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National Forest Ranger Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

National Forest Ranger information

See Reno, NV salary details

$5

$21

$30

How much do national forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for national forest ranger in Reno, NV is $21.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $25.87 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 Reno, NV?

The most popular types of Forest Ranger jobs in Reno, NV are:

What are popular job titles related to National Forest Ranger jobs in Reno, NV?

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

What job categories do people searching National Forest Ranger jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for National Forest Ranger jobs in Reno, NV are:

Infographic showing various National Forest Ranger job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,211 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter Fire Management Officer (DZAFMO High Complexity)

Doyle, CA

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units.
These positions serve as the District/Zone Assistant Fire Management Officer on a high complexity Ranger District/Zone or Grassland Unit.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-7 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in the development of fire control plans and documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, and suppression tactics and strategies; Prepared fuels hazard and wildland fire risk assessments; Assisted in the coordination and execution of wildland fire suppression and prescribed burning operations.
For the GW-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-8 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Assisted in management of a broad range of fire programs such as preparedness, prevention, prescribed burning, monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction; Assisted in writing and executing wildland fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and preparedness plans; Assisted in determining annual pre-suppression and suppression needs.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
-OR-
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) and Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
This position has been identified as (HIGH) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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