and public safety, often supported by a degree in a related field or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and first aid or CPR certification is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help rangers educate visitors and handle conflicts. These competencies ensure the protection of natural resources, visitor safety, and positive public engagement in park settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Local Park Rangers in their daily work?

Local Park Rangers often encounter challenges such as balancing conservation efforts with public access, handling unexpected emergencies like lost visitors or wildlife encounters, and managing routine maintenance tasks with limited resources. They must also be prepared to educate the public on park regulations and environmental stewardship, which can require patience and strong communication skills. Additionally, adapting to changing weather conditions and working irregular hours are common aspects of the role.

How do I become a park ranger with no experience?

To become a park ranger with no experience, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain knowledge of natural resources and conservation. Volunteering or working in related outdoor roles can build relevant skills, and obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid may improve chances. Entry-level positions often require passing a background check and physical fitness test.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A local park ranger typically earns less than $4,000 a week; high-paying jobs that do not require a degree include roles such as commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which often rely on experience, licenses, or certifications. These positions may involve specialized skills, sales commissions, or management responsibilities to reach such income levels.

What is the difference between Local Park Ranger vs State Park Ranger?

AspectLocal Park RangerState Park Ranger
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in first aid or law enforcementHigh school diploma; often additional certifications in law enforcement or emergency response
Work EnvironmentLocal parks, community parks, urban green spacesState parks, larger natural reserves, more remote outdoor areas
Employer & IndustryCity or municipal governmentState government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Local Park Rangers and State Park Rangers focus on protecting park resources, enforcing regulations, and assisting visitors. Local Park Rangers typically work in city parks and have similar certifications but may have a broader focus on community engagement. State Park Rangers often handle larger, more remote areas with additional law enforcement responsibilities. The roles share many credentials and work environments, but differ mainly in jurisdiction size and scope.

More about Local Park Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for Local Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Local Park Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most Local Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Local Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Local Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Local Park Ranger jobs are:
Local Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Park Ranger

Park Ranger

Winnetka Park District

Winnetka, IL

$20 - $23/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Winnetka Park District is one of five units of local government in Winnetka. Our properties cover nearly five square miles and include 26 parks, five beaches, a boat launch, two golf courses, a tennis center, an ice arena, platform tennis courts, and athletic fields. We provide a full range of year-round recreation programs, including athletics, fitness programs, education programs, camps, and special events.

Job Description

Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour

Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must possess strong communication skills, be responsible, polite, dependable, and punctual. Must have the ability to work independently with little supervision.

Duties:

The Park Ranger provides on-site patrols and monitors compliance with rules, policies, and ordinances related to park use by regularly patrolling park areas, facilities, fields, and the lakefront. The Park Ranger provides education and direction to park users. They are responsible for promoting and improving services for all users, including safe park use and proper use of park district property. Maintains accurate and thorough records, including patrol logs, daily activity reports, and incident/accident documentation, as required. Monitors and reports maintenance concerns, vandalism, safety hazards, or suspicious activity to appropriate park district personnel or police. When necessary, they coordinate with local law enforcement on violations that require intervention.

They must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work requires good judgment and independent action in performing patrol and enforcement duties.

Applicant Note: Questions about the position may be directed to the Director of Recreation + Facilities, Alisa Kapusinski, at akapusinski@winpark.org

To view the full job description, click here: Park Ranger

Benefits

Staff who work less than 20 hours per week can use of some Park District programs and facilities, including:

  • Free skating and complimentary skate rental, if needed, at Winnetka Ice Arena Public Skate.
  • 50% off the resident daily admission rate for swimming beaches and the boat launch.

  • And more

Staff who work 20-25 hours per week are eligible for the following:

  • Mandatory participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Employees must contribute 4.5% of earnings to the pension plan. The District contributes a percentage that varies per year. The benefit also provides disability insurance.
  • We offer a voluntary 457 Roth retirement plan through the National Public Pension Fund Association.
  • We offer 30 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • And the same program and facility benefits offered to those working less than 20 hours per week.
EEO Statement

Winnetka Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Winnetka Park District is governed based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions or any other legally protected status.

The District complies with federal and State disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Director at edostert@winpark.org, or by phone 847-501-2040.