1

State Park Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CO

$17.50 - $18/hr

Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river ...

CO

$17.50 - $18/hr

Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

State Park information

See salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do state park jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park in the United States is $17.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 generally need knowledge of natural resource management, law enforcement, and visitor services, often supported by a degree in environmental science, criminal justice, or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, park management software, and first aid certifications is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and public engagement skills help rangers educate visitors and handle emergencies effectively. These skills ensure the safety of park guests, the protection of natural resources, and the overall positive experience for all park users.

What is the difference between State Park vs Park Ranger?

AspectState ParkPark Ranger
Primary RoleManagement and maintenance of park facilities, conservation efforts, visitor servicesEnforcing park rules, guiding visitors, educational outreach, law enforcement
Required CredentialsVaries; often a degree in environmental science or related fieldTypically requires law enforcement or conservation certifications
Work EnvironmentNatural outdoor settings, administrative officesOutdoor parks, enforcement locations, visitor centers
EmployerState government agencies managing parksState or federal agencies, often within park services

While a State Park refers to the managed outdoor area itself, a Park Ranger is a professional who works within these parks to ensure safety, conservation, and visitor engagement. Both roles are interconnected, with the park serving as the workplace for park rangers.

What are some common challenges faced by State Park Rangers, and how can applicants prepare for them?

State Park Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds during peak seasons, ensuring visitor safety, and responding to emergencies like medical incidents or natural hazards. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential, as rangers frequently interact with diverse groups of visitors. Applicants can prepare by gaining experience in public safety, customer service, and outdoor skills, as well as becoming familiar with local wildlife and park regulations. Continuous training and a proactive approach to problem-solving also help rangers successfully navigate these challenges.

What are state parks and what do they offer?

State parks are protected areas managed by state governments, established to preserve natural, cultural, and recreational resources for public enjoyment. They typically offer a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. State parks vary widely in size and features, but many include visitor centers, picnic areas, trails, and educational programs. These parks play a vital role in conservation and provide affordable recreation opportunities for individuals and families.
What cities are hiring for State Park jobs? Cities with the most State Park job openings:
What states have the most State Park jobs? States with the most job openings for State Park jobs include:

STATE PARK INTERPRETER III

Department of Parks & Recreation

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$6K - $8K/mo

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

STATE PARK INTERPRETER III - OCOTILLO WELLS DISTRICT / DISTRICT OFFICE / BORREGO SPRINGS
The reporting location for this position is the Ocotillo Wells District Headquarters located at 5172 Highway 78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004.
Under the direction of the District Superintendent, the State Park Interpreter Ill provides support for all Ocotillo Wells District interpretive services and oversees the interpretive services in all of Ocotillo Wells District's park units. The incumbent also oversees planning, developing, directing, and supervising activities of staff engaged in interpretation and education and participates in interpretive planning and visioning for the District and the Department, including policy development for cultural and natural resource interpretation. The incumbent will plan, research, develop interpretive projects (small and large), and is able to communicate effectively with other staff, visitors and other agencies along with ability to provide training/interpretive programs. The Interpreter III possesses the ability to analyze situations and take effective action, interpret historical concepts to the public, maintain necessary records, prepare reports, and work independently. This position may also supervise the Visitor Services personnel who staff the entrance stations and the Service Driven Program staff.
Training and Development Assignments may be considered.
This position requires a valid Class C driver's license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver's license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver's license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position is designated as not telework eligible.
State housing may be required. Special Requirement/Condition of Employment: Depending on the assigned location, the incumbent may be required to occupy state-owned housing to meet operational needs, or may be offered state-owned housing if available. Housing assignments will be determined in accordance with Department policy, operational priorities, and applicable labor agreements.
For further information regarding this position, please contact Christine Fowlkes at Christine.Fowkles@parks.ca.gov or (760) 767-1215.
This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Frequent computer use in an office setting. Travel to all park units with interpretive programs. Travel to HQ may be required.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position's assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • STATE PARK INTERPRETER III
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520153
Position #(s):
549-555-2828-002
Working Title:
STATE PARK INTERPRETER III
Classification:
STATE PARK INTERPRETER III $6,827.00 - $8,483.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Diego County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/13/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Attn: Classification & Hiring
715 P Street
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Classification & Hiring
715 P Street
Sacramento , CA 95814
Monday - Friday excluding weekends and state holidays
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Possess ability to analyze situations and take effective action, communicate effectively, interpret historical concepts to the public, maintain necessary records, prepare reports, and work independently.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Christine Fowlkes
(760) 767-1215
Christine.Fowlkes@parks.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 549-555-2828-002 and the Job Control # JC-520153 in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are applying" section on the STD. 678.
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
  • List Eligibility - Successfully complete the civil service exam for STATE PARK INTERPRETER III. Click here fo r more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
  • Transfer Eligibility - Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
  • Reinstatement Eligibility - Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

  • In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.
    Equal Opportunity Employer
    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.