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Park Ranger Jobs in Chesapeake, VA (NOW HIRING)

FHLB Des Moines

Park Ranger Manager

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$60 - $94/hr

The Park Ranger Manager will oversee formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit from the ground up, establishing the operational foundation, culture, and standards that will guide the ...

City of Hampton, VA

Park Attendant

Hampton, VA · On-site

$15.76/hr

Parks & Rec - Gosnolds Hope Park, Hampton, VA Job Type: WAE - Hourly Job Number: 9414 Department: PARKS Opening Date: 07/08/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Function Are you passionate ...

City of Hampton

Park Attendant

Hampton, VA · On-site

$15.76 - $25/hr

The City of Hampton's Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Department is seeking dedicated and responsible individuals to serve as Park Attendants. In this role, you'll support the daily operations ...

InTown Suites

Property Attendant

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. Property Address: 5649 Lowery Road Norfolk ...

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All JobsPark Ranger JobsPark Ranger Jobs in Chesapeake, VA

Park Ranger information

See Chesapeake, VA salary details

$11

$20

$38

How much do park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger in Chesapeake, VA is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.77 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 Chesapeake, VA?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Chesapeake, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Park Ranger jobs in Chesapeake, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Park Ranger jobs in Chesapeake, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Park Ranger jobs in Chesapeake, VA are:

What cities near Chesapeake, VA are hiring for Park Ranger jobs?

Cities near Chesapeake, VA with the most Park Ranger job openings:

Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Ranger job openings in Chesapeake, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,739 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Park Ranger Manager

Virginia Recreation and Park Society

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$60 - $94/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit, establishing operational standards and procedures.

  • Provide leadership and oversight of park safety, security operations, and emergency response activities.

  • Supervise park ranger staff, including hiring, training, evaluating, and coordinating outreach and community engagement efforts.

Job description

Salary: $60,174.40 - $93,766.40 Annually

Application Deadline: Aug 31, 2026

Administration

Additional Job Description

Our Quest

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Park Ranger Manager and lead the development of our new Park Ranger Unit. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a new team dedicated to protecting Virginia Beach’s parks, facilities, and the millions of visitors who enjoy them.

We are looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is comfortable turning a vision into an operational Park Ranger Unit that reflects the high standards and values of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.

The Park Ranger Manager will oversee formation and implementation of the Park Ranger Unit from the ground up, establishing the operational foundation, culture, and standards that will guide the program. Initial responsibilities will include recruiting and hiring ranger staff, coordinating the purchase and deployment of vehicles and specialized equipment, developing standard operating procedures and training programs, and establishing effective protocols for ranger operations, public engagement, safety, and incident response.

Day to Day Duties

Provide leadership and oversight of park safety and security operations, maintain a visible presence throughout parks, lead outreach and community engagement efforts, enforce park rules and regulations, and respond to incidents, emergencies, and public safety concerns.

  • Supervise Park Ranger staff to include hiring, training, evaluating, and discipline.
  • Conduct patrols as needed to support field operations.
  • Oversee citywide patrol operations, ensuring adequate staffing and coverage across all parks.
  • Coordinate and administer policies and procedures across the department, recommend revisions, and maintain consistency in enforcement operations.
  • Serve as primary liaison with Virginia Beach Police, Fire, EMS, and Sheriff’s departments for planning and emergency coordination.
  • Detain individuals in accordance with established procedures until law enforcement arrives.
  • Serve as on-site commander during critical field emergencies.
  • Oversee emergency readiness and response.
  • Represent the department at events, meetings, and public forums.
  • Lead outreach and community engagement strategies.
  • Manage budgets, equipment, vehicles, uniforms, incident trend analysis, reporting, policy updates, and strategic planning.
  • Design, oversee, and ensure compliance with training programs for the Park Ranger division.
  • Provide high-level decision-making affecting unit operations, emergency response, enforcement strategy, and policy implementation.
  • Ensure the maintenance of required certifications and operational readiness.

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge, and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

Preferences

Supervisory experience as a Park Ranger or Police/Security management in a local, state, or federal agency.

Schedule

This position is a 7 day a week operation could including early mornings, evening, weekend and holidays.

The position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s operational status. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

The Perks

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage

Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance

Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)

Basic Life Insurance

Optional Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Additional requirements:

This position is being advertised as a pool, and applications could be used to fill current vacancies and any other similar Park Ranger Manager positions that become available within six months from the closing date of this posting.

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