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Senior Park Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

About Everything Else Job Profile CN2550 Park Ranger Senior To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here. Position Type ...

About Everything Else Job Profile CN2550 Park Ranger Senior To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here. Position Type ...

About Everything Else Job Profile CN2550 Park Ranger Senior To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here. Position Type ...

Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations, working in wildlife and resource management, environmental ...

$46K - $53K/yr

Under the supervision of the Senior Park Ranger, this position is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations, working in wildlife and resource management, environmental ...

Senior Park Ranger information

See Colorado salary details

$26.3K

$84.4K

$171.9K

How much do senior park ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior park ranger in Colorado is $84,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $108,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the unique challenges Senior Park Rangers face in managing both natural resources and visitor experiences?

Senior Park Rangers often need to balance the preservation of natural resources with the demands of public access and recreation. This means addressing issues like trail erosion, wildlife protection, and invasive species management while also ensuring visitor safety and providing educational programs. Additionally, Senior Park Rangers frequently supervise teams, coordinate with law enforcement, and collaborate with conservationists and community groups, making strong leadership and communication skills essential. The role can be physically demanding and requires adaptability to changing conditions and evolving park priorities.

How hard is it to get a job as a park ranger?

Getting a job as a senior park ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience in park management, law enforcement, or environmental science, along with certifications such as CPR or first aid. Candidates typically need a combination of education, physical fitness, and knowledge of park operations, and the hiring process may involve interviews and background checks.

Do you get a pension as a park ranger?

Senior park rangers employed by government agencies often qualify for pension plans as part of their retirement benefits, which are typically based on years of service and salary. Eligibility and specifics vary by agency and location, but pensions are a common benefit for full-time federal, state, or local government park rangers. Many also have access to retirement savings plans such as 401(k)s or similar programs.

What are Senior Park Rangers?

Senior Park Rangers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the protection, maintenance, and public use of parks and natural resources. They supervise junior staff, enforce rules and regulations, educate visitors, and help ensure the safety of both people and wildlife within park areas. Additionally, Senior Park Rangers may manage conservation projects, coordinate emergency response efforts, and collaborate with local communities and government agencies to preserve the park's ecological integrity.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Senior Park Rangers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; however, some high-paying trades such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers can reach or exceed that income level through experience and certifications. These roles often require specialized skills, licenses, or extensive on-the-job training rather than formal college degrees.

What is the highest paid park ranger?

The highest paid park rangers are typically those in senior or supervisory roles, such as Chief or Park Superintendent, earning salaries that can exceed $80,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, location, and the size of the park or agency, with federal park rangers generally earning higher salaries than state or local counterparts.

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

To thrive as a Senior Park Ranger, you need expertise in natural resource management, law enforcement, and public safety, typically supported by a degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, park management systems, and relevant certifications such as first aid or peace officer training are commonly required. Leadership, strong communication, and conflict resolution skills help in supervising staff and engaging with the public. These skills are vital for preserving park resources, ensuring visitor safety, and effectively managing park operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Senior Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Park Ranger job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 5% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 62% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,423 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Our Job

Who We Are

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose - for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

The mission of Denver Park Rangers is to maximize public safety, protect park resources and provide service to visitors. Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local law enforcement and fire department in the event of an emergency or hazardous situation.

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $27.89-$40.10/Hour.

If the incumbent meets requirements per CSA rules, Park Rangers may be able to earn a shift differential in pay for working during night hours or evening hours at 12% of current hourly pay rate and 7% of current hourly pay rate, respectively.

A flexible 4 (10) shift work week is available as well as a 5 (8) shift work week.

Location

In this position you would be required to work weekends, nights, and holidays, and the hours in this position may vary. Districts being filled are still to be determined.

What You'll Do

These positions will lead the work of on-calls, volunteers, and contractors and connect park visitors experiencing homelessness to emergency and long-term services. These are full-time, benefited opportunities to work within one of the largest and most diverse park systems in the region consisting of our Denver urban parks. The districts for the positions being filled are tentatively Night Operations and Trails District

Specifically, as a Park Ranger you will:

  • Patrol urban parks through motorized and non-motorized means to protect public safety and park resources; perform visual surveillance and assessment of the use of park facilities to ensure compliance.

  • Provide outreach and options for people experiencing homelessness.

  • Interpret rules and regulations relative to the facility/park and its condition and interpret information about the park system and natural resources; assure public safety, park security and resource protection by providing education to park visitors to encourage the proper use and enjoyment of urban parks.

  • Ensure permit compliance and manage conflicts between visitors; issue warnings and citations for violations of municipal park ordinances; may need to appear in court if required.

  • Report hazardous conditions which might interfere with safe usage of facility/park, report accidents to proper authorities and respond appropriately to coordinate and assist with medical emergencies and other incidents.

  • Provide information to the public about facilities and assistance to the public about park resources; assist facility users in resolving problems and complaints concerning facility/park quality, availability, and the actions of other users.

  • Interact with the public to increase awareness of parks rules and regulations and act as a community advocate; communicate with diverse and multi-lingual community members, represent the department at various public events.

What You'll Bring

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or supervision, and park regulation compliance preferred

Possession of current:CPR/First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)

Bilingual skills (Spanish is preferred)

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and/or GPS units (to track/document field work)

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Recreation, Forestry, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, Park Management, or a related field

Experience: One year or two seasons of park experience in public relations, natural science, open space, or regulations compliance

Licensures/Certification(s): Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application. Must possess a valid Denver Parks and Recreation Enforcement Official Certification by the end of the Ranger Training Program. Possession of CPR, First Aid, Naloxone Certifications by the completion of probation. Training in Vistelar or other designated training, verbal defense certification is a condition of employment and must be obtained by the completion of probation. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

Equivalency: A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements

Application Deadline

This position is expected to stay open until July 26, 2025. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than July 26th, 2025 at 11:59 PM to ensure consideration.

application deadline must be communicated according to updates to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

To comply:

Career Service must be posted for at least 2 business dates

Non Career Service (e.g. appointee) must be posted for at least 1 business day

The posting CANNOT be pulled before the application deadline stated here. It can be updated and pushed out if needed.

Evergreen Language should ONLY be used when we are truly accepting applications on a constant/rolling basis and do not plan to pull the posting. If at any point you plan to shut down the posting, update the job description to reflect the expected application close date.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CN2550 Park Ranger Senior

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$27.89 - $43.23

Target Pay

Starting Pay $30.00/hour

Agency

Parks and Recreation

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.