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Park Rangers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Menifee, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Park Rangers support a broad range of operational and community-focused functions, including: * Park Safety & Enforcement - Educating visitors on park rules, enforcing Municipal Code (after required ...

Park Ranger

Menifee, CA ยท On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Park Rangers support a broad range of operational and community-focused functions, including: Park Safety & Enforcement - Educating visitors on park rules, enforcing Municipal Code (after required ...

Park Ranger/Naturalist

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

CS-Park Rangers Opening Date: 05/14/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description The City of Fremont's Community Services Department is recruiting for: Park Ranger/Naturalist VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT ...

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 12/4/25, 1/8/26, 2/5/26, 3/5/26, 4/2/26, 5/7/26, 6/4/26, 7/9/26, 8/6/26, 9/3/26, 10/8/26, 11/5/26, 12/3/26 Under general supervision Park Rangers perform ...

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 12/4/25, 1/8/26, 2/5/26, 3/5/26, 4/2/26, 5/7/26, 6/4/26, 7/9/26, 8/6/26, 9/3/26, 10/8/26, 11/5/26, 12/3/26 Under general supervision Park Rangers perform ...

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Showing results 1-20

Park Rangers information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do park rangers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for park rangers 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 the highest pay for a park ranger?

The highest pay for a park ranger can exceed $70,000 annually, typically earned by experienced professionals in supervisory or specialized roles such as law enforcement or resource management. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and certifications, with federal park rangers often earning higher wages than state or local counterparts.

What are park rangers and what do they do?

Park rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and preserving national, state, or local parks and the natural and cultural resources within them. They perform a variety of duties including law enforcement, environmental education, emergency response, and conservation work. Park rangers also interact with visitors to ensure safety, provide information, and help maintain park facilities. Their work is vital for the enjoyment and sustainability of public lands and natural habitats.

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

Becoming a park ranger can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, such as a degree in natural resources or environmental science, and experience in outdoor or conservation work. Candidates typically need to pass background checks, obtain certifications like CPR or first aid, and demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills. The hiring process may also involve physical fitness tests and interviews.

Can you be a park ranger without being a cop?

Park rangers are typically responsible for managing and protecting natural resources, enforcing park rules, and assisting visitors. While some park rangers have law enforcement authority and may carry firearms, not all positions require police training or certification; many focus on conservation, education, and visitor services. Certification or training in law enforcement is usually necessary only for those with law enforcement duties within the park.

What is the difference between Park Rangers vs Forest Technicians?

AspectPark RangersForest Technicians
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require conservation or environmental certificationsHigh school diploma; technical training or certifications in forestry or environmental science
Work EnvironmentNational, state, or local parks; outdoor settings with public interactionForests, research sites, and conservation areas; often more focused on technical fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies managing parks and recreationForestry services, environmental agencies, conservation organizations

Park Rangers and Forest Technicians both work outdoors and in environmental settings, but Park Rangers focus more on public education, safety, and park management, while Forest Technicians handle technical forestry tasks like data collection and forest management. The roles often overlap in outdoor environments, but their primary responsibilities and required credentials differ.

What are some common challenges Park Rangers face when balancing conservation efforts with public access?

Park Rangers often navigate the delicate balance between protecting natural resources and ensuring the public can safely enjoy park amenities. Challenges include managing visitor impact on sensitive habitats, enforcing regulations while maintaining positive visitor relations, and addressing limited resources for conservation projects. Rangers work collaboratively with other staff, volunteers, and sometimes law enforcement to educate the public, monitor ecosystems, and implement preservation strategies. This role requires adaptability and strong communication skills to address evolving environmental and visitor needs.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs for park rangers typically do not pay $2000 a day; they usually earn a standard salary or hourly wage. High-paying roles in related fields, such as environmental consultants or specialized conservation managers, can reach high daily rates, especially with experience or consulting work. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, or working as independent contractors.

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 natural resource management, environmental science, and law enforcement, usually supported by a relevant degree or experience in parks and recreation. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and certifications in first aid or wildland firefighting are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and public speaking abilities help Park Rangers engage with visitors and resolve conflicts effectively. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, visitor safety, and the successful promotion of conservation education.
What cities in California are hiring for Park Rangers jobs? Cities in California with the most Park Rangers job openings:
Infographic showing various Park Rangers job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 79% Part Time, 16% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,414 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Seasonal Park Aide

$19/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Performs support duties for parks and open space areas, including assisting Park Rangers, visitor services, and facility personnel.

