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National Forest Ranger Jobs in Springdale, AR (NOW HIRING)

National Forest Ranger information

See Springdale, AR salary details

$4

$19

$27

How much do national forest ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for national forest ranger in Springdale, AR is $19.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.98 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 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 perform patrols, conduct conservation work, 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 preservation of the environment.

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.

Is becoming a national forest ranger hard?

Becoming a national forest ranger typically requires completing relevant education or training, such as a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, and passing physical fitness and background checks. The job can be physically demanding and may involve irregular hours, outdoor work, and specialized skills like firefighting or law enforcement. Certification and experience can improve chances of entry, but the difficulty varies based on individual qualifications and competition.

NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST (RANGER)

US Department of the Army

Rogers, AR • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 492 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: This is a Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger), GS-0401-05/07/09 developmental position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, Operations Division, Beaver Project Office, located in Rogers, AR. Promotion is at the discretion of Management.
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:This is a Term Position:
Position may be filled as a Term appointment NTE 13 months. Term appointments may be extended in one year increments up to a maximum of eight years.
SOU Statement: Permanent Federal employees who accept a time-limited appointment will be expected to sign a statement of understanding to acknowledge the associated impacts to their permanent status.
Return Rights: Return Rights will NOT be coordinated for Permanent Federal employees.
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience 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.
Basic Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger):
A. Degree:
Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
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:
For the GS-05: Specialized Experience: Applicants who meet the basic requirements described above are fully qualified for this grade level.
For the GS-07: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience performing the following: 1) Participating in natural resources activities, such as fish/wildlife management, forestry/vegetation management, soil/water conservation, or fire protection. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level GS-05 position in the federal service.
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 appropriate to the position.
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; (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; (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.
For the GS-09: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience performing the following: 1) Implementing natural resource management actions involving fish/wildlife, forestry/vegetation management, range land/soil conservation, water/fire protection, or an agricultural lease program. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level GS-07 position in the federal service.
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 appropriate to the position.
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.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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