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Local Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

FHLB Des Moines

Park Ranger Manager

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$60 - $94/hr

PreferencesSupervisory experience as a Park Ranger or Police/Security management in a local, state, or federal agency.ScheduleThis position is a 7 day a week operation could including early mornings ...

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 Sep 5, 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.

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 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, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,608 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Park Ranger Manager

Virginia Recreation and Park Society

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$60 - $94/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit, establishing operational standards and procedures.

  • Provide leadership and oversight of park safety, security operations, and emergency response activities.

  • Supervise park ranger staff, including hiring, training, evaluating, and coordinating outreach and community engagement efforts.

Job description

Salary: $60,174.40 - $93,766.40 Annually

Application Deadline: Aug 31, 2026

Administration

Additional Job Description

Our Quest

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Park Ranger Manager and lead the development of our new Park Ranger Unit. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a new team dedicated to protecting Virginia Beach’s parks, facilities, and the millions of visitors who enjoy them.

We are looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is comfortable turning a vision into an operational Park Ranger Unit that reflects the high standards and values of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.

The Park Ranger Manager will oversee formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit from the ground up, establishing the operational foundation, culture, and standards that will guide the program. Initial responsibilities will include recruiting and hiring ranger staff, coordinating the purchase and deployment of vehicles and specialized equipment, developing standard operating procedures and training programs, and establishing effective protocols for ranger operations, public engagement, safety, and incident response.

Day to Day Duties

Provide leadership and oversight of park safety and security operations, maintain a visible presence throughout parks, lead outreach and community engagement efforts, enforce park rules and regulations, and respond to incidents, emergencies, and public safety concerns.

  • Supervise Park Ranger staff to include hiring, training, evaluating, and discipline.
  • Conduct patrols as needed to support field operations.
  • Oversee citywide patrol operations, ensuring adequate staffing and coverage across all parks.
  • Coordinate and administer policies and procedures across the department, recommend revisions, and maintain consistency in enforcement operations.
  • Serve as primary liaison with Virginia Beach Police, Fire, EMS, and Sheriff’s departments for planning and emergency coordination.
  • Detain individuals in accordance with established procedures until law enforcement arrives.
  • Serve as on-site commander during critical field emergencies.
  • Oversee emergency readiness and response.
  • Represent the department at events, meetings, and public forums.
  • Lead outreach and community engagement strategies.
  • Manage budgets, equipment, vehicles, uniforms, incident trend analysis, reporting, policy updates, and strategic planning.
  • Design, oversee, and ensure compliance with training programs for the Park Ranger division.
  • Provide high-level decision-making affecting unit operations, emergency response, enforcement strategy, and policy implementation.
  • Ensure the maintenance of required certifications and operational readiness.

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge, and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

Preferences

Supervisory experience as a Park Ranger or Police/Security management in a local, state, or federal agency.

Schedule

This position is a 7 day a week operation could including early mornings, evening, weekend and holidays.

The position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s operational status. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

The Perks

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage

Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance

Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)

Basic Life Insurance

Optional Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Additional requirements:

This position is being advertised as a pool, and applications could be used to fill current vacancies and any other similar Park Ranger Manager positions that become available within six months from the closing date of this posting.

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