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

Patrol parks by ATV, bicycle, foot and small truck; monitor and repair State Trust Land fence lines; observe the activities of persons in and around City buildings, facilities and park areas; prevent ...

Park Ranger

Apache Junction, AZ · On-site

$26.82 - $38.84/hr

Patrol parks by ATV, bicycle, foot and small truck; monitor and repair State Trust Land fence lines; observe the activities of persons in and around City buildings, facilities and park areas; prevent ...

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 Jul 28, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,672 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Park Ranger

$26.82 - $38.84/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description (Anticipated Hiring Range: $26.82 - $28.18/hour) Positions assigned to this class provide security services, maintain safe and secure environments for City Parks and facilities. Provides assistance through education, information or other action in matters both routine and critical in all parks as requested or needed by the citizens and guests of Apache Junction. Essential Duties The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification

While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City's needs. Patrol parks by ATV, bicycle, foot and small truck; monitor and repair State Trust Land fence lines; observe the activities of persons in and around City buildings, facilities and park areas; prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. Monitor 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 defensive tactics, expandable baton, handcuffs and defensive spray when necessary.

Conduct inspections of playgrounds and equipment, restrooms, lights, signs and other park items for damage or unsafe conditions; complete reports and submit work orders; remove trash and debris and other minor maintenance. Provide assistance to park users and Public Safety Department in emergency situations including locating missing children or persons, traffic control at traffic accident scenes, in capturing and containment of venomous and domestic animals; may serve as a witness and/or complete witness statements; may testify in court. Provide assistance to the Fire Department for accidents and injuries that occur in the parks and serve as first responder for basic first aid and adult and infant CPR.

Open gates for emergency helicopter ambulance landings on ball fields or parking lots. Participate in overall maintenance, setup of events, and the opening and closing of parks as needed; enforce park rules, regulations and ordinances; issue warnings and citations and give verbal warnings as appropriate for violations related to park use; provide information and explanation of policies and regulations to the public and employees. Assist Police Department with traffic control; work with community and other City departments to resolve safety issues; answer citizen calls for service in the parks; assist citizens with city limits; implement and conduct educational programs/presentations.

Maintain logs and complete various internal administrative, status or incident reports; may operate and monitor keycard security systems, closed circuit TV monitoring systems, metal detectors and other security equipment. Support the City's policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and one (1) year paid fulltime experience in park security, law enforcement or related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information Knowledge City and Department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes Arizona Department of Public Safety Communications procedures. Proper use of safety equipment and tools used in the line of duty. Basic first aid and CPR Skills Handling and using issued tools and equipment including Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.) spray, safety gloves, baton, handcuffs and radio; operating various types of vehicles and other modes of transportation; determining the appropriate use of force in a situation

Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful and potentially hazardous situations; dealing with the public in a professional manner; working independently. Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; following instructions. Pre-employment Requirements Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation.

Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position. License/Certification Must pass all training in the Use of Defensive Tactics, Use of Force concepts for Expandable Baton, Use of OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) Spray, and Use of Handcuffs programs and obtain AXON Taser Operator certification, and CPR certification within six (6) months of appointment. Physical Demands and Work Environment Majority of work is performed outdoors.

Work requires walking, running, climbing, sitting and operation of a vehicle. Required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing between 50 and 100 pounds and exerting force between 20 and 50 pounds. Possible exposure to potentially hazardous, uncontrollable and life-threatening situations.

May be in contact with hostile or resistant individuals. May work a varying work schedule which includes nights, weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergencies.