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Park Ranger Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$14.33 - $20.26/hr

Serves as a liaison between park visitors and law enforcement to ensure a cooperative and ... Park Ranger Badges are issued by the County and requires a $75.00 deposit (Badge is required to be ...

Park Ranger

Stamford, CT · On-site

$21/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Park Ranger is responsible for protecting and preserving City parks and ... Good knowledge of patrol and law enforcement procedures, principles and practices. Ability to ...

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH · On-site

$24.16 - $35.79/hr

Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our parks safe and ... Patrols Metroparks to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or ...

Park Ranger

Florence, SC · On-site

$17.44/hr

The Park Ranger enforces park regulations and policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience; provides information to visitors about the park's recreational resources, cultural and ...

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Park Ranger

Seminole, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Come work as a Park Ranger in one of the Pinellas County parks, providing a safe, clean and ... Enforce Chapter 90 Ordinance: issues citations as necessary. * Performs related work as assigned or ...

Park Ranger

Washington, CT · On-site

$21/hr

N/A JOB SUMMARY The Park Ranger is responsible for protecting and preserving City parks and ... Good knowledge of patrol and law enforcement procedures, principles and practices. * Ability to ...

PARK RANGER

Farmington, NM · On-site

$17.64/hr

PARK RANGER NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Police WORK LOCATION: City Limits of Farmington ... Previous experience as security guard or law enforcement preferred, but not required. Must pass ...

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Park Ranger

Seminole, FL · On-site

$19.50/hr

Come work as a Park Ranger in one of the Pinellas County parks, providing a safe, clean and ... Enforce Chapter 90 Ordinance: issues citations as necessary. * Performs related work as assigned or ...

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH · On-site

$24.15 - $35.78/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our ... Job Summary Serve as law enforcement officer to assure the public's safety, protection and ...

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Park Ranger Law Enforcement information

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$12

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$39

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.
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:
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

Waukeshacounty

Waukesha, WI • On-site

$14.33 - $20.26/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

SALARY RANGE

$14.33 - $20.26

WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Are you a self-motivated individual with a passion for preserving public spaces and facilitating positive park experiences? Then this is the job for you.

Waukesha County Parks is seeking Park Rangers to play a key role in independently managing crowds, as well as effectively communicating and enforcing County policies and regulations within our parks.

Best part? The office views are beautiful and there's plenty of fresh air in the Parks!

A Park Ranger...

  • Independently monitors and manages crowds within the park, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons.
  • Proactively addresses potential conflicts and diffuse situations to maintain a harmonious park environment.
  • Effectively communicates Waukesha County policies, rules, and regulations to park patrons.
  • Provides clear and courteous guidance to visitors, promoting compliance with park guidelines.
  • Works collaboratively with Waukesha County Sheriff Deputies when needed to address conflicts or enforce park rules.
  • Serves as a liaison between park visitors and law enforcement to ensure a cooperative and supportive atmosphere.
  • Fosters a positive and educational atmosphere through engagement and communication.

NOTE: Training is provided on Park policies, conflict resolution, and effective communication.

Work Schedule:
Positions can work from early April to mid-October with hours varying from20 to 40 hours per week,including weekends, evenings and holidays. Limited year-round shifts will be available for weekends/special events, and/or during the off season. Rangers may be assigned to multiple parks to fill shifts.

Shift schedules:

  • Weeknights (5pm - 11pm)
  • Weekends (11am - 5pm; 5pm - midnight +)
  • Beaches (11am - 7pm weekdays and weekends
  • Holidays (same as weekends)
  • Special events (could be on 6 or 12-hour shifts for a 24 hour/day coverage)

Scheduling for shifts:

  • Park Rangers are required to submit an overview of their availability for the entire season by April 15; details will be provided during your new employee orientation.
  • Depending on the Park or the activity level you may be required to work alone.

Uniform

  • All Uniforms are at the employee's expense; average first year investment of $200. At the end of the season, if you fulfilled your requirements, Waukesha County will reimburse up to$100.00of your uniform purchase with proof of purchase (i.e., receipts).
  • Park Ranger Badges are issued by the County and requires a $75.00 deposit (Badge is required to be on Uniform). You will be refunded your deposit when you return your Badge at the end of your employment.

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

    Example of Duties:

    • Provide crowd control and assist with directing traffic during special events.
    • Report any hazards to park maintenance staff.
    • Assist with all missing persons at beach and any other emergencies at beaches
    • Respond to and de-escalate park patron disagreements.
    • Patrol of campgrounds on foot and by vehicle to watch for unsafe behavior.
    • Advise patrons of the leashed dog requirement.
    • Watch for underage drinking or excessive drinking.
    • Direct boat and vehicle traffic at busy boat ramps.
    • Inform patrons of weather alerts.
    • Monitor campground areas to ensure patrons are adhering to the rules.
    • Sell firewood.
    • Remain alert and observant of your surroundings within the park system at all times.
    • Complete a daily report of your observations during each shift.
    • As needed, fill out Incident, Accident, Employee Report of Injury and Waukesha County Park System Accident / Injury Reports.
    • As needed, perform basic janitorial tasks when maintenance staff is not on duty.
    • CPR/ AED and First Aid certification will be provided.
    • Performs other duties as assigned.

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including providing excellent customer service.
    • Ability to explain County policies to park patrons.
    • Ability to work closely with local law enforcement, other Rangers, their supervisors and with park maintenance staff (in person and over a two-way radio).
    • Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional, and respectful working relationshipswith coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
    • Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles
    • Ability to analyze and resolve problems (conflict resolution).
    • Ability to manage crowds.
    • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team and deal with people in an effective and timely manner.
    • Ability toprovide,and follow, oral and written instructions.
    • Ability to safely operate equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position.
    • Ability to write legibly.
    • Ability to accurately count and handle money.
    • Ability to withstand exposure to variable and unfavorable weather conditions.
    • Knowledge of park regulations and policies.
    • Skill in computer basic computer applications.

    You must meet the following minimum requirements:

    • 18 years of age.
    • High School Diploma or GED.
    • A valid Wisconsin driver's license.
    • Some recent cash handling and customer service experience.

    Preferred:

    • CPR/AED and First Aid certification.

    Prior to hiring, the final candidate is required to pass work/education/certification reference(s) and where applicable, a criminal background and driver's license check.

    About Us:
    Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"


    Location:
    Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.
    EEO:

    Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

    For further information visit:https://www.waukeshacounty.gov

    The County does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.