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State Park Ranger Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

State Park Ranger information

See Austin, TX salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Austin, TX is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.20 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 Austin, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching State Park Ranger jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for State Park Ranger jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for State Park Ranger jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most State Park Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,599 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

TPWD - Maintenance Specialist I - II - III (Operations Ranger)

CAPPS

Austin, TX • On-site

$3.5K - $3.9K/mo

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Description
TPWD MISSION
To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
HIRING CONTACT: Michael Diaz, 5122431643, Email Address: Michael.Diaz@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Assistant Park Superintendent and Maintenance Supervisor, this position is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of park facilities, grounds, equipment operations, and visitor services for McKinney Falls State Park. Operates all types of equipment such as trucks, tractors, mowers, and power tools. Provides quality visitor services by issuing permits, collecting revenue, providing information, and registers visitors using an automated registration system. Assists in enforcing park rules and regulations, performs resource management tasks and interprets the parks natural resources. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Maintenance Specialist I
Education: 8th Grade Education
Experience: One year of facility, equipment or grounds maintenance.
Maintenance Specialist II
Education: Graduation from high school or GED
Experience: Two years of facility, equipment or grounds maintenance.
Maintenance Specialist III
Education: Graduation from high school or GED
Experience: Three years of facility, equipment or grounds maintenance.
Licensure:
Must possess or be able to obtain within 30 days a valid class "C" Texas driver's license.
Note: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Experience:
Maintenance Specialist II
Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience, with a maximum substitution of one year.
Maintenance Specialist III
Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience, with a maximum substitution of two years.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
Experience working with the public.
Experience with customer service and/or public relations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of building and facility repair techniques such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical.
Knowledge of landscaping and grounds maintenance techniques.
Knowledge of basic mathematics.
Knowledge of the construction, repair, maintenance, and operation of buildings, equipment, and utility systems.
Knowledge of building materials.
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
Skill in the use of various hand and power tools and other mechanical equipment.
Skill in selecting appropriate tools and equipment and in troubleshooting situations to determine appropriate actions to resolve problems.
Maintenance Specialist I, II, III:
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to work from drawings, diagrams, or blueprints.
Ability to estimate materials.
Ability to apply proper methods, techniques, and procedures in the maintenance and repair of buildings and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to provide guidance to others.
Ability to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
Ability to perform entry level building maintenance and construction work.
Ability to work under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
Maintenance Specialist II:
Ability to perform routine (journeylevel) building maintenance and construction work.
Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
Maintenance Specialist III:
Ability to perform complex (journeylevel) building maintenance and construction work.
Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Required to work 40 hours per week with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Must be able to adjust to changing schedules.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
Required to travel 5% with possible overnight stays.
May be required to operate a State vehicle.
Nonsmoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
PLEASE NOTE:
All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:
  • Job title,
  • Employer name,
  • Dates of employment (month/year),
  • If employment is less than fulltime status, indicate parttime in the work history section or résumé, and
  • Description of duties performed.
    NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:
  • College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
  • `N/A' may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
  • Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:
  • WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
  • To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway .
  • If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the `Create a Résumé' link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website .

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a ReturntoWork Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.
MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:
If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted . If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/ .
Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:
Veteran DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).
Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses activeduty military orders.
Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.
Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.
More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:
https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf
TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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About CAPPS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A statewide software solution developed by the Texas Department of Information Resources, CAPPS consolidates financial management, HR, and payroll operations for state agencies. Designed as a unified enterprise resource system, CAPPS replaced legacy tools in the early 2000s with a scalable, integrated platform tailored to agencies of varied size and complexity.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US