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Park Ranger Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

YMCA Of South Hampton Roads

FamEx Attendant

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Description Welcoming Guests: Greet families and visitors upon arrival and check them in. Event Coordination: Lead games, activities, and manage the party schedule. Setup and Clean-up: Prepare the ...

InTown Suites

Property Attendant

Norfolk, VA

$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 Norfolk, VA

Park Ranger information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$11

$19

$38

How much do park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger in Norfolk, VA is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $20.72 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Norfolk, VA?

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

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

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

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

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

Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Park Ranger job openings in Norfolk, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,582 per year, or $20 per hour.

Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

826th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Job no: 5109291
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety, Law / Judiciary
Title: Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement
State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II
Hiring Range: $42,000-57,000
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: First Landing State Park
Agency Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities' flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open spaces.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians' lives.
DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
DCR's Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR's efforts to CONSERVE.
Job Duties
Operating under the supervision and direction of the Park Manager and receiving functional leadership from the Chief of Public Safety & Law Enforcement or their designee, the Park Ranger - Public Safety & Law Enforcement position serves as an on-site public safety and law enforcement representative for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The primary purpose of this position is to protect people, property, and natural resources on land owned, leased, or operated by DCR through the application of specialized knowledge in public safety and law enforcement practices.
Core responsibilities include Conducting both proactive and reactive public safety and law enforcement activities, patrolling agency properties by vehicle, on foot, and through other authorized modes of transportation. The position may also be assigned to support law enforcement staffing needs at specific parks during personnel shortages, special events, special operations, or search and rescue incidents. The Park Ranger responds to, conducts initial and supplemental investigations of, and documents incidents occurring on DCR property. The role supports Public Safety & Law Enforcement staff in fulfilling statewide law enforcement functions as needed.
Additionally, the position provides visitor support to ensure that guest concerns related to park resources and facilities are addressed promptly and appropriately. This may include identifying basic maintenance needs for equipment or facilities and either resolving the issue directly or coordinating with the appropriate technical maintenance personnel to ensure timely attention.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Experience working with the public and/or in customer service.
  • Written and verbal skills in public speaking and communications.
  • Ability to solve problems and develop solutions.
  • Ability to work with teams or independently with minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with 2-way radios, electronic devices, and computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Basic knowledge of home/grounds maintenance (e.g., cleaning, debris removal, or minor home maintenance).
  • Requires the incumbent, if not already certified through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS), to meet the required steps for the initial certification as a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer within 12 months of an assigned class date to maintain employment.
  • Must be able to complete the agency-required Basic Law Enforcement Academy and obtain DCJS certification within 18 months of hire.
  • Due to Law Enforcement requirements, the successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years old, and be a high school graduate or possess a GED.

Additional Considerations
  • Current Virginia DCJS law enforcement officer certification.
  • Basic knowledge of park/recreation operations (e.g., building and grounds maintenance, resource management, etc.)
  • Experience in leading, directing, and training others.
  • Experience reaching logical conclusions from interpreting policy and regulations.
  • Experience in responding to or handling emergencies.
  • Certification in Search and Rescue and/or First Aid/CPR/AED

Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Applicants must submit an online application to be considered for this position. DCR does not accept applications, résumés, cover letters, or other materials in any format outside of the online system. Please ensure your online application and/or résumé are complete and accurately reflect your duties, skills, and relevant work experience.
A valid driver's license is required for this position to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.
DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).
This position requires the incumbent to be or become a Sworn Conservation Officer and attend a 21-week Law Enforcement Academy located in Salem, Virginia. Candidates selected for hire are provided with living accommodation during the academy. Must be a US citizen; be at least 21 years old; H.S. graduate or possess a GED; possess or be able to obtain certification as a LE Officer in VA from the VA Dept. of Criminal Justice Service, which includes accepting responsibilities related to being equipped with and using firearms. Successful applicants: shall not have a felony conviction(s) or have pled no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in VA; shall not have a misdemeanor conviction(s) involving moral turpitude, including larceny, concealment, uttering, embezzlement, or perjury; shall not have conviction(s) for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; shall not have positive results on pre-employment drug screening.
Before beginning employment, conditions for this position require successful completion of a physical agility test, behavioral assessment and completion of a physical exam to be identified as suitable for the position.
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.
All employees within Virginia State Parks are required to wear state-issued uniforms.
This position will serve in an on-call capacity, as needed, to provide security and operational efficiencies. Responding to calls outside scheduled hours requires a response within a prescribed timeframe.
🌲 Explore Virginia State Parks - On Us!
As a DCR employee, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia's State Parks extraordinary - with free admission, special discounts, and perks that turn every visit into something memorable.
Employee benefits include:
  • Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
  • Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
    • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
    • Free Sunday-Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day-Labor Day period.
    • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day-Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two-night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia's great outdoors part of your life - it's one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR's mission possible!
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: N/A
Email: HR@DCR.Virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 11 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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