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Park Ranger Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

State of Virginia

$42K - $57K/yr

Park Ranger - Public Safety and Law Enforcement - Wilderness Road State Park Apply now Job no: 5106756 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location: Lee, Virginia Categories: Public Safety, Applied ...

State of Arkansas

PARK RANGER

Powhatan, AR · On-site

$55K - $82K/yr

... Park Ranger positions statewide. This job posting represents vacancies across multiple Arkansas ... Law Enforcement Requirements All applicants must be able to pass a full background investigation ...

ZION PARK DISTRICT

Park Ranger (Part-Time)

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

Respond to and/or provide assistance to law enforcement on calls for service when requested. The park ranger responds to calls for service which include parking enforcement, lock-outs, animal ...

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Park Ranger Law Enforcement information

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

As of Jul 27, 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.

How do you become a law enforcement park ranger?

To become a law enforcement park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and often must complete law enforcement training such as a police academy. Relevant skills include communication, physical fitness, and knowledge of conservation laws; some positions may require a degree in criminal justice or related fields. Certification and background checks are usually part of the hiring process, and officers often work irregular hours in outdoor environments.

Do park rangers have law enforcement powers?

Park ranger law enforcement officers have authority to enforce laws, regulations, and rules within park boundaries, including issuing citations and making arrests. They often receive specialized training and may carry firearms, depending on the park and jurisdiction.

What are Park Ranger Law Enforcement officers?

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 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.

How much do US park ranger law enforcement make?

U.S. park ranger law enforcement officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Higher salaries are common in national parks and for those with specialized skills or law enforcement certifications, and many positions include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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.

Is being a park ranger like being a cop?

Park ranger law enforcement officers perform duties similar to police officers, such as enforcing laws, issuing citations, and ensuring public safety within parks. However, their focus is on natural resource protection and visitor assistance, often requiring knowledge of environmental regulations and specialized training. Unlike traditional police work, they typically work in outdoor environments and may have different jurisdictional authority.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Urban Park Ranger IV

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 5 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.