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Park Ranger Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Protection Working Title: OPS PARK RANGER - 37970914 Pay Plan: Temp Position Number: 37970914 Salary: $17 per hour Posting Closing Date: 07/07/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool OPS ...

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other ...

PARK RANGER - 37001114

Dania Beach, FL

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Environmental Protection Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37001114 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37001114 Salary: 34,760.00 Posting Closing Date: 07/21/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool ...

New

PARK RANGER - 37001114

Dania Beach, FL

$17.75 - $22/hr

Environmental Protection Working Title: PARK RANGER - 37001114 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37001114 Salary: 34,760.00 Posting Closing Date: 07/21/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool ...

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other ...

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH

$24.16 - $35.79/hr

Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger ... In this role, you keep our parks safe and protect our natural resources. You're the friendly face ...

The Park Ranger is responsible for all safety, security, visitor, and resource protection in the parks. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions The duties and responsibilities of this position ...

PARK RANGER (3020)

Gretna, LA ยท On-site

$29K/yr

NOTE: Any conviction listed in the Louisiana Child Protection Act (Louisiana R.S. 15:587.1) is ... Park Ranger and have their name forwarded to the appointing authority when vacancies arise JOB ...

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH ยท 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 parks safe and protect our natural resources. You're the friendly face ...

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Park Ranger Protection information

See salary details

$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:
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.

$24.16 - $35.79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our parks safe and protect our natural resources. Youโ€™re the friendly face at our parks through positive interactions with people on a daily basis. Youโ€™ll combine traditional traffic and criminal law with community oriented policing and crime prevention to ensure we maintain our โ€œClean, Safe, and Naturalโ€ promise.


Day in the Life?

No two days are the same. You set your routine based on our department goals to keep our parks safe. You might be patrolling a park trail on a bike, engaging with park visitors, or participating in a community outreach program.


Hereโ€™s why we think youโ€™ll love working at Metroparks

  • Work outside in our beautiful Metroparks. Patrol in multiple ways โ€“ vehicles, bicycles, ATVs, on foot.
  • Known schedule (4 10s, 3 days off weekly) so you can plan your life outside of work.
  • Proactively create your daily activities rather than respond to a large call load.
  • Competitive pay, health care, retirement, and time off. Read more here.
  • Grow your career on a special assignment or develop to become Sergeant.

Youโ€™ll love this job if

  • You want to combine traditional traffic and criminal law with community oriented policing and crime prevention.
  • You want to build relationships with our park visitors and interact with people in a positive way on a daily basis.
  • You care deeply about preserving the natural resources in our parks for future generations.

-------------------------

Job Summary

Serve as law enforcement officer to assure the publicโ€™s safety, protection and enjoyment. Responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and protecting life and property at Metroparks Toledo.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Patrols Metroparks to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect.
  • Patrol a designated area in a motor vehicle, bicycle and/or on foot; prevent and discover the commission of crimes, direct and enforce traffic, parking, and laws, administer medical assistance, check for safety hazards, answer calls and complaints, check security of buildings, and investigate accidents. Take corrective action as needed.
  • At the scene of a crime or accident, initiate department procedures as relates to: emergency medical care, investigation, witnesses, site inspections, gathering and maintenance of evidence and arrests.
  • Conducts investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift and performs follow up investigations as needed.
  • Make arrests, escort suspects from the crime scene, and prepare detailed reports.
  • Give advice, assistance, and general information to the public.
  • Answer all emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Attend assigned training classes and programs.
  • Analyzes and evaluates evidence. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
  • Obtain working knowledge of, and acquire the needed skills to enter and retrieve data for both in car mobile data terminals and in-house computer systems.
  • Make daily checks of equipment to ascertain that they are in proper working condition.
  • Serve in special assignment roles such as firearms instructor, detective, public information officer, or defensive tactics instructor, as assigned.
  • Carry out any lawful order or duty as prescribed by the Chief or other supervisor.
  • Perform outreach programs.
  • Ensure effective communication and working relationships between external departments and organizations.
  • Assist other law enforcement agencies through mutual aid.
  • Promote cross departmental communications and objectives.
  • Maintains a professional appearance to include grooming, uniforms and vehicles
  • Maintains all departmental equipment and work areas to highest professional standards.
  • Open and close parks; lock and alarm all buildings and facilities.
  • Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, traffic safety, etc.
  • Assist with river rescues.
  • Respond to animal and wildlife calls; enforce fish and wildlife regulations to ensure protection of wildlife and natural resources.
  • Promote compliance with all safety regulations.
  • Direct the work of Metroparks and volunteer staff as needed.
  • Other Park District work related duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

  • Vehicles: Law enforcement patrol vehicles equipped with lights and siren, UTVs, bicycles
  • Handguns, patrol and wildlife control rifles, TASER, OC spray, handcuffs, radar/laser guns, body worn cameras, and other equipment as needed.
  • Radios, mobile data terminals, cell phones with specialized apps
  • First Aid Equipment and AEDs
  • Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS), Specialized law enforcement software
  • General office equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 hour shift on either 2nd shift or 3rd shift
  • Home Work Location: Glass City Metropark
  • May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
  • Requires physical agility to perform law enforcement duties. Requires wearing 20 pounds of equipment. Must pass fitness for duty, psychological assessment and drug test at the time of hire.
Requirements:

Job Requirements

  1. Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driverโ€™s license with an acceptable driving record.
  2. Education: High School Diploma or GED
  3. Experience: Some experience that demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities of position. Some park operations and natural resources management experience preferred.
  4. Certifications: Certified Peace Officer in the State of Ohio (OPOTA)
  5. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements: First Aid / CPR

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal criminal statutes of which charges and arrests are executed.
  • Understanding of state wildlife and watercraft laws.
  • Knowledge of Metroparks rules, regulations and standard operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn Metroparks properties, features, and natural resources areas.

Skills

  • Computer skills including word processing and data entry.
  • Problem solving skills; ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
  • Customer service skills.
  • In-depth interpersonal skills; demonstrated sensitivity and empathy.
  • Oral communication skills and presentation skills.

Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to work without supervision.
  • Ability to maintain all required law enforcement certifications.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and apply departmental standards for security and privacy.
  • Ability to observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
  • Ability to maintain high standards in law enforcement activities; such as, use of firearms, self-defense, operation of a motor vehicle, interviewing techniques, radio and communication procedures, testifying in court, report writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public, and to effectively and discreetly convey information.
  • Ability to instruct and train others.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.