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Seasonal Backcountry Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger (Seasonal)

Thibodaux, LA · On-site +1

$19.52 - $25.37/hr

Observes, documents, and maintains records of various backcountry conditions. * Provides informal ... Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they ...

Seasonal Backcountry Ranger information

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$12

$20

$39

How much do seasonal backcountry ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal backcountry 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 are Seasonal Backcountry Rangers?

Seasonal Backcountry Rangers are park employees who work during specific seasons—often spring through fall—to protect and manage remote wilderness areas within parks or forests. Their duties typically include patrolling trails, assisting visitors, monitoring wildlife, performing search and rescue operations, and maintaining natural resources. They often work in rugged, isolated environments and may camp overnight in the backcountry. Seasonal rangers play a vital role in visitor safety and conservation during high-use times of the year. This position requires strong outdoor skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of natural resource management.

What is the difference between Seasonal Backcountry Ranger vs Seasonal Park Ranger?

AspectSeasonal Backcountry RangerSeasonal Park Ranger
CredentialsBasic park certifications, CPR/First AidSimilar certifications, often more public interaction
Work EnvironmentRemote, wilderness areas, backcountryPark grounds, visitor centers, accessible areas
Employer & IndustryNational parks, wilderness preservesState and national parks, recreation areas

Seasonal Backcountry Rangers primarily work in remote, wilderness areas, focusing on conservation, trail maintenance, and visitor safety in backcountry settings. Seasonal Park Rangers often work in more accessible park areas, engaging in visitor education, law enforcement, and maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and daily duties.

What are some typical challenges a Seasonal Backcountry Ranger faces during peak season?

Seasonal Backcountry Rangers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, remote work locations, and the need to respond to emergencies with limited resources. Navigating challenging terrain while carrying equipment, managing visitor interactions, and enforcing park regulations in isolated areas are also common aspects of the job. Effective communication and self-sufficiency are crucial, as rangers may spend extended periods working alone or with a small team, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

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

To thrive as a Seasonal Backcountry Ranger, you need strong outdoor skills, knowledge of wilderness safety, and usually a background in environmental science, natural resources, or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, radio communication systems, and wilderness first aid certification are typically required. Excellent interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for engaging with visitors and responding to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safety of both the public and natural resources while promoting responsible recreation in remote environments.
More about Seasonal Backcountry Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Backcountry Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Backcountry Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backcountry Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Backcountry Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Backcountry Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Backcountry Ranger jobs include:
Infographic showing various Seasonal Backcountry Ranger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Seasonal Non-Commissioned Park Rangers 2025-03175

Seasonal Non-Commissioned Park Rangers 2025-03175

State of Wyoming

Cheyenne, WY • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


State Of Wyoming rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description and Functions Open Until Filled This recruitment is intended to fill multiple positions at various locations, including Glendo, Shoshoni, and Cody GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Are you looking for an opportunity to work in an amazing location, interact with people, and be a part of a great team that is passionate about the outdoors. If so, join us for a summer adventure in Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation. Launch your professional life- or re-create yourself - with an inspiring career in Wyoming's outdoors.

Explore the many possibilities with Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Outdoor Recreation. Watch our recruitment videos here: The Non-Commissioned Seasonal Park Ranger provides public safety and education services for visitors and staff at state parks and historic sites including patrolling front and backcountry areas by various means, educating visitors on parks rules and regulations, visitor contacts, park visitor assistance, preparation of reports, responding to emergencies and medical calls for service, property and natural resource protection, perform light maintenance and fee collection. POST Certification is not required.

Non-commissioned seasonal park rangers will enhance, assist, and supplement commissioned park rangers and be able to make immediate, important, and critical decisions related to enforcement and emergencies. Park housing may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Human Resource Contact: stacy.sprengeler@wyo.gov, 307-777-7010 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level

Educate park visitors on applicable state statutes, park rules, and regulations within statutory and agency guidelines to protect and preserve natural, historic, and cultural features, sites, and structures. Respond to emergencies. Help protect people and property in Wyoming State Parks and Historic sites.

Patrol assigned park areas to provide high public visibility. Patrol front and backcountry areas by foot, vehicle, UTVs, watercraft, and mountain bike as needed. Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

May be required to provide testimony in court regarding investigations of park-related incidents. Assist visitors who require assistance for various reasons. Provide recreational and historic information about the park system and the local area.

Participate in community policing efforts at parks and historic sites. Provide traffic control or other assistance for special events. Make immediate, important, and critical decisions related to emergencies.

Participate in interpretive educational and public outreach programs as needed. Perform office duties including daily activity reports, computer work, visitation reports, required departmental reports, and correspondence. Complete the required field training program and attend the required seasonal park ranger training.

This enables the parks to produce qualified seasonal park rangers. Assist park staff with projects such as minor property maintenance, traffic counter readings, fee collection, campsite reservation system operation, and other duties as assigned. Pick up trash and clean restrooms as needed.

Maintain state-issued equipment and vehicles, including minor repairs and preventive maintenance. Attend various public meetings, conferences, and engagements as requested. Professionally represent the agency at all times.

Qualifications PREFERENCES/**AGENCY REQUIREMENTS: Preference may be given to applicants with at least one year of education in Natural Resources Management or Criminal Justice at the time of hire OR at least one year of experience working in Natural Resources or Law Enforcement fields. **High School diploma or GED required. **Must be at least 18 years of age.

**Must maintain a valid Driver's License **Must obtain a valid CPR and First Aid certification within one month (1) month of hire. **Must pass a criminal and driving background check. **Must have at least one year of education in Natural Resources or Criminal Justice.

**Must have basic swimming abilities. KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of outdoor recreation. Demonstrated knowledge of area ecosystems and related native plants and wildlife; biology, wildlife management, geology, environmental sciences, and local and state history.

Basic knowledge of park recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, nature study, etc. Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Ability to make immediate, important, and critical decisions related to enforcement and emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: None - See "Preferences" Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Work will be required on weekends, evenings, and holidays NOTES: FLSA: Non-Exempt Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.

Supplemental Information 024-State Parks & Cultural Resources - Division of State Parks, Historic Sites, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.


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About State of Wyoming

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Wyoming is not a company, but the government administration of the U.S. state named Wyoming, with headquarters in the capital city, Cheyenne. Its website, wyo.gov, serves as the official online portal for the state government, providing a diverse range of services focused on improving the lives of its residents. The government's mission encompasses various sectors including education, healthcare, transport, justice, and financial services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cheyenne, WY, US

Year founded

1890

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