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Park Rangers Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Park Rangers information

See Portland, OR salary details

$12

$21

$42

How much do park rangers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for park rangers in Portland, OR is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $22.74 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 reach around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, typically for experienced professionals or those in supervisory or specialized roles. Salaries vary based on location, level of experience, and the specific agency or park system, with some senior or park management positions earning higher compensation.

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, making it a challenging but attainable career for those with the right qualifications.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For park rangers or similar outdoor roles, earning $4,000 a week without a degree is uncommon, as most positions pay less and require specialized training or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but these typically require experience, licenses, or specific skills rather than formal degrees. Generally, achieving such income levels without a degree involves roles with high commissions, bonuses, or entrepreneurial ventures.

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, many focus on conservation, education, and visitor services without being sworn officers or police officers. Certification or training in law enforcement is not always required for all park ranger positions, depending on the park and agency.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Park Rangers jobs in Portland, OR? For Park Rangers jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Park Rangers job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,681 per year, or $22 per hour.

$16 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Who we are:

At Family Relief Resources (FRR), our mission is to provide families and clients with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities with the quality, person-centered daily care they need. We provide qualified DSPs who have a passion and drive to help these individuals, with a positive, stable, and highly compensated work opportunity. We recognize this is a special gift and we are dedicated to helping every DSP to find the client they are meant to help.


1F0095G

Location: N Portland, near Peninsula Park

Schedule: DSP can potentially work full time (maximum of 30-35 hours/week). However, DSP would start with shorter shifts of 1-3 hours to get to know he client, then slowly work up to more full time hours.

Summer hours: family can use help any time throughout each day. This can be as early as 8am, or as late as 10pm. They're very flexible right now.

School year hours: At least 3 weekdays between Monday to Friday from 3-6:30pm and one weekend day/week from around 12-6:30pm. Plus, more daytime hours available during school breaks! (start and end times are flexible)

Description: This client a tall 12 year old, and is a sweet, warm kid who loves the Power Rangers theme song, Frozen, and Toy Story. He used to be non-verbal, but he's started using small phrases this past year, and has a communication device. His mom would like a DSP who really takes initiative and engages with him. He is shy to new people,
but the family hopes the DSP will form a strong relationship so they
can eventually take the client out into the community for fun
activities. When escalated, he has behaviors such as hitting, scratching, throwing objects, and elopement, so they need a DSP who is familiar with those behaviors and can help with prevention and mitigation. He can spend long periods of time on/off screaming, so they need a patient, understanding DSP who, like his mom, can laugh it off and take things one day at a time.

Requirements:

Must be comfortable traveling to the clients home for work. Please use zip-code 97217 for commute reference.
Should be open minded and ready to collaborate with the whole care team.
Oregon Intervention System (OIS) training required within 90 days of hire.
Qualifications:

Experience with excessive behaviors required (i.e. elopement, streaking, property destruction, aggression, intrusiveness, etc.



Direct Support Professional (DSP) / In Home Care Giver Responsibilities and Duties:

This role involves caring for a client on an individual basis in their home environment as well as taking them out into the community to learn skills and socialize. This role varies depending on the client but can involve teaching skills of independent living such as self-care, behavior management, budgeting, cooking, shopping and cleaning. Family Relief Resources is not a physical facility -100% of activities happen in the community or a client's home.


The day-to-day duties of the DSP role requires:

Smart Phone
- The state requires all client visits to be tracked with GPS location verification at clock in/out. You will need a smart phone to access the timekeeping application once you arrive at the client's location.
Driving
- Have a valid license and car with current insurance. Some clients will need transportation.
Documenting
- Must create and enter specific progress notes after each shift. Also, a progress report is due once per quarter.
Scheduling
- Each DSP has a set schedule and must be able to maintain this with clients.
Reliability
- Because Family Relief Resources is not a facility, we need reliable employees who can work independently, show up for their shifts, and be excellent communicators with their client's families and with our agency.
Patient, Kind, and Positive
- Helping those with disabilities requires a person who can be patient in all situations, show kindness, and have a positive attitude toward the client and other members of the client's family even in challenging situations.
Flexibility
- Being able to adjust to different types of personalities and disabilities from day to day.



Minimum Job Requirements:

18 years or older
Pass a Criminal History Check.
Work a minimum of 15 hours per month.
CPR and First Aid Certificate (within 3 months of hire)
State required online training courses (pre-hire and within 3 months of hire)
Continuing Education (24 hours per year)
Basic knowledge of technology, including the ability to use a smartphone for timekeeping, submitting daily and quarterly shift reports, communication with office and client family, and additional requirements as needed.
Has direct experience working with children and/or adults with varying levels of support needs (Including experience with intellectual and/or behavioral disabilities).
Understand requirements of maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding individual information.
Be literate and capable of understanding written and oral orders.
Be able to communicate with individuals, health care providers, case managers, and appropriate others.
Be able to respond to emergency situations when services are being delivered.


Direct Support Professional / In Home Care Giver Benefits Include:

Part-time or Full-time work opportunities
Holiday pay (time and a half)
Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance (30+ hours per week)
Paid vacation (30+ hours per week, 6 months after hire)
401k with employer match (30+ hours per week, 1 year after hire)
Paid sick days
Paid continuing education opportunities
Free gym membership