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National Forest Ranger Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

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National Forest Ranger information

See New Mexico salary details

$5

$21

$29

How much do national forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for national forest ranger in New Mexico is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $25.14 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 New Mexico?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in New Mexico are:

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

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

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

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

National Forest Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Forest Ranger job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,942 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Park Ranger (PSAR)

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

Carlsbad, NM • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The primary purpose of this uniformed position is to perform a variety of park ranger duties associated with preventing search and rescue incidents from occurring in park units managed by the National Park Service (NPS).

Open to the first 100 applicants or until 08/24/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Condition of Employment (Requirement):
  1. Driver's License: The incumbent of this position must have and maintain a valid Driver's License. Those that do not possess this requirement by entrance on duty will be terminated effective immediately.
  2. SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position responds to emergency medical calls. Applicants must possess a valid and current Emergency Medical Technician certification. Certification must be through the NREMT or a State EMS organization. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. Documentation supporting your EMT certification must be included in your application packet.\
  3. Pre-employment and periodic physical examinations (due to SAR/EMS duties)
  4. Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) Testing per RM 57A (due to SAR/EMS duties)
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/24/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Park Ranger (PSAR). Examples of qualifying specialized experience may include, but are not limited to, the following: Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; or other similar. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of 4 years of education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study, 24 semester hours of course work, in a related field. Related fields of study include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating number of credit hours in order to qualify based on education. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must document your course work and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit.
-OR-
COMBINATION: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. You must include transcripts.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week.
Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.
Employment Type: OTHER

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