No Experience Forest Ranger Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $45,864.00 - $81,515.20 Annually
Location : Springfield, MO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 071326
Department: Parks
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is looking for Park Rangers! This is a full-time, fully-commissioned law enforcement position protecting the patrons, staff, and property of 105 park facilities and 75+ miles of recreational trails.
The Park Ranger division is committed to providing quality service through personal integrity, fairness, communication, and sense of community pride. Rangers will be in communication with the Greene County Sheriff's Office, Springfield Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and crime lab, the Juvenile Justice Department and other specialty law enforcement agencies and groups.
This is a great opportunity to work with a highly experienced team of professionals dedicated to providing the safest parks in Missouri!
Positions will work a semi-set shift determined by the department, but candidate will need to be flexible based on staffing needs and special events like the Turkey Trot, & Harvest Fest...just to name a few.
This position will be open until filled. Applications received by August 13, 2026 are guaranteed review.
Benefits include:

• Generous paid leave
• Paid pension retirement
• Paid health insurance
• and MUCH MORE!
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About the Springfield-Greene County Park BoardThe Springfield-Greene County Park Board strives to provide the very best in parks and recreation facilities, programs, events, and services to our community. In doing so, we will make a positive impact on the overall quality of life, health, environmental, social, and economic aspects for our resident families and visitors alike. The Park Board system includes 105 parks sites, ranging from neighborhood playgrounds to multi-use recreational facilities to trails and natural resource areas. The Park Board is proud to be fully accredited, ranking among the top 2 percent of parks and recreation agencies in the country, as well as a recipient of the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal Award and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
You may learn more about our department at
Leadership Philosophy
The City of Springfield's leadership culture is grounded in processes, relationships, and trust. Leaders across the organization operate within the principles of The Trust Edge Framework®, which emphasizes:
Clarity, Compassion, Character, Competency, Commitment, Connection, Contribution, and Consistency
These principles guide how we work together, build relationships, and serve our community.
Qualifications and Requirements
Experience, Education, and Training for Park Ranger:

• Must be a high school graduate or have passed the high school equivalency exam, 21 years of age, a United States Citizen;

AND

• Have two years of law enforcement experience.

ADDITIONALLY

• Candidates who possess at least 12 months of experience as a Park Ranger Recruit with the Parks Department, including completion of the Springfield Police Department's full Police Academy, qualify for Park Ranger.
• Must possess POST Class A license (if candidate does not possess a Missouri POST Class A, but possesses law enforcement certification through another state, candidate may participate in the hiring process while seeking reciprocity through Missouri POST).
• Must be current in P.O.S.T. continuing education requirements up to prior calendar year.
• Must pass Missouri state exam and maintain POST requirements, and maintain good-standing and eligibility as a Commissioned Officer.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Possess or ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within probationary period.

Park Ranger division employees must meet and pass requirements and maintain eligibility as a Commissioned Officer.
This posting has the ability to be underfilled as a Park Ranger Recruit, If no qualified applicant applies at the Park Ranger level by the deadline.
Experience, Education, and Training for the Park Ranger Recruit

• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.

AND

• 30 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university

OR

• Class A P.O.S.T. certified peace officer or currently enrolled in a Class A P.O.S.T. program with successful passing of P.O.S.T. exam within six months of application deadline

OR

• Two (2) years of experience as a Police Service Representative

OR

• Two (2) years of experience as a Traffic Services Officer

OR

• Two (2) years of experience as a 911 dispatcher and/or telecommunicator

OR

• Two (2) years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge

OR

• Four (4) years of honorable military service in national guard or armed forces reserves

OR

• Three (3) years of full-time successful ownership and management of a business within the last five (5) years

OR

• Three (3) years of full-time employment as a correctional or detention officer within the last five (5) years

OR

• Three (3) years of full-time employment as a licensed professional security or private security contractor within the last five (5) years

OR

• Three (3) years of full-time employment working in the professional trade industry within the last five (5) years

OR

• Three (3) years of full-time employment in the last five (5) years providing paraprofessional work experience to the public or community in one of the following fields: social services, health care services, and/or education

PREFERRED

• Law enforcement experience and/or education preferred, but not required.

Licensing/Certification

• Must be certified through the Missouri Department of Public Safety as a peace officer within twelve (12) months of hire date;
• Must pass state exam and meet and maintain P.O.S.T. requirements.
• Possess a valid Driver's License.
• Possess or ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within probationary period.

Functions
Park Ranger: (Salary Range $22.05/hr - $39.19/hr)
For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the Park Rangerjob description.
If filled as a Park Ranger Recruit - Park Ranger Recruit: (Salary Range $20.41/hr - $32.87/hr)
For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the Park Ranger Recruitjob description.
Other Requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability and Vet
The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802.
Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required.
All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.
Find out more about City of Springfield employee benefits through the following link:
01
The following questions are specific to the position you are applying for, and must be completed accurately. The information you provide below must be reflected in the experience, education, or volunteer work provided in your application above. A response of 'see resume' will not be accepted.

• I understand.

02
Are you a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D. and at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you possess a Missouri POST Class A certification?

• Yes
• No

05
How many years of experience do you have in the last 5 years in full-time law enforcement, which must include responding to calls for service and apprehending, detaining, and arresting suspects?

• I do not have law enforcement experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years
• 3 or more years

06
Have you ever been convicted of or plead guilty to a felony offense?

• Yes
• No

07
Have you ever been convicted of or plead guilty to a misdemeanor domestic violence offense?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you received a DWI, DUI, or BAC conviction within the past 3 years?

• Yes
• No

09
How many DWI, DUI, or BAC convictions have you received in your life?

• 0
• 1
• 2 or more

Required Question