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Park Ranger Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winnetka Park District

Park Ranger

Winnetka, IL

$20 - $23/hr

When necessary, they coordinate with local law enforcement on violations that require intervention ... Park Ranger Benefits Staff who work less than 20 hours per week can use of some Park District ...

City of Hallandale Beach

Park Ranger

Hallandale, FL

$38K - $65K/yr

The Park Ranger provides security services to residents and visitors while maintaining a safe ... enforcement, law enforcement support services, customer service, recreation operations, or a ...

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 ...

City of Menifee, CA

Park Ranger

Menifee, CA · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY The Park Ranger plays a vital role in protecting the City's parks, enhancing ... California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) Certification * Ability to obtain ...

Mirador, Inc.

Park Ranger (Part-Time)

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$18/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 ...

City of Menifee

Park Ranger

Menifee, CA · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Park Ranger OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to ... California PC 832 Certificate California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS ...

Boone County Iowa

Park Ranger

Ogden, IA · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

PARK RANGER Position Description Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee ... Operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, in ...

Riverside County, CA

Park Ranger I/II

Riverside, CA · On-site

$46K - $68K/yr

... law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance; may make appearances in court. • Patrol open ... PARK RANGER II ( $50,094.77 - $68,233.32 Annually ) OPTION I Education: Graduation from an ...

City of Parkland, FL

Park Ranger (Full-Time)

Parkland, FL · On-site

$21.55 - $28.20/hr

The Park Ranger is an excellent position to begin your career in Parks & Recreation, providing ... Security and / or military or law enforcement background with experience in parks is preferable.

City of Sacramento

Chief Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA

$90K - $127K/yr

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in law enforcement within a parks or public ... DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Chief Park Ranger is a single-position management-level ...

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

As of Jul 7, 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.
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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 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Park Ranger

Park Ranger

Winnetka Park District

Winnetka, IL

$20 - $23/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Winnetka Park District is one of five units of local government in Winnetka. Our properties cover nearly five square miles and include 26 parks, five beaches, a boat launch, two golf courses, a tennis center, an ice arena, platform tennis courts, and athletic fields. We provide a full range of year-round recreation programs, including athletics, fitness programs, education programs, camps, and special events.

Job Description

Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour

Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must possess strong communication skills, be responsible, polite, dependable, and punctual. Must have the ability to work independently with little supervision.

Duties:

The Park Ranger provides on-site patrols and monitors compliance with rules, policies, and ordinances related to park use by regularly patrolling park areas, facilities, fields, and the lakefront. The Park Ranger provides education and direction to park users. They are responsible for promoting and improving services for all users, including safe park use and proper use of park district property. Maintains accurate and thorough records, including patrol logs, daily activity reports, and incident/accident documentation, as required. Monitors and reports maintenance concerns, vandalism, safety hazards, or suspicious activity to appropriate park district personnel or police. When necessary, they coordinate with local law enforcement on violations that require intervention.

They must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work requires good judgment and independent action in performing patrol and enforcement duties.

Applicant Note: Questions about the position may be directed to the Director of Recreation + Facilities, Alisa Kapusinski, at akapusinski@winpark.org

To view the full job description, click here: Park Ranger

Benefits

Staff who work less than 20 hours per week can use of some Park District programs and facilities, including:

  • Free skating and complimentary skate rental, if needed, at Winnetka Ice Arena Public Skate.
  • 50% off the resident daily admission rate for swimming beaches and the boat launch.

  • And more

Staff who work 20-25 hours per week are eligible for the following:

  • Mandatory participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Employees must contribute 4.5% of earnings to the pension plan. The District contributes a percentage that varies per year. The benefit also provides disability insurance.
  • We offer a voluntary 457 Roth retirement plan through the National Public Pension Fund Association.
  • We offer 30 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • And the same program and facility benefits offered to those working less than 20 hours per week.
EEO Statement

Winnetka Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Winnetka Park District is governed based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions or any other legally protected status.

The District complies with federal and State disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Director at edostert@winpark.org, or by phone 847-501-2040.