ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Local Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equity LifeStyle Properties

Ranger

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ranger Position With a culture of recognition and reputation for excellence, ELS is the ideal ... to local, state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for ...

Equity LifeStyle Properties

Ranger

Gladys, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... to local, state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for ...

Equity Lifestyle Properties

Ranger

Gladys, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

All JobsLocal Park Ranger JobsLocal Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia

Local Park Ranger information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Local Park Ranger job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,608 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Part-Time Park Ranger

Frederick County Local Government

Winchester, VA

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description Are you passionate about the great outdoors and committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for park visitors. Frederick County Parks & Recreation is looking for a dedicated Park Ranger (Part-Time) to help oversee the operation of Sherando Park. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, engaging with the community, and maintaining the natural beauty of our parks.

If you thrive in an active environment and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. What You'll Do: As a Park Ranger, you will: Drive and operate light-duty vehicles, such as pickup trucks or utility carts. Open and close park facilities in accordance with established procedures, including weekends and holidays as assigned.

Regularly patrol park facilities to promote visitor safety, enforce park rules, and identify maintenance or safety concerns. Maintain daily activity logs and complete reports as required. Perform custodial duties and light maintenance as required.

Perform athletic field preparation, including infield grooming and field lining, as needed. Monitors facility use to ensure compliance with approved reservations and scheduled activities. Maintain facility cancellation notifications and update park information on the County website, as assigned.

Assist park visitors by answering questions, providing information, addressing concerns, and promoting a positive park experience. Contact emergency personnel and respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents requiring assistance. Utilize a computer to document daily activities, complete reports, and record time worked.

Enforce park rules and regulations in a professional, courteous, and consistent manner. What We're Looking For: Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Experience in park operations, grounds maintenance, customer service, recreation, custodial services, or a related field is preferred. Certification in Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid is required within six (6) months of employment and must be maintained throughout employment. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, as operational needs require.

Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and shift(s) availability. Supplemental Information Physical Demands: Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, reaching, climbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling while operating light-duty equipment and hand tools. Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds and work safely indoors and outdoors with sufficient vision, hearing, and manual dexterity.

Environmental Conditions: Both indoor and outdoor work is performed in variable weather conditions, including high or low temperatures, humidity, and other unfavorable conditions. To learn more about Frederick County, Virginia employee benefits, please visit the following webpage:https://www.fcva.us/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. Frederick County Virginia Government is an equal opportunity employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The County's EEO Utilization Report is available at www.fcva.us/jobs

Apply