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River Ranger Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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River Ranger information

See Utah salary details

$10

$18

$36

How much do river ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for river ranger in Utah is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a River Ranger job?

A River Ranger is responsible for protecting and maintaining rivers, waterways, and surrounding environments. Their duties often include patrolling waterways, ensuring public safety, enforcing regulations, and educating visitors about conservation. They may also assist in rescue operations, maintain river access points, and monitor wildlife. River Rangers typically work for government agencies, parks, or conservation organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the River Ranger position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a River Ranger, you typically need knowledge of environmental science, waterway management, and outdoor safety, often supported by certifications in first aid, CPR, and sometimes law enforcement or boating. Familiarity with GPS mapping tools, data collection devices, and water quality testing kits is frequently required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills help River Rangers work effectively with the public, fellow rangers, and local authorities. These competencies are crucial for protecting waterways, ensuring public safety, and fostering positive relationships within the community.

What does a typical day look like for a River Ranger?

A typical day for a River Ranger involves patrolling riverbanks and waterways to ensure public safety, inspecting for environmental hazards, educating visitors about conservation, and sometimes assisting in rescue operations. River Rangers may conduct water quality testing, monitor wildlife, enforce regulations, and report any incidents or violations. The role often requires collaboration with local law enforcement, environmental agencies, and community organizations. Work is usually outdoors and can involve both independent assignments and teamwork, providing a balance of fieldwork and public interaction.

What are popular job titles related to River Ranger jobs in Utah? For River Ranger jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching River Ranger jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for River Ranger jobs in Utah are:
River Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Ranger job openings in Utah as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,125 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Individual Placement - Westwater Canyon Ranger

Career Site

Moab, UT • On-site

$450/wk

Temporary

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The participants will live and work out of the Westwater Ranger Stationwhich is located 70 miles from Moab, Utah and 40 miles from Grand Junction, Colorado. Work will be coordinated throughthe Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Moab Field Office Recreation Program. Westwater Canyon is the first whitewater stretch on the Colorado River in Utah. The canyon is seventeen miles long and includes Class III and IV rapids. This section is challenging at all water levels and is only recommended for experience boaters. As with any remote river, floating through Westwater can be a very humbling and challenging experience which necessitates respect and skill. The ranger station can be a busy place as it is the put in for Westwater Canyon and the takeout for the Ruby Horsethief section. There is campground with twelve campsites, two toilets and a network of trails and roads including the Kokopelli's trail. The participant may be the first contact with visitors and will provide them with education about the canyon and surrounding areas.

The participant will be responsible for conducing permit compliance and gear checks for commercial and private permittees as well as performing patrols of the wilderness study area and upland within the Utah Rims Special Recreation Management Area. This is a great opportunity to learn about outdoor recreation and federal land management. You will work closely with land management professionals to learn about allocated permit systems and travel management planning. The participant will interact with visitors and share educational information, tips for safely recreating on public lands and to protect the unique resources. The participant will be required to wear a uniform and to represent the SCA and the BLM in a positive and professional manner.

Schedule

July 6, 2026 - November 27, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Completing compliance checks of permits and required gear for commercial/private rivertrips through Westwater Canyon.
  • Assist in maintaining campsites and cleaning restroom facilities.
  • Assisting the BLM river ranger in river patrols by way of raft through class 3-4 rapids.
  • Educate the public on responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.
  • Helping clean equipment and the ranger station.
  • Interact with hundreds of people during the week and will help provide them in information about the Westwater Canyon and greater area.
  • Monitoring of Westwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area by 4-wheel drive vehicle, foot, utv, and bicycle/motorcycle.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment.
  • May be required to perform heavy lifting, arduous labor in a harsh high desert environment.

Marginal Duties

  • Patrolling the greater Utah Rims and Dolores Triangle areas for resource damage via 4-wheel drive vehicle, foot, utv, and bicycle/motorcycle.
  • Perform "upland" travel plan implementation work in the field by marking designated routes and closed routes and maintain the signing of these routes.
  • Work with volunteer groups.
  • Perform light trail maintenance.

Required Qualifications

Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

Whitewater rafting/kayaking experience; manual labor experience i.e., digging, lifting; outdoor camping/living experience; public speaking; organizational skills; GIS experience

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The Westwater Ranger Station is an office attached to a 4 bedroom dorm style living quarters. Each individual worker there will have their own room and share the common living space i.e., kitchen, bathroom, living room. The ranger station is roughly 45 mins from Grand Junction Colorado where you can find all amenities and roughly 1.5 hours from Moab, UT.

Compensation

  • Member living allowance of $450/week
  • Relocation expense $1,100/once

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training

AmeriCorps: Ineligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.

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