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Park Ranger Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cameron County

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX

$13 - $16/hr

PARK RANGER PAY PLAN: 116 - $ 45,798.00 minimum salary SECTION I- This is a responsible non ... Duties are to protect life and property. This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses ...

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 ... Duties are to protect life and property. This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses ...

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 ... Duties are to protect life and property. This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses ...

Winnetka Park District

Park Ranger

Winnetka, IL

$20 - $23/hr

The Park Ranger provides on-site patrols and monitors compliance with rules, policies, and ... legally protected status. The District complies with federal and State disability laws and makes ...

National Park Service

$104K - $135K/yr

Summary This position is located in Katmai National Park and Preserve, in the Protection Division. This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout ...

City of Fremont, CA

Park Ranger/Naturalist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Park Ranger/Naturalist VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE The Department The Community Services ... Promote park stewardship and resource protection through public engagement, education, and field ...

The State of Arizona

PARK RANGER

Patagonia, AZ

$17.50 - $19/hr

Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas ... PARK RANGER PATAGONIA LAKE STATE PARK *must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays* Job ...

St. Charles, MO

Part- Time Park Ranger

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Patrols park grounds and facilities to protect park patrons and park facilities; promotes outdoor ... Assists in Park Ranger information gathering and record keeping. * Prepares incident/accident ...

City of San Marcos

VOLUNTEER: PARK RANGER

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

If you are at least 18 years old, enjoy the outdoors, want to protect your habitat (community) and ... As a Reserve Ranger, you will support the Park Ranger program by patrolling the City's parks and ...

MyFlorida

PARK RANGER - 37020269

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$2.8K/mo

Environmental Protection Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37020269 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37020269 Salary: $2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual Posting Closing Date: 07/10/2026 Total ...

City of San Marcos, CA

VOLUNTEER: PARK RANGER

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

If you are at least 18 years old, enjoy the outdoors, want to protect your habitat (community) and ... As a Reserve Ranger, you will support the Park Ranger program by patrolling the City's parks and ...

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All JobsPark Ranger Protection Jobs

Park Ranger Protection information

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$12

$20

$39

How much do park ranger protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger protection 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 hard is it to get a job as a park ranger?

Getting a job as a park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, environmental science, or law enforcement, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests. Competition can be high due to limited openings, and candidates often need to demonstrate strong outdoor skills and knowledge of conservation practices.

What are some common challenges Park Ranger Protection officers face when balancing public safety and natural resource preservation?

Park Ranger Protection officers often encounter the challenge of simultaneously safeguarding visitors and preserving natural resources. This may involve enforcing regulations, responding to emergencies, and educating the public about responsible park usage. Balancing these tasks requires strong communication skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions, especially during peak visitation periods or in remote areas. Additionally, rangers must regularly collaborate with law enforcement, firefighters, and environmental specialists to effectively manage risks and ensure both people and the environment remain safe.

What is the highest paid park ranger?

The highest paid park rangers are typically those in senior or supervisory roles, such as park superintendents or chief rangers, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, location, and the size of the park or agency, with federal park rangers generally earning higher salaries than state or local counterparts.

What does a protection park ranger do?

A protection park ranger is responsible for safeguarding natural resources, enforcing park regulations, and ensuring visitor safety within protected areas. They often conduct patrols, provide educational programs, and may require certifications in first aid or law enforcement. Their work environment is typically outdoors, requiring physical fitness and knowledge of conservation practices.

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

AspectPark Ranger ProtectionPark Ranger Law Enforcement
CredentialsBasic park ranger certifications, CPR, first aidAdditional law enforcement certifications, police training
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, nature reserves, visitor centersWildlife areas, enforcing laws, patrolling
Employer & IndustryNational parks, state parks, conservation agenciesLaw enforcement agencies within parks, federal agencies

Park Ranger Protection focuses on visitor assistance, conservation, and education, while Park Ranger Law Enforcement involves enforcing laws, issuing citations, and ensuring safety. Both roles require park-related certifications, but law enforcement rangers have additional police training. The main difference lies in law enforcement authority and responsibilities within the park environment.

Do NPS rangers carry guns?

National Park Service (NPS) rangers who have law enforcement responsibilities are authorized to carry firearms and are trained as federal law enforcement officers. Not all rangers carry guns, as some focus on visitor services and conservation, but those with law enforcement duties are equipped accordingly and must complete specialized training and certification.

What are Park Ranger Protection officers?

Park Ranger Protection officers are specialized park rangers responsible for protecting natural resources, visitors, and property within parks and other public lands. Their duties include law enforcement, emergency response, patrolling park areas, and ensuring the safety and security of both visitors and wildlife. They may also investigate crimes, enforce park regulations, and provide educational information to the public. This role requires a strong knowledge of conservation, law enforcement procedures, and effective communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Park Ranger Protection, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Ranger Protection, you need a strong knowledge of law enforcement, environmental science, and park regulations, typically supported by a degree in natural resources or criminal justice and relevant certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid/CPR certifications is often required. Excellent observation skills, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies help ensure the safety of park visitors, effective protection of natural resources, and proper enforcement of park laws.
More about Park Ranger Protection jobs
What states have the most Park Ranger Protection jobs? States with the most job openings for Park Ranger Protection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Park Ranger Protection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Park Ranger Protection jobs are:
Park Ranger Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Ranger Protection job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Supervisory Park Ranger (P)

Supervisory Park Ranger (P)

Department of the Interior

Grants, NM • On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 686 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)

As a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection), you will perform the following major duties:

  • Serve as Federal Law Enforcement Officer performing duties including detection and investigation of violations of federal criminal laws.
  • Performs short- and long-term management planning including budget formulation and execution and setting division goals and priorities.
  • Supervise and manage law enforcement and resources protection programs and Visitor and Resource Protection employees.
  • Serve as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, responsible for detecting, investigating, and documenting violations of federal criminal laws.
  • Lead both short- and long-term strategic planning initiatives, including budget development, financial execution, and establishing division-wide goals and priorities.
  • Supervise and manage law enforcement and resource protection programs, providing leadership, direction, and oversight to Visitor and Resource Protection personnel.
  • Communicate and work effectively with others.

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