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Park Service Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ranger

Cathedral City, CA · On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Ranger With a culture of recognition and reputation for excellence, ELS is the ideal organization ... Exceptional customer service and communications skills and a friendly demeanor. * Experience ...

... Park Ranger Recruit participates in a basic law enforcement training program including a State of ... County of Sacramento Department of Personnel Services Employment Services Division 700 H Street ...

Ranger

Jamul, CA · On-site

$17 - $17.75/hr

Ranger Position With a culture of recognition and reputation for excellence, ELS is the ideal ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills ...

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$82K - $104K/yr

... visitor services, interpretive programs, resource and wildlife protection, safety enforcement ... Wear and maintain a designated Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment ...

... visitor services, interpretive programs, resource and wildlife protection, safety enforcement ... Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt ...

Ranger

Cathedral City, CA

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

As a Ranger, you will help maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-organized community environment ... Exceptional customer service and communications skills and a friendly demeanor. * Experience ...

Ranger

Paicines, CA · On-site

$16.60/hr

Ranger Position With a culture of recognition and reputation for excellence, ELS is the ideal ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills ...

Ranger

Cathedral City, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

As a Ranger, you will help maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-organized community environment ... Exceptional customer service and communications skills and a friendly demeanor. * Experience ...

Ranger

Paicines, CA · On-site

$16.60/hr

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills ...

Ranger

Jamul, CA · On-site

$17 - $17.75/hr

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills ...

Ranger

Menifee, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills ...

Ranger

Menifee, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills ...

Ranger

Nicolaus, CA · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... Performs on-call emergency service as required. * Performs other duties as assigned. * Performs ...

Showing results 21-40

Park Service Ranger information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do park service ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for park service ranger 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 difference between Park Service Ranger vs Park Maintenance Worker?

AspectPark Service RangerPark Maintenance Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, park-specific training, sometimes certifications in first aid or law enforcementHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, safety training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, visitor centers, natural and historic sitesPark grounds, maintenance facilities, outdoor and indoor work areas
Employer & Industry UsageNational, state, or local parks; federal agenciesPark agencies, municipalities, conservation organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesMaintenance tasks, job requirements, work conditions

While both roles work within park environments, Park Service Rangers focus on visitor safety, law enforcement, and educational programs, requiring specialized training. Park Maintenance Workers primarily handle upkeep, repairs, and groundskeeping. Both positions are essential for park operations but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Park Service Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Service Ranger, you need a solid background in environmental science, public safety, and resource management, often supported by a relevant degree or prior experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and certifications in first aid or law enforcement are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and public speaking abilities help rangers educate visitors and handle emergencies. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, the safety of park visitors, and the delivery of effective public outreach.

What is a Park Service Ranger?

Park Service Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing national, state, or local parks and natural resources. They enforce park rules and regulations, provide educational programs to visitors, conduct search and rescue operations, and help preserve wildlife and cultural sites. Rangers may also perform maintenance tasks, respond to emergencies, and assist with conservation efforts to ensure that parks remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

What are some typical challenges Park Service Rangers face in balancing conservation efforts with visitor engagement?

Park Service Rangers often navigate the challenge of protecting natural and cultural resources while ensuring a positive and educational experience for visitors. This balance requires clear communication, creative problem-solving, and the ability to enforce regulations tactfully. Rangers must frequently adapt to unpredictable conditions, such as sudden weather changes or high visitor volumes, while maintaining a welcoming presence. Collaboration with colleagues, volunteers, and partner organizations is also vital to achieving both conservation and public service goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Service Ranger jobs in California?

The most popular types of Park Service Ranger jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Park Service Ranger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Park Service Ranger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Park Service Ranger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Park Service Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various Park Service Ranger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,414 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)

US Department of the Interior

Crescent City, CA

$109K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) (Chief Ranger) of Redwood National and State Parks.
Duty location is either Crescent City, CA or Orick, CA.
Government housing is NOT available.

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications:Requirements Continued...

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.


Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/21/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.
Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s), you will be rated not qualified.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a valid Type I NPS Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 08/21/2026. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.
  • This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). In addition to the qualifying experience and/or education described above, applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent.

-AND-

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Experience: To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position.
Examples of specialized experience may include:

  • Investigating alleged violations of laws or regulations.
  • Collecting and maintaining evidence according to established procedures and professional standards
  • Collaborating with other law enforcement or emergency response agencies on investigations or emergency incidents
  • Leading and/or supervising law enforcement or resource protection employees
  • Serving as Incident Commander or Operations Chief on all-hazard operations (e.g., emergency services, search and rescue, special security events, etc.).

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Type I Law Enforcement Commission: Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years), a FLETC issued Land Management Police Training, full Type I Law Enforcement Commission or equivalent; or be qualified to receive a Type I Commission upon appointment.
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Employment Type: OTHER

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