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Park Ranger Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Valid driver's license required; own reliable vehicle preferred (gas stipend provided); parking available * Comfortable swimming with children * Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willing to ...

New

Valid driver's license required; own reliable vehicle preferred (gas stipend provided); parking available * Comfortable swimming with children * Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willing to ...

New

Park Ranger information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger in Worcester, MA is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 job categories do people searching Park Ranger jobs in Worcester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Park Ranger jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Park Ranger jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Park Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various Park Ranger job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,883 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for - strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov. DEPT Info

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for Watershed Ranger I, Oakham Field Office to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume with the online submission of employment qualifications.

            DCR INTERNAL POSTING ONLY

Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. This position may require working weekends, and/or holidays. Schedules/Days off are at the discretion of the supervisor.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: 

The basic purpose of this work is to provide a variety of resource and visitor services, protective measures and promote compliance with rules and regulations at the agency sites. Incumbents of positions in this series patrol parks, reservations, historic sites, watershed conservation areas, and/or recreation areas to promote compliance with rules and regulations; protect natural and cultural resources and water supplies; enhance visitor experiences through visibility and information; monitors impact of both authorized and unauthorized visitor use; and coordinates with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action. 

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Encourages safe and appropriate use of state lands by patrolling an assigned area by car, boat, bicycle, or foot, promoting compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to the operation and management of watershed and water supply lands, parks, reservations, historic sites, and/or recreation and conservation areas. 

  • Supervises the dissemination of information to visitors pertaining to the protection of water supplies, the use of public land, available services, trail locations, natural areas, special events, and pertinent rules and regulations. 

  • Assists with special functions, organized events, permit monitoring, tours, school groups, special interest groups, and/or programs. 

  • Assess the conditions of trails, roads, and other natural and cultural resources; submit reports with improvement and/or enhancement recommendations to appropriate individuals. 

  • During the fishing season, assist boaters as needed. 

  • Assists the Environmental Quality staff with the Aquatic Invasive Species Control program. 

  • Control crowds in areas where large groups of people gather by cautioning observers and by placing barriers, ropes, etc. in order to maintain public order and ensure special events operations run smoothly. 

  • Cautiously confronts situations that may require the expulsion of disorderly persons from the area and notifications of the appropriate law enforcement officials. 

  • Participates in rescue operations by interviewing others regarding lost persons and searching for lost persons in accordance with agency policy; assists in search function as a searcher, dispatcher, and performs first aid or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary. 

  • Assists as needed in the prevention, suppression, and control of forest fires. 

  • Performs related duties such as maintaining records and files, maintaining daily field logs, preparing reports, putting up and monitoring surveillance cameras, and assisting maintenance staff as needed. 

  • Performs related duties as assigned. 

Preferred Qualifications: 
1. Possession of a current and valid First Aid/CPR/AED certificate from either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. 

2. Possession of current MA Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
 


Minimum Entrance Requirements: 
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  
Substitutions: 
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in park or recreation management, natural resource management, water resources management, environmental education, or park interpretation may be substituted for the required experience.*  
*Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.  
Special Requirements:  
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license.  
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.  
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.