  • Ensures park facilities are maintained in a safe and clean condition, including performing custodial tasks, trash removal, and light maintenance.

  • Staffs kiosks, entry stations, and visitor centers, greets visitors, provides information, and collects fees.


Job description

POSITION INFORMATION
Pay Rate: $19.00 a hour, non benefited
Come join LARPD for an outdoor enthusiasts dream role! LARPD is hiring for a Park Aide casual position for the summer months May - September. The Sycamore Grove assignment will have a variable schedule without a split schedule and no lodging accommodations offered. The Sycamore Grove role will be up to 25 hours per week. Portion of uniform will be provided.
SUMMARY
The Park Aide position is a seasonal casual role with variable hours. Hours and days may vary depending on the week and business need and include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Incumbents may be scheduled for a minimum of 4 hours per day and a maximum of 8 hours per day. If the District does not have a need, then the position may not be scheduled for that day or week. Alternatively, the District may schedule the position up to 5 days per week, 8 hours each for a maximum of 40 hours. The position does not have a set schedule, and the shifts are subject to change based on business need. The position cannot exceed 1,200 total hours in a calendar year.
Under general supervision, performs a variety of support duties for District parks and open space areas and facilities; ensures areas and facilities are available for use and consistently maintained in a safe and clean condition. Areas of responsibility, include, but are not limited to, serving as staff for kiosks, entry stations, and visitor centers; patrols areas to monitor activities and take action as needed; landscaping and light maintenance duties and perform related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from higher-level supervisory staff and direction from higher-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the most entry-level classification responsible for performing a variety of routine maintenance for District parks, open space areas and facilities. Work is reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
  1. Performs a variety of support duties for District parks and open space areas and facilities, including, but not limited to, assisting Park Rangers, visitor services, interpretation services, camp services, and parks and facilities personnel.
  2. Ensures facilities are available for use and consistently maintained in a safe and clean condition.
  3. Patrols Park, open space, and recreation areas; reports problems regarding safety and sanitary conditions.
  4. Staffs' kiosks, entry stations, and visitor centers; greets and welcomes park visitors; collects fees.
  5. Implements, monitors, and enforces relevant laws, rules, policies, and procedures; cautions patrons regarding unsafe activities and reports incidents to superiors as needed.
  6. Provides information to patrons pertaining to park use, local natural and cultural history, points of interest, and recreation opportunities; answers inquiries and gives directions.
  7. Receives and responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from patrons; determines issues and resolves or refers to superiors as needed.
  8. Performs custodial tasks.
  9. Operates various hand and power equipment.
  10. Pick up and remove trash and litter from various parks and facilities.
  11. Maintain Park barbeques.
  12. Leaf/debris, vegetation cleanup.
  13. Assists in emergencies involving injury, illness, fire, hazardous water conditions, or other critical incidences by notifying proper authorities; provides first aid/medical care to the level of training.
  14. Inspects facilities and grounds for safety and security; identifies and reports hazardous conditions and facility maintenance needs to supervisor.
  15. Follows safe working practices and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
  16. Performs administrative tasks, such as attending meetings and training, preparing reports, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining records.
  17. Assists with District special events as needed.
  18. Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience:High School Diploma or GED OR
Any combination of training, education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Knowledge of:
  • Methods and techniques used in the operation, repair, and maintenance of park and open space areas and facilities.
  • Operational characteristics of a variety of tools and equipment.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
  • Outdoor recreation skills related to camping, biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
  • Principles and practices of recordkeeping.
  • Principles and practices for providing high level of customer service.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
Ability to:
  • Perform general maintenance duties.
  • Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain equipment and tools.
  • Provide information and resources to patrons.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply all relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
  • Make basic mathematic calculations with speed and accuracy.
  • Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
  • Maintain records and files on work performed.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • At time of appointment, California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess: mobility to work in various parks and open space areas; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate a variety of tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to distinguish colors in wiring; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and/or calculator and to operate tools and equipment. Incumbents in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and inspect work sites. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Incumbents work in both indoor and outdoor environments with moderate to loud noise levels. May work in controlled temperature conditions, cold and hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions. Exposure to a variety of plant and animal species. Incumbents will interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.
WORKING CONDITION
Incumbents may be assigned an on-call and irregular work schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
  • Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
  • TB Test

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the selection process. Request for reasonable accommodation during the selection process may be made by contacting the Human Resources Office prior to the final filing date.
LARPD is an Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization.