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National Park Service Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Denver Int'l. Airport

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

... service to visitors. Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and ... national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic ...

Denver

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

... service to visitors. Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and ... national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic ...

City and County of Denver

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

... service to visitors. Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and ... national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic ...

City of Aurora

Park Ranger

Aurora, CO

$23.60 - $29.50/hr

Integrity , Respect, Professionalism , and Customer Service , and we welcome all who share these ... national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide ...

City of Aurora

Park Ranger

Aurora, CO · On-site

$23.60 - $29.50/hr

Integrity , Respect, Professionalism , and Customer Service , and we welcome all who share these ... national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide ...

State of Colorado

CO

$18/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to ...

State of Colorado

CO

$18/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to ...

State of Colorado

CO

$18 - $19.50/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to ...

State of Colorado

CO · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to ...

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National Park Service Ranger information

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How much do national park service ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park service ranger in Colorado is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do NPS rangers carry guns?

National Park Service rangers are typically authorized to carry firearms and are trained in their use to enforce laws, protect visitors, and ensure safety within national parks. Not all rangers carry guns, as responsibilities vary by position, but law enforcement rangers usually do. Certification and ongoing training are required for those authorized to carry firearms.

What are some common challenges National Park Service Rangers face when balancing conservation efforts with visitor engagement?

National Park Service Rangers often encounter the challenge of protecting natural and cultural resources while ensuring visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. This balance can be demanding, as rangers must enforce regulations to minimize environmental impact, educate the public about conservation, and respond to emergencies or violations. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential, since rangers frequently interact with visitors who may be unaware of park rules or the importance of preservation. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as it allows rangers to foster stewardship and appreciation for the parks.

How hard is it to get a job as a national park ranger?

Becoming a national park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, law enforcement, or hospitality, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests. Competition can be high due to the desirable nature of the job, and applicants often need to demonstrate strong communication skills and knowledge of park regulations.

How much do US National Park Rangers get paid?

U.S. National Park Service Rangers typically earn a salary that ranges from approximately $30,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level rangers often start at the lower end of this range, while experienced or specialized rangers can earn higher salaries, with opportunities for overtime and benefits.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs that can pay around $4,000 a week without requiring a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial truck driving, certain construction roles, or specialized technical work like HVAC or electrical installation. These positions typically require vocational training, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than a college degree, and often involve physically demanding work or irregular hours.

What are National Park Service Rangers?

National Park Service Rangers are professionals who work for the National Park Service (NPS) to protect and manage the natural and cultural resources within national parks. They perform a variety of roles, including law enforcement, education, emergency response, and resource management. Rangers help ensure the safety of visitors, maintain park facilities, and provide guided tours and educational programs. Their work is essential to preserving the integrity and enjoyment of national parks for present and future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Park Service Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Park Service Ranger, you need a solid understanding of natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, and public education, often supported by a degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, first aid certification, and federal law enforcement systems like NPS LE are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service help rangers effectively engage with visitors and manage challenging situations. These skills ensure the protection of park resources, visitor safety, and a positive visitor experience.
What are popular job titles related to National Park Service Ranger jobs in Colorado? For National Park Service Ranger jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching National Park Service Ranger jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Service Ranger jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for National Park Service Ranger jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most National Park Service Ranger job openings:
National Park Service Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Park Service Ranger job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,191 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Urban Park Ranger IV

Highlands Ranch Metro District

Littleton, CO • On-site

$33.76 - $40.52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Love the outdoors and making a difference in your community?

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking an experienced Urban Park Ranger IV to serve as a senior field park ranger within the Urban Park Ranger Program. This position is ideal for an experienced park ranger, law enforcement professional, or public safety professional who enjoys working with others while remaining actively engaged in field operations.

This position is an in the field position focused on outreach and education, enforcement of rules and regulations for the Metro District, and providing support to Rangers and staff as needed.

About the Urban Park Ranger Program

Highlands Ranch Urban Park Rangers are responsible for outreach and education, rules enforcement on more than 2,600 acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, 26 parks, and numerous other recreation facilities. Rangers promote safe and enjoyable public spaces through education, customer service, community engagement, resource stewardship, and consistent enforcement of Metro District rules and regulations.

Rangers conduct proactive patrols, investigate violations, issue warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate, prepare reports and case documentation, work closely with partner agencies, and rely on outreach and education first to resolve public safety and resource protection concerns.

The Urban Park Ranger Program works collaboratively with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners to provide quality services to the Highlands Ranch community.

Your Role

Working alongside fellow rangers, you'll help coordinate daily operations, assist in training newer staff, provide technical expertise, and promote consistency in customer service, rules enforcement, and field decision-making.

What You'll Do
  • Promote voluntary compliance through communication, education, and problem-solving.
  • Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and exceptional public service.
  • Assist in the training of new Rangers while supporting ongoing professional development.
  • Patrol parks, trails, open spaces, and District facilities.
  • Enforce Metro District rules and regulations through education, warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate.
  • Prepare reports, citations, summons, and supporting documentation.
  • Respond to visitors’ concerns, complaints, emergencies, and requests for service.
  • Coordinate with Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other partner agencies.
  • Assist with special events, emergency response, and operational planning.
  • Support supervisors/managers by identifying training needs, recommending process improvements, and promoting consistent field practices.
We're Looking for Someone Who...
  • Balances education, customer service, and regulatory enforcement.
  • Exercises sound judgment and remains calm under pressure.
  • Build trust with coworkers, partner agencies, and the public.
  • Communicates professionally and respectfully.
  • Takes initiative while supporting the goals of the team.
  • Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Experience That Transfers WellExperience in the following areas is highly valued:
  • Park ranger operations
  • Law enforcement or public safety
  • Visitor services and public engagement
  • Rules enforcement
  • Report writing and case documentation
  • Issuing citations, parking violations, or summons
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation
  • Field training
  • Working collaboratively with partner agencies
Why Highlands Ranch?

This is an opportunity to become a respected member of the Highlands Ranch Metro District team within a professional Urban Park Ranger Program that values service, stewardship, and collaboration.

You'll help shape daily operations, assist in training future rangers, and strengthen partnerships with regional public safety agencies, all while remaining actively engaged in the field.

Join Our Team

If you're an experienced field professional who enjoys outreach and education, solving problems, and serving your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, with days and hours varying. The work schedule will vary from Monday through Sunday with the daily workday varying between 6:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Due to the nature of this position, work hours are dependent on weather conditions, season, projects, events and programs, meeting and/or staffing levels and will include evenings, early mornings, and weekend hours. May be required to work holidays as staffing needs dictate.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Our Benefits

At Highlands Ranch Metro District, we prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!
  • 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
  • 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
  • 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
  • 100% contribution match for the pension plan
  • Up to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses
Work/life Balance!
  • 80 hours of paid sick leave (renewed each year on work anniversary)
  • 10 paid holidays in 2025
  • 200 hours of medical leave
  • 80 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, increasing after five years
Wellness & Improvement!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
  • Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
  • Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee
Saving, Planning & Other!
  • Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
  • Generous stipend for personal cell phone and vehicle use
  • Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services
Application Information

Visit our career center at highlandsranch.org/apply to see full job description and submit applications.

Applications will be accepted for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

Pre-employment screening includes background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record check.