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National Forest Ranger Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

$40K/yr

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ... forestry, fisheries and wildlife, shoreline stabilization, pest control, soil conservation ...

$40K/yr

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ... forestry, fisheries and wildlife, shoreline stabilization, pest control, soil conservation ...

$40K/yr

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ... forestry, fisheries and wildlife, shoreline stabilization, pest control, soil conservation ...

National Forest Ranger information

See Arkansas salary details

$4

$18

$25

How much do national forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for national forest ranger in Arkansas is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a national forest ranger?

A National Forest Ranger is a professional responsible for managing and protecting public lands within national forests. Their duties include enforcing regulations, conserving natural resources, maintaining trails and facilities, conducting search and rescue operations, and educating the public about forest conservation. They work for the U.S. Forest Service and may specialize in law enforcement, wildfire management, or recreation services. Rangers play a crucial role in balancing environmental preservation with public access and use.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a national forest ranger?

To thrive as a National Forest Ranger, you need a strong background in natural resource management, environmental science, and law enforcement, typically supported by a related degree and formal training. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communications, fire management equipment, and relevant federal certifications such as Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable for working with the public and collaborating with diverse agencies. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring the safety, conservation, and effective management of national forest lands.

What challenges do national forest rangers face in their daily work?

National Forest Rangers often encounter challenges such as enforcing regulations in remote and difficult terrain, responding to unpredictable emergencies like wildfires or search-and-rescue missions, and balancing conservation efforts with public access and recreation. They may work alone or in small teams, sometimes in adverse weather conditions or during long shifts. Collaborating with other rangers, law enforcement, scientists, and community groups is a frequent part of the job. Flexibility and quick decision-making are crucial to handle the varied and dynamic situations they face on a daily basis.

Are national forest rangers getting paid?

Yes, national forest rangers are paid employees who typically receive a salary or hourly wage for their work managing and protecting forest resources. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and federal pay scales, and many rangers also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Is it hard to get a job as a national forest ranger?

Becoming a national forest ranger typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing physical fitness tests, and obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid. Competition can be moderate, and candidates often need experience in outdoor work or related fields; strong knowledge of conservation and safety protocols is also important.

What does a national forest ranger do?

A national forest ranger is responsible for managing and protecting forest resources, enforcing regulations, and assisting visitors. They often conduct patrols, provide educational programs, and may require certifications in firefighting or first aid. Rangers work outdoors in various weather conditions and may have irregular hours to ensure safety and conservation efforts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ranger jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to National Forest Ranger jobs in Arkansas?

For National Forest Ranger jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Forest Ranger jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for National Forest Ranger jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for National Forest Ranger jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most National Forest Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various National Forest Ranger job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,495 per year, or $18 per hour.

Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger)

On-site


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About the Position: Serves as a natural resource management staff specialist for a major water resource project.
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Management may select at the GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 grade level. Full performance level of this position is GS-09.
Basic Education Requirement for General Natural Resources Management & Biological Sciences Series, 0401
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Minimum Qualifications GS-7
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes:(1) Planning and accomplishing the day-to-day operations for a group of general recreational areas; (2) Conducting frequent land patrols to inspect and/or observe conditions, activities, and/or operations to project lands or reservoir; and (3) promoting special events by working directly with the area news media, civic groups, and/or schools to provide technical assistance and providing advice on matters dealing with policy, water safety, natural resources, and/or history. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education:
One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Minimum Qualifications GS-9
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience includes: Coordinating the short-range planning and execution of all activities related to one or more of the following programs: recreation and park administration, shoreline management, forestry, fisheries and wildlife, shoreline stabilization, pest control, soil conservation, boundary surveillance, historic properties protection, public education and interpretation, visitor assistance, and public safety. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-04 for the GS-05 grade, GS-05 to qualify at the GS-07 grade level, and GS-07 to qualify at the GS-09 grade level).

Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER


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