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Local Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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$11

$20

$39

How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for local park ranger in Virginia is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Park Ranger jobs in Virginia? For Local Park Ranger jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Park Ranger jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Local Park Ranger jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Local Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Local Park Ranger job openings:
Local Park Ranger jobs near you

Recreation Staff

Northgate Resorts Jellystone Park

Williamsburg, VA

$13.30/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Northgate Resorts owns and manages the most awarded Camp-Resort portfolio in the nation. Our passion is creating family camping memories for our guests – memories that will last a lifetime! We don’t do this as individuals, but as a passionate team that cares about making a difference in our guests’ lives. We endeavor to be a highly effective, lean, and fast-moving organization.
The Recreation Team is responsible for promoting an engaging, interactive, and emotional-provoking experience. This is accomplished by leading and participating in activity programs, supervising and assisting guests with crafts and games, and ensuring that the recreational facilities and equipment are clean and safe for use. This is a SEASONAL, full-time or part-time position and reports to the Recreation and Activities Supervisor.

DUTIES amp; RESPONSIBILITIES
  • General Duties
    • Prepare and lead guest activities and arts amp; crafts.
    • Perform all branded experiences consistently according to Northgate procedure
    • Provide and maintain a fun, engaging environment with all scheduled activities at all times and promote hands-on learning through daily activities
    • Consistently interact with guests in an upbeat, fun, and energetic manner at all times. When not on break, act as though you are interacting with guests at all times.
    • Maintain a safe, clean and professional environment during the organization, coordination, and execution of branded experiences
    • Be able to learn new skills including, but not limited to, face painting, balloon making, or other event-related entertainment.
    • Complete cash, credit, and gift card transactions using the point of sale system accurately while following proper cash-handling procedures
    • Follow all company, and safety/security policies and procedures
  • Character Duties
    • Character Escorts are the 'voice' of the character and will be expected to converse casually and appropriately with guests
    • Promote a fun, energized, and comfortable atmosphere for guests
    • Provide entertainment, amusement, and interactive activities for guests by taking every opportunity to interact with patrons throughout the park and exceed guest service expectations
    • Accurately and consistently portray the predetermined style, characteristics, and mannerisms of each role without any deviation
    • Perform character appearance duties in a manner deemed acceptable according to brand standards; learn and perform signature character moves and non-verbal communication strategies. Characters do not speak under any circumstances
    • Responsible for character costume operations, including care, cleaning, maintenance, etc.
    • Commit entirely to the assigned scheduled opportunities for specific characters to appear at on-site and off-site events
    • Never be seen in less than full costume
  • Other Essential Duties
    • Decorate the park to the theme of the week/weekend
    • Keep recreation facilities neat, clean, and in working order (including restroom area)
    • Assist supervisor with the inventory of event amp; activity materials
    • May be required to capture photos of activities and events
    • Participate in other projects and activities as assigned
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE
  • Prior experience working with recreational activities preferred
  • Customer service or hospitality experience preferred
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
  • General
    • Basic computer skills
    • Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills
    • Strong attention to detail, speed, and accuracy
    • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
    • Strong work ethic and a positive attitude
    • Must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and evenings
    • Work with minimal supervision
    • Maintain a positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, vendors, coworkers, and management
  • Character Requirements (Not all members will be required to participate)
    • Height Sizes for Character Costume Performers:
      • Yogi Bear™ 5’8” – 6’0”
      • Boo Boo™ 5’3” – 5’6”
      • Cindy Bear™ 5’8” – 5’10”
      • Ranger Smith™ 5’5” – 5’8”
    • Must have an outgoing, high energy personality
    • Must be able to perform in an enclosed costume, having limited sightlines
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position
  • Regularly move throughout the park
  • Continuously climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and crawl
  • Able to manipulate fingers, hands, and arms to reach, carry, lift, etc.
Northgate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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