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State Park Ranger Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Ranger

Buckeye, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

Inspects tied down RVs, park models, and manufactured homes for cleanliness, rust, damage and other ... US State Team Member Privacy Notice

State Park Ranger information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Phoenix, AZ is $20.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.25 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 Phoenix, AZ?

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

What job categories do people searching State Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for State Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,672 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

$22.67 - $32.87/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Town Of Gilbert (Arizona) rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

We Are Seeking Team Gilbert has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional to fill the position of Park Ranger I. With every job we fill, our focus is on providing best-in-class service to our citizens while offering opportunities for professional growth in a rewarding, innovative work environment. The Park Ranger I reports to the Park Ranger II.

The primary job duties of this position include: Patrol town parks and trails to observe the activities of persons in and around neighborhood or district parks, preserves, sports complexes, facilities, and lakes to prevent unauthorized access or restricted use. Monitor park activities and identify inappropriate, unsafe, criminal, or other undesirable behaviors, resolve issues as appropriate; notify the police department if inappropriate activity escalates or may become dangerous; use confrontation avoidance, OC spray, and/or defensive tactics when necessary. Open and close parks as needed; complete reports and submit work orders; remove trash and debris or other minor maintenance.

Provide customer service by verifying park permits and resolve disputes, and ensure reservations are available as scheduled in a safe and clean condition. Respond to emergency calls for assistance. Provide assistance to park patrons and Police/Fire in emergency situations including locating missing children or adults; issues warnings and civil citations or serves as a witness and/or completes witness statements for police; Capture and containment of stray/lost domestic animals; assisting with the capture and rescue of wildlife and working with appropriate authorities and external agencies; View the full job description here.

Anticipated Recruiting Timeline: Posting Closes: August 31, 2026 Virtual Interview Invites Sent: September 2, 2026 Virtual Interview Submission Deadline: September 6, 2026 Interview Invites Sent: September 9, 2026 In-Person Interviews: September 14, 2026 Anticipated New Hire Start Date: September 28, 2026 *Subject to change and for planning purposes only About You At Team Gilbert, we hire innovative, forward-thinking problem-solvers who love what they do. In addition to possessing the ability to live out our core and functional values daily, candidates must possess the following requirements: High School Diploma or GED 1 year of experience in public security, public recreation, and parks maintenance preferred Must be able to work in extreme temperatures that are part of the Arizona climate Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Arizona Driver License CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 3 months of employment Shall attend a Certified Playground Safety Inspector course within 12 months of employment, and obtain/maintain certification thereafter.

This position is an At-Will position and is FLSA Non-Exempt - eligible for overtime compensation. Physical Demands and Working Conditions for this position include: This position has been designated as a Light work position that spends a majority of their workday in an office/warehouse/outdoor/field environment. Click here to learn more about the different physical exertion levels as defined by the Social Security Administration.

The physical demands and working conditions information above is meant to provide a general idea of the conditions for this role. Gilbert is committed to being an inclusive employer of candidates with a wide range of abilities, and looks for opportunities to accommodate different abilities within reason. Why Team Gilbert.

To view the slide show presentation above, click here. We Are Here to Help. Gilbert is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

If any reasonable accommodation is needed while participating in the application and interviewing process, please contact our People Team (Human Resources) at 480-503-6823. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Gilbert provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


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