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State Park Ranger Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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State Park Ranger information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$17

$34

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Kentucky is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are State Park Rangers?

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

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 popular job titles related to State Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky? For State Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching State Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for State Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky are:
State Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,327 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
State Park Ranger I

State Park Ranger I

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Slade, KY • On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Kentucky Department Of Corrections rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 42 rated prisons

Job description

State Park Ranger I

50670

31172486

What Kentucky Department Of Corrections employees say

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