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State Park Ranger Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ZION PARK DISTRICT

Golf Starter / Ranger

Zion, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be ... Federal and/or state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex ...

Mirador, Inc.

Golf Starter / Ranger

Zion, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be ... Federal and/or state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex ...

Road Ranger LLC

Cashier

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Road Ranger is looking to hire a cashier to join the team at our Loves Park, IL location near the I ... state or local law. Powered by JazzHR 2kYH9RcizK

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All JobsState Park Ranger JobsState Park Ranger Jobs in Illinois

State Park Ranger information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$20

$38

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Illinois is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state park ranger?

State Park Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing state parks and natural resources. Their duties often include enforcing park rules, educating visitors, ensuring public safety, conducting search and rescue operations, maintaining park facilities, and protecting wildlife and habitats. They may also lead tours, provide information about the park's history and ecology, and respond to emergencies. State Park Rangers play a vital role in preserving natural and cultural resources while making parks enjoyable and safe for visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state park ranger?

To thrive as a State Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resource management, law enforcement, and emergency response, usually supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, two-way radios, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and public relations skills set outstanding rangers apart. These skills ensure visitor safety, resource protection, and positive public engagement within the park environment.

What are some common challenges faced by state park rangers during peak visitor seasons?

During peak visitor seasons, State Park Rangers often manage increased foot traffic, ensuring visitor safety while protecting natural resources. This can involve crowd control, educating the public about park rules, responding to emergencies, and enforcing regulations. Rangers must balance hospitality with enforcement, all while working long hours outdoors and sometimes dealing with unpredictable weather. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to handle conflicts and maintain a positive park experience for everyone.

What is the difference between State Park Ranger vs Forest Ranger?

AspectState Park RangerForest Ranger
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, sometimes required certificationsHigh school diploma or GED, often with forestry or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentState parks, recreational areas, visitor centersForests, national forests, wilderness areas
Employer & IndustryState government agencies managing parksFederal or state agencies managing forests and public lands
Job FocusVisitor safety, park maintenance, educational programsForest conservation, fire prevention, resource management

While both roles involve outdoor work and public interaction, State Park Rangers primarily focus on managing state parks and ensuring visitor safety, whereas Forest Rangers concentrate on forest conservation and resource management in forested areas. The credentials and work environments overlap, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the setting.

What are popular job titles related to State Park Ranger jobs in Illinois?

For State Park Ranger jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching State Park Ranger jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for State Park Ranger jobs in Illinois are:

State Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,646 per year, or $20 per hour.

Golf Starter / Ranger

Zion, IL • On-site

ZION PARK DISTRICT
See more jobs at ZION PARK DISTRICTexternal

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description

Status of Employment: Part-Time

Supervised By: Golf Operations Manager

General Statement of Duties: A Golf Starter/Ranger performs customer relations work to assure optimum use of the course facility through monitoring speed of play, inspecting registrations and sales receipts for validity, and providing information on course rules and procedures. Work requires initiative, independent judgment and diplomacy in order to maintain optimum golf course use and effective public relations. This position requires light janitorial duties in/around the clubhouse and the course as needed. Additionally, the Starter/Ranger is responsible for the daily staging, rotation, fueling and cleaning of golf carts.

Distinguishing Features of Position: Duties require weekend and holiday shifts that may begin as early 5am and shifts that may conclude as late as 10pm.

Qualifications of Required knowledge and Abilities: Requires any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED, and 1-3 experience involving public contact in a service or sales capacity. Basic knowledge of the game of golf is required.

Hours: This position will work on average, 12-20 hours per week Monday through Sunday, depending on the needs of the Park District. Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be approved by the Golf Operations Manager. 

Duties and Responsibilities - Essentials Functions - not limited to the following:

  • Arrives on time, in uniform and ready to work, as scheduled.
  • Effectively communicates, both verbally and in writing with supervisor, staff and public.
  • Reconcile account of players and document speed of play.
  • Customer service related inquiries and problems for both internal and external customers
  • Troubleshoots customer service issues.
  • Assists patrons with questions related to the golf operation and the Zion Park District. 
  • Assists other staff with special projects and performs other duties as assigned. 
  • Insures that the building and work areas are maintained and organized professionally and in a positive atmosphere.
  • Responsible for understand the importance of safety issues at the Park District, for adhering to the safety manual and associated policies, toward achieving the safety goals of the Park District
  • Follow procedures for opening or closing the facility.


Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical considerations described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Seeing: To observe participants, to observe safety conditions, for written communication.
  • Hearing: For safety awareness, to effectively communicate with public and staff.
  • Speaking: To effectively communicate with public and staff.
  • Sitting: To perform office tasks at desk, etc.
  • Standing: To observe participants and staff.
  • Walking: To move from location to location to observe activities.
  • Handling: To utilize writing instruments or computer keyboard, cash register.
  • Running: Running maybe required to help a participant.
  • Lifting: Lifting maybe required to move supplies and equipment.
  • Stooping: Stooping maybe required to help a participant, clean facility or pick up supplies or equipment.
  • Pushing/Pulling: to open and close desk drawers and doors.
  • Climbing: To climb stairs in facilities.

Cognitive Considerations

  • Ability to comprehend written and verbal communications.
  • Ability to recognize and demonstrate sound safety measures.
  • Ability to reason; process information and make informed rational judgements.

Environmental Considerations

  • Work requires exposure to a wide range of weather and environmental conditions.

Safety

Employee is responsible for understanding the importance of safety issues, rules, policies, and to comply with said rules and policies.

  • Report unsafe conditions and document incidents or accidents as per Zion Park District policy.
  • Work to achieve goals and objectives of the Safety Committee of Zion Park District.


Disclaimer

  • This description is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of the employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.
  • The Zion Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the bases of their qualifications for the job in question. Federal and/or state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other protected status. Please advise us if any accommodations are required to assist you in performing your job. 



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