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Local Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Sacramento

Chief Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA

$111.67K - $135.74K/yr

... park ranger services; and coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments ... Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose ...

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How much do local park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for local park ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Local Park Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for Local Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Local Park Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most Local Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Local Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Local Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Local Park Ranger jobs are:
Local Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Student Conservation Association

Burbank, WA • On-site

$1.10K/wk

Temporary

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Park Ranger (Visitor Services) will help connect visitors, youth, and community members to the diverse habitats and wildlife of McNary National Wildlife Refuge. This position supports public engagement by staffing the visitor center, working as the hunter check station attendant for the waterfowl hunting season, assisting with environmental education programs and developing outreach materials, and helping lead guided nature walks and other recreation activities. The ranger will also participate in community outreach by bringing refuge led programs to local schools, parks, and partner organizations. Through this service term, the member will build skills in environmental education, outdoor leadership, communication, and public engagement. This role is ideal for someone interested in conservation careers and passionate about helping people experience and enjoy their public lands.
Hosting Organization
McNary National Wildlife Refuge
Katie Maikis, katherine_maikis@fws.gov, (509) 210-2198)
Location
Burbank, WA
Schedule
June 29, 2026 - January 30, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Staff an information desk at the visitor center: welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide orientation to trails and facilities
  • Serving as the hunt check station attendant during hunting season (October-January; early mornings on Wed, Sat, and Sun)
  • Assist with environmental education and outdoor recreation programs delivered both on refuge and in community settings (schools, parks, community centers, etc.)
  • Support visitors by providing recommendations on trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, and safe outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Assist in development of education and outreach materials
  • Support special event programming at the refuge

Marginal Duties
  • Prepare social media posts for the refuge complex on a wide variety of refuge or conservation topics
  • Assist in trail maintenance, trash clean-up, and habitat restoration projects
  • Assist in basic facilities maintenance and upkeep

Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma
  • Driver's License (& reliable transportation)
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaboratively with diverse groups
  • Ability to communicate one's needs and expectations with supervisor or other staff
  • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (including high temperatures), terrain ranging from rocky hillslopes to mucky wetlands, and exposure to biting insects

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in public speaking, research, environmental education, community outreach is desired, but not required
  • Knowledge of or experience with outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, etc. is desired but not required
  • Knowledge of or experience with the fields of biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, forestry, or hydrology is desired but not required
  • Bilingual fluency in Spanish is desired but not required
  • Experience operating kayaks and canoes

Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is provided on-site in shared, dorm-style housing. Rooms may be individually occupied or shared with another person. Bunkhouse features a large kitchen and communal living space, laundry facilities, and showers.
Compensation
  • A one-time travel allowance of $1,100
  • A weekly living allowance of $620
  • Reimbursement funding for $200 (receipts required)
  • On-site housing provided
  • PLC eligibility

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
  • Required

Additional Benefits
  • Defensive Driving Training
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Interpretive Skills
  • Off-Road Vehicle Safety
  • AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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