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State Park Ranger Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Charleston, WV ยท On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

Nature of Work Parks and Recreation/Beech Fork State Park Under limited supervision the employee in this classification is responsible for providing assistance to the Superintendent and Assistant ...

New

Building Maintenance Mechanic

Charleston, WV ยท On-site

$29K - $49K/yr

Nature of Work Parks and Recreation/Cacapon Resort State Park Under the general supervision of the Park Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Park Ranger and Building Maintenance Supervisors ...

State Park Ranger information

See West Virginia salary details

$9

$15

$30

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in West Virginia is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.54 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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to State Park Ranger jobs in West Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,271 per year, or $16 per hour.

Park Ranger

West Virginia

Charleston, WV โ€ข On-site

$35K - $61K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Nature of Work Parks and Recreation/Beech Fork State Park Under limited supervision the employee in this classification is responsible for providing assistance to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent in the management, operation, maintenance, and protection of Beech Fork State Park. This employee will work primarily during evenings, weekends, and holidays as a manager-on-duty. Employee may also be assigned off facility responsibilities which include attendance at training sessions, special events, firefighting and law enforcement duties.

Receives assignments from supervisor but is also expected to provide a reasonable level of independent discretionary judgement and initiative in leading or assisting in planning and directing park operations such as camping and cabin operations, building maintenance, equipment maintenance, grounds maintenance, housekeeping, sanitation, public relations, law enforcement, personnel management and training, visitor activity programming, historical and nature interpretation, conservation preservation, federal and state regulatory compliance, accounting, recordkeeping, revenue production, and budget preparation and control. Employee may be required to prepare various work reports and documents including purchasing documents, payroll, revenue reports, expenditure reports and inventories. Assists in coordinating and facilitating employee training and familiarization programs.

Plans, supervises, and/or performs maintenance as necessary. Makes recommendations to park superintendent and assists in the initiation and performance of repairs, maintenance, and/or renovation of structures, ground facilities, trails, fences, roads, structures, and other physical features of areas. Inspects complete work in all areas of operation.

Employee will troubleshoot and resolve guest and employee issues and complaints; maintain and promote a high level of effective hospitality and customer service to guests and visitors to the area. Will handle and resolve customer complaints; respond to emergencies; perform law enforcement duties; and perform related work as required. Regular attendance is required.

Must have a valid driver's license. May need to successfully complete required Special Natural Resources Police Officer training and pistol requirements as established by the Division of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Section. May need to pass periodic firearms qualification.

May need to pass an initial physical examination, psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination designed to determine applicant's fitness for Special Natural Resources Police Officer. Click The APPLY Link To Apply Online. Minimum Qualifications Training: Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university.

OR Substitution: Additional experience as described below may be substituted for the required training at a rate of one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience per thirty (30) semester hours of coursework. AND Experience: Six (6) months of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience working at a park, in a natural resources field, in the tourism or travel industry, or in the environmental industry. Special Requirement: Must have a valid driver's license.

May need to successfully complete required Special Natural Resources Police Officer training and pistol requirements as established by the Division of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Section. May need to pass periodic firearms qualification. May need to pass an initial physical examination, psychological evaluation, and polygraph examination designed to determine fitness for Special Natural Resources Police Officer enforcement duties.

May be assigned to manage law enforcement programs and/or perform patrol, issue warnings and citations, and make arrests. Other Information Substitution: 6 months of professional experience and/or military service will be substituted for the specific (preferred) experience listed above.