ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Park Ranger Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cameron County

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

PARK RANGER PAY PLAN: 116 - $ 45,798.00 minimum salary SECTION I- This is a responsible non ... This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses on Cameron County Parks System properties ...

Cameron County

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX · On-site

$45K/yr

PARK RANGER PAY PLAN: 116 - $ 45,798.00 minimum salary SECTION I- This is a responsible non ... This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses on Cameron County Parks System properties ...

Cameron County

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX · On-site

$45K/yr

Employee is responsible to the Chief Park Ranger and must follow the chain of command and all ... This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses on Cameron County Parks System properties ...

State of Virginia

$42K - $57K/yr

Park Ranger - Public Safety and Law Enforcement - New River Trail State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II Hiring Range: $42,000 - $57,680 Pay Band: 3 Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation ...

City of Springfield (MO)

Park Ranger

Springfield, MO

$45K - $81K/yr

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 ...

City of Springfield, MO

Park Ranger

Springfield, MO · On-site

$45K - $81K/yr

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 ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

State Park Ranger I

Olive Hill, KY · On-site

$2.9K - $4.4K/mo

Candidates for this position are required to have 1 year of law enforcement experience as a sworn ... Kentucky State Park Ranger Division is a participating Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program ...

Spokane Tribe of Indians

Park Ranger

Wellpinit, WA · On-site

$28.87 - $32/hr

PARK RANGER DEPARTMENT:DNR/PARK RANGERS SUPERVISOR: LEAD PARK RANGER LOCATION: WELLPINIT, WA STATUS ... Good knowledge of the laws and ordinances governing local law enforcement. * Load, unload, aim ...

City of Anaheim

Part Time Senior Park Ranger

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$28.68 - $34.86/hr

Regularly communicate with law enforcement, fire officials, and Code Enforcement; use radio for ... Act as Park Ranger dispatch operator as assigned. Follow safe working practices and make ...

The State of Arizona

PARK RANGER

Camp Verde, AZ · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

PARK RANGER Apply now Job No: 543064 Work Type: Full-time Location: CAMP VERDE Categories: Forestry ... Handle two-way radio communications related to law enforcement activity or emergencies of any type.

SHELBY FARMS PARK CONSERVANCY

Park Ranger

Memphis, TN

$15 - $19/hr

Park Ranger Department: Park Operations Reports to: Park Operations/Landscape Manager FLSA Status ... supports law enforcement, fire, and EMS. • Actively engages with visitors to provide excellent ...

Ad-vance Talent Solutions

Park Ranger

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$17.52/hr

Park Ranger ( Part-Time ) Pay : $17.52/hour Schedule : Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM and ... Security, protective services, law enforcement, or related experience is preferred * Valid driver ...

Ad-vance Talent Solutions

Park Ranger

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$0.02 - $17.52/hr

Park Ranger ( Part-Time ) Pay : $17.52/hour Schedule : Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM and ... Security, protective services, law enforcement, or related experience is preferred * Valid driver ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsParks and Recreation JobsParks and Recreation Worker JobsPark Ranger Law Enforcement Jobs

Park Ranger Law Enforcement information

See salary details

$12

$20

$39

How much do park ranger law enforcement jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger law enforcement in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a park ranger law enforcement?

Park Ranger Law Enforcement officers are specialized park rangers who are commissioned to enforce laws and regulations within national, state, or local parks. Their duties include protecting park resources, ensuring visitor safety, investigating crimes, conducting patrols, and providing emergency response. They also educate the public about park rules and conservation efforts. These officers often carry firearms and have arrest authority, making their role crucial for maintaining order and preserving the integrity of natural and cultural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by park ranger law enforcement officers in balancing conservation duties with public safety responsibilities?

Park Ranger Law Enforcement officers often face the unique challenge of balancing the protection of natural resources with ensuring visitor safety and compliance with park regulations. This can involve making difficult decisions, such as enforcing rules that may not be popular with the public or intervening in potentially dangerous situations like wildlife encounters or illegal activities. Rangers must remain vigilant and adaptable, often working in remote areas with limited backup, which requires strong problem-solving skills and independence. Collaboration with other agencies and park staff is essential to effectively manage incidents, provide educational outreach, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a park ranger law enforcement officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer, you need a solid understanding of natural resource management, law enforcement procedures, and public safety protocols, typically supported by a relevant degree and completion of law enforcement training such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). Proficiency with GIS mapping tools, incident reporting systems, and two-way radio communication is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and sound judgment help you effectively engage with the public and handle challenging situations. These competencies are crucial for protecting natural resources, enforcing laws, and ensuring the safety of park visitors and staff.

What is the difference between Park Ranger Law Enforcement vs Park Ranger Naturalist?

AspectPark Ranger Law EnforcementPark Ranger Naturalist
Required CredentialsCPR, First Aid, Law Enforcement Certifications, sometimes police academy trainingInterpretive certifications, environmental education credentials
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement settings, patrols, enforcing lawsEducational programs, visitor centers, nature tours
Employer & IndustryFederal, state parks with law enforcement dutiesNational, state parks focusing on education and conservation
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Park Ranger Law Enforcement roles focus on law enforcement, safety, and enforcement of regulations, requiring law enforcement certifications. In contrast, Park Ranger Naturalists emphasize education, interpretation, and conservation efforts. Both roles work in parks but serve different functions based on their training and responsibilities.

