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Park Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

PARK RANGER

Porterville, CA

$40K/yr

One year of specialized experience which includes assisting with the development of plans and schedules for park employees, assisting with creating guides, manuals and training materials, performing ...

Sacramento County, CA

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$82K - $104K/yr

Wear and maintain a designated Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt, ballistic vest, respirator, etc. Probationary Period The probationary period ...

County of Sacramento

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$82K - $104K/yr

... Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt, ballistic vest, respirator, etc. Probationary Period The probationary period for this classification is ...

Sacramento County, CA

Park Ranger Assistant

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 9/15/26, 10/13/26, 11/10/26, 12/8/26 Under general supervision, the Park Ranger Assistant provides assistance and support services to the County Regional Parks ...

County of Sacramento

Park Ranger Recruit

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$68K/yr

Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 6/22/26, 7/20/26, 8/17/26, 9/21/26, 10/19/26, 11/16/26, 12/14/26 Under close supervision, the Park Ranger Recruit participates in a basic law enforcement ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPark Ranger JobsPark Ranger Jobs in California

Park Ranger information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger in California is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a park ranger?

Park rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing national, state, or local parks and natural resources. Their duties include enforcing park rules, ensuring visitor safety, conducting educational programs, maintaining trails and facilities, and monitoring wildlife and ecosystems. Park rangers also play a vital role in conservation efforts and may assist in search and rescue operations. They work in a variety of environments, from forests to historical sites, to ensure that these areas are preserved for future generations.

What do park rangers do?

Park rangers often work for federal or state governments and are responsible for caring for and protecting woodlands, forests and conservatories. Most of their days are spent outdoors patrolling campgrounds, trails, and various park areas. Park rangers sometimes give tours and answer questions from guests and visitors in the park. They also play a key role in search and rescue missions when needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a park ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental science, resource management, and law enforcement procedures, usually supported by a degree in a related field or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid certifications is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and a passion for conservation help you engage with visitors and handle emergencies effectively. These skills ensure the safety of park resources and visitors while fostering educational and enjoyable park experiences.

What are some common challenges park rangers face during peak visitor seasons, and how are they managed?

During peak visitor seasons, Park Rangers often experience increased workloads due to higher numbers of visitors, which can lead to challenges such as crowd management, ensuring visitor safety, and protecting natural resources from overuse. Effective communication, teamwork, and proactive planning are essential to manage these challenges. Rangers may coordinate with volunteers and other staff, implement visitor education programs, and enforce regulations more strictly to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are key to successfully navigating the busy season.

What is the difference between Park Ranger vs Forest Technician?

AspectPark RangerForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in first aid or law enforcementAssociate's degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, recreation areas, visitor centersForests, conservation areas, fieldwork sites
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies managing parks and recreationForestry services, conservation agencies, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Park Rangers and Forest Technicians both work in outdoor environments related to natural resource management. While Park Rangers focus on visitor safety, education, and park preservation, Forest Technicians assist with forest management, data collection, and conservation projects. Both roles often require knowledge of environmental policies and outdoor skills, but Park Rangers typically have more public interaction, whereas Forest Technicians are more involved in fieldwork and technical tasks.

Can I be a park ranger with no experience?

Park ranger positions typically require some level of experience or education related to natural resources, conservation, or law enforcement. Entry-level roles may be available to those with a high school diploma and relevant skills, but additional training or certifications such as CPR or first aid are often beneficial. Gaining experience through volunteering or internships can improve chances of employment.

Is it hard to get a job as a park ranger?

Getting a job as a park ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field, along with experience in outdoor or conservation work. Candidates may also need to pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and obtain certifications like CPR or first aid. The hiring process can be lengthy and varies by agency or park system.
More about Park Ranger jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in California?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in California are:

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For Park Ranger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Park Ranger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Park Ranger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Park Ranger job openings:

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For Park Ranger jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Ranger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,414 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (PSAR)

US Department of the Interior

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$93K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

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

418th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (PSAR) with the National Park Service. Point Reyes National Seashore offers the opportunity to work in one of California's most scenic coastal environments, while remaining within commuting distance of the San Francisco Bay Area. The primary purpose of this uniformed position is to perform park ranger duties associated with preventing search and rescue incidents from occurring in park units by the National Park ServiceQualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 10/12/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s), you will be rated not qualified.
As part of the official duties of this position, the incumbent is required to operate a Government vehicle. As such, applicants are required to have a valid State-issued Driver's License prior to the closing date of the job announcement.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

  1. Lead training sessions on customer service, safety messaging, and site information;
  2. Coach staff, volunteers, and peers on providing quality visitor service, including areas for improvement;
  3. Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, advocate for positions, reach to consensus and identify next steps;
  4. Ability to document trail and facility conditions while hiking in front country and backcountry with special attention to safety considerations;
  5. Ability to operate a radio and use protocols for professional communication with law enforcement, SAR, and other park staff.

. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-

EDUCATION: 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the occupation. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience as listed above. To combine education and experience, first take 18 Semester hours. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week and transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education:You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER

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