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Local Park Ranger Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The area features educational venues such as the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Cameron Park ... Visitors can explore specialty museums, historic sites, local farmers markets, and entertainment ...

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Local Park Ranger information

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$11

$19

$36

How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for local park ranger in Texas is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.95 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.

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.

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.

How can I become a local park ranger with no experience?

To become a local park ranger with no experience, focus on gaining knowledge of natural resources, conservation, and public safety through volunteering or internships. Obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid can also improve your chances, and some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification.

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. Certification in first aid, CPR, or law enforcement may also be beneficial, and hiring processes typically include interviews and background checks.

What can disqualify you from being a local park ranger?

Disqualifications for a park ranger position often include a criminal record, especially for offenses related to violence or dishonesty, as well as a lack of required certifications such as CPR or first aid. Additionally, poor physical fitness, inability to pass background checks, or failure to meet age or education requirements can disqualify candidates.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Local Park Ranger jobs in Texas?

For Local Park Ranger jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Local Park Ranger jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Local Park Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Park Ranger job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,040 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Seasonal - Guest Service Attendant - Starting at $15 Hour!

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

$15/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

The Guest Service Attendant (GSA) works with large groups of students, teachers, and chaperones to ensure safe and organized admission onto zoo grounds. Guest Service Attendants assist Zoo Rangers with guests on grounds, giraffe feeding entrance and platform in addition to assisting with special events. During seasonal hours of operation, Guest Service Attendants monitor the Water Play area to ensure guest safety and service and inform them of Water Play area rules.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Maintains guest, staff and resident health, safety and security service as a priority
  • Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions

Guest Service Attendant
  • Ensures zoo guests and visitors receive positive and impactful guest experiences by applying top quality customer service standards and zoo principles
  • Provides exceptional internal and external guest service per established guidelines. Greets and assists guests in a friendly and positive manner providing information regarding zoo events, rules, directions and amenities
  • Seeks opportunities to engage guests by providing messaging/stories/experiences of how the zoo is actively saving animals in the wild
  • Organizes school groups in public parking bus drop off location and assists with entrance to the zoo in an orderly fashion; assists in organizing school groups as they exit the zoo
  • Explains check-in procedures and zoo rules to all students, teachers and chaperones
  • Assists in setting up and breaking down of parking lot equipment
  • Assists in directing buses with parking/unloading procedures
  • Assists Ranger team members with monitoring group adherence to zoo rules while on zoo grounds
  • Monitors water play area and ensures safety rules are followed
  • Reports unsafe conditions or safety concerns to Ranger Supervisor
  • Assists Ranger team members with minor first aids
  • Understands and is knowledgeable of departmental manual, emergency plans, emergency phone numbers and protocols
  • Assists with lost child procedures, giraffe feeding, and guest service while on zoo grounds
  • Monitors the zoo's traveling exhibit area
  • Communicates professionally and appropriately with Rangers and other zoo staff over handheld radio; responds timely to radio requests
  • Assists with special events as required
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma, general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training
  • Experienced with guest/customer relations; ability to respond appropriately to safety concerns and guest complaints

About Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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