Is it hard to get a job as a park ranger law enforcement?

Becoming a park ranger law enforcement officer can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, law enforcement experience, and passing physical and background checks. Candidates typically need certifications such as CPR and first aid, and the hiring process may involve multiple steps including interviews and training. Strong communication skills and knowledge of laws and regulations are also important.

What disqualifies you from being a park ranger law enforcement?

Disqualifications for a park ranger law enforcement position typically include a felony conviction, certain misdemeanor offenses, or a history of illegal drug use. Candidates must also meet physical fitness standards, possess a valid driver's license, and pass background checks and drug tests. Additionally, a lack of relevant certifications or training can be a disqualifier.
More about Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs

What cities are hiring for Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities with the most Park Ranger Law Enforcement job openings:

What states have the most Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs?

States with the most job openings for Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs are:

Park Ranger Law Enforcement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Ranger Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

822nd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Job no: 5109291
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety, Law / Judiciary
Title: Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement
State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II
Hiring Range: $42,000-57,000
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: First Landing State Park
Agency Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities' flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open spaces.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians' lives.
DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
DCR's Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR's efforts to CONSERVE.
Job Duties
Operating under the supervision and direction of the Park Manager and receiving functional leadership from the Chief of Public Safety & Law Enforcement or their designee, the Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement position serves as an on-site public safety and law enforcement representative for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The primary purpose of this position is to protect people, property, and natural resources on land owned, leased, or operated by DCR through the application of specialized knowledge in public safety and law enforcement practices.
Core responsibilities include Conducting both proactive and reactive public safety and law enforcement activities, patrolling agency properties by vehicle, on foot, and through other authorized modes of transportation. The position may also be assigned to support law enforcement staffing needs at specific parks during personnel shortages, special events, special operations, or search and rescue incidents. The Park Ranger responds to, conducts initial and supplemental investigations of, and documents incidents occurring on DCR property. The role supports Public Safety & Law Enforcement staff in fulfilling statewide law enforcement functions as needed.
Additionally, the position provides visitor support to ensure that guest concerns related to park resources and facilities are addressed promptly and appropriately. This may include identifying basic maintenance needs for equipment or facilities and either resolving the issue directly or coordinating with the appropriate technical maintenance personnel to ensure timely attention.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Experience working with the public and/or in customer service.
  • Written and verbal skills in public speaking and communications.
  • Ability to solve problems and develop solutions.
  • Ability to work with teams or independently with minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with 2-way radios, electronic devices, and computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Basic knowledge of home/grounds maintenance (e.g., cleaning, debris removal, or minor home maintenance).
  • Requires the incumbent, if not already certified through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS), to meet the required steps for the initial certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned class date to maintain employment.
  • Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
  • Due to Law Enforcement requirements, the successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years old, and be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

Additional Considerations
  • Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
  • Basic knowledge of park/recreation operations (e.g., building and grounds maintenance, resource management, etc.)
  • Experience in leading, directing, and training others.
  • Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policy and regulations.
  • Experience in responding to or handling emergencies.
  • Certification in Search and Rescue and/or First Aid/CPR/AED

Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Applicants must submit an online application to be considered for this position. DCR does not accept applications, résumés, cover letters, or other materials in any format outside of the online system. Please ensure your online application and/or résumé are complete and accurately reflect your duties, skills, and relevant work experience.
A valid driver's license is required for this position to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.
DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).
This position requires the incumbent to be or become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21-week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem, Virginia. Candidates selected for hire are provided with living accommodation during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. graduate or possess a GED; possess or be able to obtain certification as a LE Officer in VA from the VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Service, which includes accepting responsibilities related to being equipped with and using firearms. Successful applicants: shall not have a felony conviction(s) or have pled no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in VA; shall not have a misdemeanor conviction(s) involving moral turpitude, including larceny, concealment, uttering, embezzlement, or perjury; shall not have conviction(s) for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; shall not have positive results on pre-employment drug screening.
Before beginning employment, conditions for this position require successful completion of a physical agility test, behavioral assessment and completion of a physical exam to be identified as suitable for the position.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.
All employees within Virginia State Parks are required to wear state-issued uniforms.
This position will serve in an on-call capacity, as needed, to provide security and operational efficiencies. Responding to calls outside scheduled hours requires a response within a prescribed timeframe.
🌲 Explore Virginia State Parks - On Us!
As a DCR employee, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia's State Parks extraordinary - with free admission, special discounts, and perks that turn every visit into something memorable.
Employee benefits include:
  • Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
  • Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
    • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
    • Free Sunday-Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day-Labor Day period.
    • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day-Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two-night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia's great outdoors part of your life - it's one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR's mission possible!
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: N/A
Email: HR@DCR.Virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 11 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply