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State Park Ranger Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Ranger

Florence, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

The Campground Ranger position may include walking or patrol of the grounds of the campground ... state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for any ...

Ranger

Florence, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

ELS is hiring for the position of Ranger in Florence, Oregon. What you'll do: The Campground ... state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for any ...

Ranger

Welches, OR

$19 - $23.25/hr

ELS is hiring for the position of Ranger in Welches, Oregon. What you'll do: The Campground ... state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for any ...

Ranger

South Beach, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

ELS is hiring for the position of Ranger in South Beach, Oregon. What you'll do: The Campground ... state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for any ...

State Park Ranger information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Oregon is $21.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $22.60 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 job categories do people searching State Park Ranger jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for State Park Ranger jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,439 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Park Ranger 1 - Seasonal - Sumpter Valley Dredge

Park Ranger 1 - Seasonal - Sumpter Valley Dredge

State of Oregon

Sumpter, OR • On-site

$4.1K - $5.4K/wk

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Oregon rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states


Job description

Initial Posting Date:
07/07/2026
Application Deadline:
07/21/2026
Agency:
Parks and Recreation Department
Salary Range:
$4,124 - $5,445
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Park Ranger 1 - Seasonal - Sumpter Valley Dredge
Job Description:
Sumpter Valley Dredge
Near Baker City, Oregon
This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies and may close at anytime. Apply today for best consideration!
Welcome Statement
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon's extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state's resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.
Your New Role
As a seasonal, full-time Park Ranger 1, you will assist in the protection, maintenance, operation, and repair of state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment, and systems. This role involves performing a variety of park operational tasks, including janitorial work, landscape maintenance, facility upkeep, safety, and visitor services. You will utilize skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, equipment repair, and landscape maintenance, with specialized expertise in park maintenance and operations being an asset. You may also guide the work of volunteers, seasonal staff, and/or temporary state park employees on task-specific assignments. Additionally, you will contribute to a team environment and provide excellent customer service while gaining hands-on experience in park maintenance and operations.
For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here.
Housing may be available at this location.
What's in it for you:
An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:
  • Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package
  • Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Two (2) years of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

OR
  • An Associate's degree or higher in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or a related field; AND Six (6) months of visitor services experience (e.g. rule enforcement; interpretation such as education and environmental awareness programs; special events and activities; etc.) AND/OR maintenance experience (e.g., construction trades, landscaping).

Special Requirements:
  • To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver's license.

Desired Attributes:
  • Experience in park resource and facility operations and maintenance and/or resource interpretation.
  • Experience working independently in remote isolated locations.
  • Experience with customer service and providing factual information to the public based on observation, knowledge and understanding.
  • Skill in the safe use of tools, material and equipment associated with landscape, building, facility and utility system maintenance.
  • Skill in performing basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, grounds-keeping tasks.
  • Experience registering guests and processing payments in an overnight campground.
  • Experience enforcing park rules and generating compliance.

How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.
  • Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job
  • The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project
  • External Applicants: Click on the "Apply" link and submit your application. View thisvideoor this knowledge article for assistance.
  • Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge articlefor help.
  • Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans' Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under "Qualifying for Veterans' Preference".
  • After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.

Additional Information:
  • This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
  • This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
  • Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:
  • For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Garret Gilstad, Garrett.Gilstad@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on
    Facebook
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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

What State Of Oregon employees say

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About State of Oregon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Not a traditional company, the State of Oregon is a governmental entity that serves the citizens of Oregon, United States. Based in the capital city of Salem, its industry spans a wide range of public services from health care, education, and transportation, to natural resources, housing, and public safety. Founded with the admission of Oregon to the Union in 1859, it operates on the judicious use of finite resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generation. Its primary mission is to serve the public through their core values of integrity, accountability, excellence, and equity.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1859

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