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River Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CO

$20 - $21/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, Assures quality customer service, facility ...

CO · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, Assures quality customer service, facility ...

Description This position performs diverse duties assisting in the day-to-day operation, maintenance and patrol of the Three Rivers Greenway and related City of Columbia facilities; provides safety ...

PARK RANGER-FINLAY PARK

Columbia, SC · On-site

$35K - $44K/yr

... Rivers Greenway and related City of Columbia facilities; provides safety and security of parks and patrons; and exercises tact and courtesy in contact with the public, distributing general ...

New

CO · On-site

$19/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations. Assures quality customer service, facility ...

CO

$19/hr

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations. Assures quality customer service, facility ...

Examples of Duties The State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Ranger), State Park Peace Officer (Ranger ... river, and lake rescue; horse patrol; off-road vehicle and motorcycle patrol; or as a canine team ...

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Provides general labor to maintain the golf course at The Ford Field and River Club. Assists the Golf Course Superintendent or the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent in the organization ...

The region also boasts diverse wildlife and landscapes such as Columbia Bottomland forests, rivers ... The successful candidate(s) for Temporary / Seasonal General Maintenance, Beach and Grounds Ranger ...

Showing results 41-60

River Ranger information

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$12

$20

$39

How much do river ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for river ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a river ranger?

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 as a river ranger?

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 river ranger do?

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.

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What cities are hiring for River Ranger jobs?

Cities with the most River Ranger job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of River Ranger jobs?

The most popular types of River Ranger jobs are:

What states have the most River Ranger jobs?

States with the most job openings for River Ranger jobs include:

Infographic showing various River Ranger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

TEMPORARY Limited Commissioned Ranger - Yampa River and Elkhead Reservoir State Parks

State of Colorado

CO

$20 - $21/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Department Information THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION (9 MONTHS OR LESS) - PAYING $20.00 PER HOUR EMPLOYMENT STARTS 04/15/2026 To apply, please submit only your application (without attachments such as resumes or cover letters). This announcement will remain open until FILLED. You are encouraged to apply early

The mission of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is to develop, preserve, and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors. In an effort to build diversity and inclusion we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) Our Mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Description of Job This is an unarmed law enforcement position (Title 33 Commission) that enforces park and wildlife laws and regulations; issues citations for violations; patrols park areas by vehicle, bicycle or foot. Responds to emergencies and resolves visitor complaints.

Will complete reports and may be required to appear in court. Positions located on water based recreation parks will conduct inspections on boats and other water craft for aquatic nuisance species and will need to take appropriate action upon discovery of such species. Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs.

Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry duties and requirements. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations, Assures quality customer service, facility maintenance, repair and cleanliness, assists with fee collection, accounting and deposits, and environmental education programs. WORK CONTEXT: In addition to work activities, below is a list of means and manner of conducting duties in this position: In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - Travel via vehicle, etc is required for this position.

Job duties for this position may cover various areas of Colorado and require operation of 4 wheel drive vehicles, snowmobiles, ATV's, towing trailers, operating boats, etc. Freedom to Make Decisions - Decisions are made on a daily basis. Part of the decision-making responsibility is to determine what level is appropriate for each decision and to forward with background information and recommendations those decisions that need supervisory authority.

Telephone - The phone is also a primary means of communication for this position, and used daily. Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - Fieldwork for this position is necessary and the worker will be outdoors, exposed to weather at least weekly if not daily. Deal With External Customers - Dealing with external customers is critical to the position and extremely important Electronic Mail -This is one of the primary means of communication for this job.

Email is used at least weekly if not daily. Face-to-Face Discussions - Face to face discussions/meetings occur at least weekly if not daily. Structured versus Unstructured Work - This job is more unstructured than structured.

Work often exceeds time available and it is workers duty to prioritize tasks, and deal with prioritizing unscheduled work that arises. Duration of Typical Work Week - The number of hours worked is, on average, but not limited to, 40 hours per week. Shifts are generally 8 hours and days off are generally Monday - Friday.

Shifts will include weekends and holidays. Consequence of Error - Error in this position could result in minor to serious implications if the mistake was not readily correctable (depending on the situation). Letters and Memos -Letters and memos are written on a regular basis.

Most written communication is handled electronically via email. Contact With Others -Contact with others occurs daily and should be considered one of the critical contexts for the position. Work With Work Group or Team - As explained above, contact with others is critical to the position and is almost always working in a group or as part of a team.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - Fieldwork for this position is necessary; however, a large portion of training will occur in a classroom or other controlled indoor environment. Uniforms - The park may provide some uniform items (shirts, hats, gloves and outerwear). Employee will be required to purchase limited uniform items at their own expense (navy colored pants, hiking or work boots, black socks and black belt).

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 21 years of age Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation Must be free of felony convictions or pending charges. Consideration will be given to all other previous violations of law, including misdemeanor violations, domestic violence, traffic and conservation laws Must possess current First Aid and CPR certifications prior to employment Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly Must be able to work various shifts, weekends and holidays Applicants must be able to pass a comprehensive background check Must attend and successfully complete required Colorado State Park training (may include full exposure to OC spray) PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position will perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. WORK CONTEXT: In addition to work activities, below is a list of means and manner of conducting duties in this position: In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - Travel via vehicle, etc.

is required for this position. Job duties for this position cover various areas of Colorado and require operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATV's, towing trailers, operating boats, etc. Freedom to Make Decisions - Decisions are made on a daily basis.

Telephone - The phone is also a primary means of communication for this position, and used daily. Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - Fieldwork for this position is necessary and the worker will be outdoors, exposed to weather at least weekly if not daily. Deal With External Customers - Dealing with external customers is critical to the position and extremely important Electronic Mail -This is one of the primary means of communication for this job.

Email is used at least weekly if not daily. Face-to-Face Discussions - Face to face discussions/meetings occur at least weekly if not daily. Structured versus Unstructured Work - This job is more unstructured than structured.

Work often exceeds time available and it is the worker's duty to prioritize tasks, and deal with prioritizing unscheduled work that arises. Duration of Typical Work Week - The number of hours worked is, on average, but not limited to, 40 hours per week. Shifts are generally 8 hours and days off are generally Monday - Friday.

Shifts will include weekends and holidays. Consequence of Error - Error in this position could result in minor to serious implications if the mistake that was not readily correctable (depending on the situation). Letters and Memos -Letters and memos are written on a weekly basis.

Most written communication is handled electronically via email. Contact With Others -Contact with others occurs daily and should be considered one of the critical contexts for the position. Work With Work Group or Team - As explained above, contact with others is critical to the position and is almost always working in a group or as part of a team.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - Fieldwork for this position is necessary; however, a large portion of training will occur in a classroom or other controlled indoor environment. FOR INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS GO TO: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/YampaRiver/Pages/Jobs.aspx Or contact: Mike Mueller at 970-276-2061 mike.mueller@state.co.us CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future

Upon hire, new employees will have three (3) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination. NOTE: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado's Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

Supplemental Information The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at dnr_hr_employeebenefits@state.co.us

E-Verify employer: The Department of Natural Resources participates in E-Verify in accordance with the program's Right to Work for all newly-hired employees. Employees are queried through the electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify identity and employment eligibility. You may complete section 1 of the I-9 form upon your acceptance of a job offer letter, but no later than your first day of employment and in addition, on your first day, but no later than the third day, you are required to submit original documents to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S

Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Toll-Free Applicant Support - Technical Help If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV at 855-524-5627, Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time)

Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it. The Human Resources Office will be unable to assist with these types of technical issues.


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