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State Park Ranger Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger 1 (Tumalo State Park) Tumalo State Park - Oregon State Parks Near Bend, Oregon Welcome Statement Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon's extraordinary ...

Park Ranger 2 (Detroit Lake) Detroit Lake State Recreation Area - Oregon State Parks Welcome Statement Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon's extraordinary ...

Ranger

Florence, OR

$17 - $21.25/hr

Ranger Position With a culture of recognition and reputation for excellence, ELS is the ideal ... state and federal law. Your job will include: * Monitor the property with a keen eye for any ...

New

Ranger

Bend, OR

$19 - $23.50/hr

... and the Park Staff. You will also engage with property guests. WHAT YOU BRING: * High School ... We are also committed to complying with all Federal, State, and local laws providing for equal ...

Ranger

Bend, OR · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... and the Park Staff. You will also engage with property guests. WHAT YOU BRING: * High School ... We are also committed to complying with all Federal, State, and local laws providing for equal ...

Ranger

Welches, OR

$19 - $23.25/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

Welches, OR · On-site

$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

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 ...

New

State Park Ranger information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 are popular job titles related to State Park Ranger jobs in Oregon? For State Park Ranger jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 15% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,439 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Park Ranger 1 (Tumalo State Park)

Park Ranger 1 (Tumalo State Park)

State of Oregon

Bend, OR • On-site

$4K - $5K/wk

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


State Of Oregon rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states


Job description

Initial Posting Date:
06/01/2026
Application Deadline:
06/15/2026
Agency:
Parks and Recreation Department
Salary Range:
$4,124 - $5,458
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Park Ranger 1 (Tumalo State Park)
Job Description:
Tumalo State Park - Oregon State Parks
Near Bend, Oregon
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 permanent, full-time Park Ranger 1, you will perform, conduct and oversee a variety of tasks. These tasks will be done in order to protect, maintain, operate and repair state park lands, natural and cultural resources, structures, facilities, equipment and systems. You will be using skills in building trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and landscape maintenance, as well as specialized program skills (e.g.: resource interpretation, cultural and natural resource restoration, utility infrastructure operation, park rule enforcement, etc.) related to the maintenance and operations of agency programs and properties.
For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here.
In this role, some duties include:
  • Running campground operations including processing reservations and reconciling fees.
  • Clean restrooms, showers, bathhouses, and maintenance shops.
  • Patrol park areas to protect resources and facilities by checking for misuse, undesirable activities, and hazards, and take appropriate action.
  • Inspect park grounds, buildings, facilities, vehicles, materials, and equipment for safety hazards and violations, and take action.
  • Construct, maintain, and restore hiking trails using hand and power tools.

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 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 in Park and Recreation Administration or Natural Resource Management or Environmental Studies and 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:
  • Skill in the safe use of tools, material and equipment associated with landscape, building, facility and utility system maintenance including actively identifying and addressing safety hazards during daily operations.
  • Experience providing exceptional customer service working with the public or in a public setting while promoting voluntary compliance with park rules and safety expectations through positive, educational visitor interactions.
  • Skill in performing basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, and grounds keeping tasks.
  • Skill in resolving customer complaints related to overnight camping and park rule interpretation.
  • Experience and/or skills working with diverse work team including volunteers, youth crews, or the general public.
  • Computer knowledge including data entry and registration of customers, fee collection and cash handling.
  • Team Player/Positive attitude.

How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.
NOTE: In addition to completing the "My Experience" section as stated below, please be sure to attach a current Resume.
  • 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 this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
  • Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for 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: justin.paulsen@oprd.oregon.gov
  • For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
  • Follow Oregon Parks & Recreation Department on
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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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