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State Park Ranger Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

State Park Ranger information

See Washington salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Washington is $23.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $24.23 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 Washington? For State Park Ranger jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching State Park Ranger jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for State Park Ranger jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for State Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Washington with the most State Park Ranger job openings:

$17.15/hr

Full-time

Dental, Life

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Introduction

Salary $17.158+/hour\r\n\r\n\r\nEmployment type - Full-time and Part-Time\r\n

GRADE

HRLY 0008\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine MD 20613 (Prince George's County)\r\n\r\n\r\nThis park complex includes:\r\nCedarville State Forest, 10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine MD 20613 (Prince George's County)\r\nSmallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point, Marbury MD 20658 (Charles County)\r\nRosaryville State Park, 7805 West Marlton Avenue, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 (Prince George's County)\r\nMerkle NRMA, 11704 Fenno Road, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 (Prince George's County)\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

The Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service is currently recruiting for multiple seasonal contractual positions for the upcoming 2026 season at Cedarville State Forest, Merkle NRMA, Smallwood, Calvert Cliffs and Rosaryville State Parks. Contract duration will be approximately between the dates of Memorial Day and Labor Day, depending on specific need.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe working titles that the Maryland Park Service is currently recruiting for are noted below. You must indicate on the Supplemental Questionnaire the position(s) of interest in order to be considered for this recruitment. Please review the duties of each job closely before applying.\r\n\r\n\r\nYou can review the position duties of each series HERE.\r\n\r\n\r\nMaintenance Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Maintenance Worker\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAdministrative/Customer Service Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Contact Station/Concession Attendant\r\n Concession Manager\r\n Visitor Services Attendant\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHistorical Interpreter/Naturalist Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Naturalist\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRanger Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Park Ranger\r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: None\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience: 40 hours of Customer Service or Maintenance Experience. This includes but is not limited to professional or volunteer experience in retail, service industry, administrative, or similar fields as indicated on application. * Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that you fail to indicate.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least six (6) months of experience working in a park location performing park operations.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle, UTV or golf cart. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland and five points or fewer on their current driving record. Please note, a provisional driver's license will not be accepted as the restrictions may interfere with the job requirements.\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants selected for employment may undergo an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to: employment reference check, education verification, driving record check (if the position requires employees to drive a vehicle) and a criminal history check including fingerprinting. Should the position you are in consideration for require an employment, driving or criminal history check, continued employment will be contingent on the results.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions of this position.\r\n\r\n\r\nFor education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.\r\n

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.\r\nLeave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.\r\n\r\n*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.\r\n\r\n\r\nFaxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management atApplication.Help@maryland.gov; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you need to make adjustments to a submitted application or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Emilee Knott atEmilee.Knott@maryland.gov.\r\n\r\n\r\nSupplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.\r\n\r\n\r\nPlease provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.\r\n\r\n\r\nTTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time