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State Park Ranger Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SHELBY FARMS PARK CONSERVANCY

Park Ranger

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Park Ranger Department: Park Operations Reports to: Park Operations/Landscape Manager FLSA Status ... State of Tennessee driver's license. • Fluency in Spanish preferred. Personal Qualities • ...

Equity LifeStyle Properties

Ranger

Hohenwald, TN · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

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

Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.

Ranger

Hohenwald, TN · On-site

$15 - $18.50/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 ...

Equity Lifestyle Properties

Ranger

Hohenwald, TN

$15 - $18.50/hr

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

All JobsState Park Ranger JobsState Park Ranger Jobs in Tennessee

State Park Ranger information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$18

$35

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Tennessee is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.42 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.

Can I be a state park ranger with no experience?

State park ranger positions typically require some level of training or experience in areas such as law enforcement, conservation, or customer service. While prior experience is beneficial, many agencies offer training programs and may consider candidates with relevant skills or a willingness to learn. Certifications like CPR or first aid can also improve eligibility.

Is it easy to get a job as a State Park Ranger?

Becoming a State Park Ranger typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in natural resources or environmental science, and experience in outdoor or law enforcement roles. Competition can be moderate to high, and candidates often need to pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and sometimes obtain certifications like CPR or first aid. Strong communication skills and knowledge of park regulations are also important for success in the hiring process.

How much are US park rangers paid?

U.S. park rangers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for training and advancement.

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?

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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

State Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,007 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Park Ranger

SHELBY FARMS PARK CONSERVANCY

Memphis, TN • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job title:                                Park Ranger

Department:                         Park Operations

Reports to:                            Park Operations/Landscape Manager

FLSA Status:                           Full Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Grade:                       Grade 1

Salary:                                  $15–19/hr (commensurate with education and experience)

About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area.

About Shelby Farms Park

At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all.

Position Summary

The Park Ranger is responsible for keeping Shelby Farms Park clean, green and safe to ensure an excellent visitor experience every day. The Ranger is a steward of the landscapes, natural resources and wildlife in our care and is focused on creating a healthy, thriving park for people and wildlife.

Key Responsibilities

•  Inspects, maintains and improves grounds, facilities, structures, and site amenities.

•  Provides life safety and emergency assistance to visitors; supports law enforcement, fire, and EMS.

•  Actively engages with visitors to provide excellent hospitality and visitor experience; shares mission, park history, news and information with visitors.

•  Performs inspections and preventative maintenance on all systems, grounds and facilities.

•  Promotes wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship through the monitoring of wildlife conditions, assistance with injured animal response efforts, and the safe, humane, and regulatory-compliant removal and disposal of deceased animals.

•  Collaborates with team to support facility rentals, events and programs.

•  Manages litter, debris and recyclable materials daily to ensure a clean park.

•  Opens and closes park entry gates and public buildings daily.

•  Communicates and enforces park rules.

Skills and Qualifications

•  Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.

•  Proven relevant work experience in outdoors, recreational, grounds, maintenance, wildlife, or natural resource management.

•  Experience operating chainsaws safely and effectively for tree maintenance, debris removal, and vegetation control activities.

•  Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects through a work order system.

•  Strong verbal communication skills that balance professionalism, diplomacy and compassion both internally and externally.

•  Ability to provide and follow oral and written instructions clearly and effectively.

•  Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

•  Ability to perform routine maintenance on all park equipment and features.

•  Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in an outdoor setting, including in inclement weather.

•  Must be able to bend, stoop, reach and work at a constant pace; lift and carry 50 pounds; carry, climb and work on a ladder.

•  Can safely operate park vehicles and equipment.

•  Must possess a valid State of Tennessee driver’s license.

•  Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Personal Qualities

•  Demonstrates values of collaboration, accountability, authenticity, trust and learning.

•  Commitment to the consistent production of high quality, detailed work.

•  Organizes, plans, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner.

•  Manages stress in a fast-paced, changing organization.

•  Collaborative spirit; works well with team members and volunteers of different races, backgrounds and experiences; willingly does whatever needs to be done.

•  Elicits confidence and builds rapport.

•  Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated, and self-aware.

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