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Summer Park Ranger Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Summer Park Ranger information

See Ohio salary details

$11

$19

$37

How much do summer park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer park ranger in Ohio is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer park ranger?

Summer Park Rangers are seasonal employees who help manage, protect, and educate visitors about parks and natural resources during the busy summer months. Their duties typically include patrolling park grounds, assisting visitors, enforcing park rules, conducting educational programs, and helping with conservation efforts. They play a key role in maintaining safety and preserving the environment while ensuring that visitors have a positive experience in the park.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer park ranger?

To thrive as a Summer Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resources, first aid/CPR certification, and typically a background in environmental science or related fields. Familiarity with GPS devices, radios, and park management software is often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and public engagement skills help you effectively interact with visitors and handle emergencies. These skills ensure visitor safety, resource protection, and a positive park experience for all guests.

What are some common challenges faced by summer park rangers, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Summer Park Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds during peak seasons, addressing visitor questions or emergencies, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Being prepared means developing strong communication skills, staying knowledgeable about park rules and safety protocols, and maintaining physical fitness for tasks like patrolling trails or leading tours. Applicants can benefit from familiarizing themselves with the specific park’s unique environment and resources, as well as practicing effective conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques.

Can I be a summer park ranger with no experience?

Summer park ranger positions often require some knowledge of park operations, safety procedures, and customer service, but many entry-level roles do not require prior experience. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from outdoor skills or certifications such as CPR. Training is usually provided on the job to develop necessary skills.

Do summer park rangers work seasonally?

Yes, summer park rangers typically work seasonally during the warmer months when outdoor park activities and visitor attendance are highest. Their schedules often align with the park's peak season, and they may require certifications such as CPR or first aid. Employment duration usually coincides with the summer season, but some positions may extend into early fall depending on the park's needs.

Is it hard to get a job as a summer park ranger?

Getting a summer park ranger position can be competitive, as many applicants seek seasonal outdoor jobs. Candidates typically need relevant experience, good communication skills, and sometimes certifications like CPR or first aid. Applying early and demonstrating a passion for conservation and public service can improve chances of hiring.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Summer Park Ranger job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,858 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Park Ranger (part-time) - Seneca

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

Senecaville, OH • On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Application Deadline: Posted until filled. 
Salary Range: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour
Location: Seneca Park
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Variable 
Safety Sensitive: Yes

Note: This position is classified as a variable hours position. This means that if hired, the employee would remain in an active status with MWCD throughout the year, but the working hours will vary. If you have questions about our variable hour classification, please call the MWCD Human Resources department at 330-556-4811.  

Park and Lake Rangers ensure the safety of the park and lake guests through routine patrol and enforcement activities. A ranger should expect to spend a considerable amount of time performing public relations activities and public education. Rangers work very closely with the park registration in assisting park guests with a variety of customer-related services. A current Ohio Peace Officer's Training Academy (OPOTA) certification is required. 

Summary of Responsibilities

Ensures the safety of park and lake guests and the security of park and lake property through routine patrol and enforcement activities. A Park/Lake Ranger will spend considerable time performing public relations activities and public education, ensuring excellent customer service is provided to all MWCD guests.

Responds to concerns, complaints, and disturbances on water and land. Enforces the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, safe boating laws, MWCD rules and regulations, as well as Campground Rules and Guidelines.

Practices standard MWCD safety procedures in performing job duties and assists other MWCD personnel as required.

Essential Functions include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Patrols MWCD property, investigates incidents and complaints, issues warnings, citations, and makes arrests. Performs boating safety inspections, executes bench warrants and works with various law enforcement agencies in investigative and preventative measures. Enforces state laws as well as the Conservancy District rules and regulations. Renders assistance to the public by providing information pertinent to MWCD facilities, safety requirements, boater education, and points of interest in the area. 

Administers first aid and rescue as required.

Maintains required ranger logs, vehicle/equipment checks, and supplies inventory. Reports mechanical and or safety issues to appropriate supervisor.

Appropriately utilizes warnings, citations, and arrests to enforce state laws as well as MWCD rules. Compiles law enforcement related statistics, keeps records, and prepares reports of law enforcement related activities.

While working as Park Ranger, assists park guests with finding a campsite, monitors campsites and reservations, completes daily camp lot occupied checks, and ensures Campground Rules and Guidelines are being followed.

Notifies appropriate manager of any safety concerns realized while performing job duties.

Notifies appropriate manager of any law enforcement / customer issues that require further attention.

Skills and Abilities

Education:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Experience in park operations, record keeping, office machines, computers and radio communication systems are preferred. Strong skills in working with people and the public in general are required.

Computer Skills:

Basic computer skills required

Certifications & Licenses:

Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA - Basic Police Academy Training Course) certification is required. The employee will be required to successfully pass a firearms qualification course as outlined by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. The employee will be required to obtain or renew a CPR/first aid certification. Driver’s license valid in the state of Ohio.

Abilities:

Ability to maintain confidential information. Good communication skills and the ability to work well with the public are required.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements, Expectations, or Unusual Conditions

This position requires weekend, evening and holiday work. Overtime work is required as necessary. Working extra hours during spring and summer months is required, with some workdays exceeding 10 hours. Involvement in local community organizations and/or activities is expected. For Lake Rangers, an Ohio’s Boater Education Card is required and must be able to swim, tread water, and be comfortable working on and around the water.