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Local Park Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local ... Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or ...

Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local ... Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or ...

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local ... Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or ...

Ranger

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$16/hr

ELS is hiring for the position of Ranger in Gunnison, Colorado. What you'll do: The Campground ... to local, state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for ...

Ranger

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$16/hr

ELS is hiring for the position of Ranger in Gunnison, Colorado. What you'll do: The Campground ... to local, state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for ...

Police Officer Recruit

Estes Park, CO · On-site

$77K - $85K/yr

... Park. Learns about enforcement of local, state and federal laws and/or ordinances. May assist ... ranger, etc. Multi-lingual. Ability to read/write/speak/listen proficiently in a language other ...

Local Park Ranger information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for local park ranger in Colorado is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $22.50 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Park Ranger jobs in Colorado? For Local Park Ranger jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Our Job

Who We Are

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose - for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

The mission of Denver Park Rangers is to maximize public safety, protect park resources and provide service to visitors. Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local law enforcement and fire department in the event of an emergency or hazardous situation.

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $27.89-$40.10/Hour.

If the incumbent meets requirements per CSA rules, Park Rangers may be able to earn a shift differential in pay for working during night hours or evening hours at 12% of current hourly pay rate and 7% of current hourly pay rate, respectively.

A flexible 4 (10) shift work week is available as well as a 5 (8) shift work week.

Location

In this position you would be required to work weekends, nights, and holidays, and the hours in this position may vary. Districts being filled are still to be determined.

What You'll Do

These positions will lead the work of on-calls, volunteers, and contractors and connect park visitors experiencing homelessness to emergency and long-term services. These are full-time, benefited opportunities to work within one of the largest and most diverse park systems in the region consisting of our Denver urban parks. The districts for the positions being filled are tentatively Night Operations and Trails District

Specifically, as a Park Ranger you will:

  • Patrol urban parks through motorized and non-motorized means to protect public safety and park resources; perform visual surveillance and assessment of the use of park facilities to ensure compliance.

  • Provide outreach and options for people experiencing homelessness.

  • Interpret rules and regulations relative to the facility/park and its condition and interpret information about the park system and natural resources; assure public safety, park security and resource protection by providing education to park visitors to encourage the proper use and enjoyment of urban parks.

  • Ensure permit compliance and manage conflicts between visitors; issue warnings and citations for violations of municipal park ordinances; may need to appear in court if required.

  • Report hazardous conditions which might interfere with safe usage of facility/park, report accidents to proper authorities and respond appropriately to coordinate and assist with medical emergencies and other incidents.

  • Provide information to the public about facilities and assistance to the public about park resources; assist facility users in resolving problems and complaints concerning facility/park quality, availability, and the actions of other users.

  • Interact with the public to increase awareness of parks rules and regulations and act as a community advocate; communicate with diverse and multi-lingual community members, represent the department at various public events.

What You'll Bring

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or supervision, and park regulation compliance preferred

Possession of current:CPR/First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)

Bilingual skills (Spanish is preferred)

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and/or GPS units (to track/document field work)

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Recreation, Forestry, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, Park Management, or a related field

Experience: One year or two seasons of park experience in public relations, natural science, open space, or regulations compliance

Licensures/Certification(s): Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application. Must possess a valid Denver Parks and Recreation Enforcement Official Certification by the end of the Ranger Training Program. Possession of CPR, First Aid, Naloxone Certifications by the completion of probation. Training in Vistelar or other designated training, verbal defense certification is a condition of employment and must be obtained by the completion of probation. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

Equivalency: A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until July 26, 2025. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than July 26th, 2025 at 11:59 PM to ensure consideration.

application deadline must be communicated according to updates to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

To comply:

Career Service must be posted for at least 2 business dates

Non Career Service (e.g. appointee) must be posted for at least 1 business day

The posting CANNOT be pulled before the application deadline stated here. It can be updated and pushed out if needed.

Evergreen Language should ONLY be used when we are truly accepting applications on a constant/rolling basis and do not plan to pull the posting. If at any point you plan to shut down the posting, update the job description to reflect the expected application close date.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CN2550 Park Ranger Senior

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$27.89 - $43.23

Target Pay

Starting Pay $30.00/hour

Agency

Parks and Recreation

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.