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Local Park Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Local Park Ranger information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

What is a local park ranger?

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.

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

Becoming a local park ranger can be competitive, as it often requires 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 knowledge of park regulations and safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local park ranger?

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.

Can I be a local park ranger with no experience?

While prior experience is not always required to become a local park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from knowledge of environmental conservation, first aid, or law enforcement. Entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training, and relevant certifications or volunteer work can improve chances of hiring.

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 job categories do people searching Local Park Ranger jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Park Ranger jobs in Colorado are:

SEASONAL - PT Pikes Peak Hwy Ranger

City of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$16.50 - $27.03/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


City Of Colorado Springs rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description / Position Overview SEASONAL - Part Time - Pikes Peak Highway Ranger About the Job: Pikes Peak - America's Mountain seeks a highly motivated individual for a part-time, seasonal opportunity. Under the guidance of professional staff, you will obtain practical experience facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests, ensuring safety of guests, and stewarding resources at a world-renowned site. The selected employees will be responsible for daily patrols and operations along the Pikes Peak Highway recreation corridor.

Regular duties include interacting with guests and maximizing their experience, performing patrols and basic beautification/maintenance, and responding to guest needs along the Pikes Peak highway. This position will have two hiring windows: window one will take place February through early March, and window two will take place mid-April Job Type: Seasonal, part-time Work Schedule: Normal work hours require working at least one weekend day - either Saturday or Sunday. Work schedule will vary depending on departmental needs, but will require ability to work 3-4 eight-hour shifts weekly during peak season, with some weeks totaling up to 40 total hours.

Work Location: Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, 5089 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809, USA Learn more about the department: https://coloradosprings.gov/drivepikespeak This is a seasonal (at-will) position with benefits limited to those required by applicable state and federal laws, which include Worker's Compensation, Medicare, Unemployment Insurance, and PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association). Approximate dates of employment will be Spring - Fall 2026. Scheduled hours will vary based on department needs

Total hours worked will not exceed 1,500 annually. As a PT Pikes Peak Highway Ranger you will: Act as Courtesy patrol for the PPHWY; perform traffic control and initiate contact with guests, maintain a detailed log of persons contacted Greet and interact extensively with the public, proactively seek opportunities to engage with guests, respond to guest questions or requests, provide information about the Recreation Area(s), and provide overall exceptional guest service Inform guests of available resources; ensure guest activities are in compliance with safety and environmental standards Perform daily pre- and post-shift vehicle inspections and address minor vehicle maintenance needs Maintain detailed logs and reports of observations, contacts and incidents Assist with emergency situations occurring along the highway and at the summit Perform guest brake checks to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards Perform cleaning, maintenance, trash removal, and snow removal of facilities and restrooms Lead Interpretive programs and support special events Monitor weather and road conditions, respond and communicate to Gateway regarding changing weather conditions Perform snow removal utilizing both plows and hand tools to remove snow from parking lots facilities exterior grounds, including at the summit of Pikes Peak Other duties as assigned We are looking for candidates who demonstrate: Ability to communicate professionally at all times with a variety of guests Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills Knowledge of local attractions and recreational opportunities Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance Ability to safely operate vehicles in adverse weather conditions Ability to multitask and effectively prioritize duties in stressful situations Minimum Qualifications We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education High school diploma or GED One year experience in a customer service environment or natural resources Possess and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges Possess, or obtain within three months of hire, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and First Aid certifications Preferred Qualifications The following qualifications are not required, but they are considered desirable.

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications, please include specific details in your application. This information may be used to identify a top group of applicants. Experience as a Ranger or similar role communicating rules and land management issues with guests Experience operating a snowplow and snow removal Experience in interpretive programming and communication techniques Experience in incident response Additional Information Please contact Katie McLaughlin at katie.mclaughlin@coloradosprings.gov for any questions about this position

Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Colorado Springs is committed to a welcoming culture that values our employees' unique individual qualities and fosters a welcoming environment where people want to be The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back. NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position. The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas of any kind (including but not limited to F-1, H-1B or TN visas).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Apply to Join Our Team Please visit the City of Colorado Springs Careers page and review our opportunities. Click on Apply button to complete an online application for any position of interest.

All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a Government Jobs user ID and password). Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.

Applicants may redact information from their resumes, certifications, transcripts, or any other additional application materials that identify the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. We encourage candidates with out-of-state credentials to inquire about expedited processing of Colorado licensing with the Colorado Occupational Credential Portability Program.

More information can be found at the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Licensing Portability page Our Government Jobs application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position's closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.

The City's job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the Colorado Springs Class Specifications page You can view the status of your application on the City of Colorado Springs Careers page. To be notified of future career opportunities sign up for job alerts on the Job Alerts page.


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