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Summer Ranger Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

... children, summer camps and adults in natural areas throughout the city. - Lead projects that ... Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov) URBAN PARK RANGER ...

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

... children, summer camps and adults in natural areas throughout the city. - Lead projects that ... Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov) URBAN PARK RANGER ...

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... summer camps and adults in natural areas throughout the city. -Lead projects that support wildlife ... Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov) URBAN PARK RANGER ...

Summer Ranger information

See New York salary details

$13

$22

$43

How much do summer ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer ranger in New York is $22.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges summer rangers face during the season, and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Summer Rangers often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds during peak park visitation, dealing with variable weather conditions, and responding to minor medical or safety incidents. To help overcome these challenges, rangers typically receive comprehensive training in first aid, conflict resolution, and park regulations before the season starts. They also work closely with experienced rangers and park supervisors, allowing for teamwork and on-the-job learning. Regular briefings and access to communication tools further ensure that Summer Rangers have the support needed to handle demanding situations effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental conservation, outdoor safety, and often a background in natural sciences or related fields. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and basic first aid certification are commonly required. Strong communication, public engagement, and problem-solving skills help in educating visitors and handling diverse situations in the field. These skills ensure the effective protection of natural resources, visitor safety, and positive public interactions in park environments.

What is the difference between Summer Ranger vs Park Guide?

AspectSummer RangerPark Guide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic outdoor skillsHigh school diploma, knowledge of park history
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, conservation areasVisitor centers, outdoor park areas
Employer & Industry UsageNational/state parks, outdoor recreationNational/state parks, tourism
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Summer Rangers and Park Guides both work in outdoor park settings, often during peak seasons. Summer Rangers focus on conservation, maintenance, and educational programs, while Park Guides primarily lead tours and provide visitor information. Both roles require outdoor skills and knowledge of parks, but Summer Rangers typically have more responsibilities related to conservation efforts, whereas Park Guides emphasize visitor engagement. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role in outdoor recreation and park management.

What is a summer ranger?

Summer rangers are seasonal employees who work in parks, forests, or nature reserves during the summer months. Their duties often include providing information to visitors, assisting with conservation efforts, maintaining trails and facilities, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the public. Summer rangers may also lead educational programs, monitor wildlife, and help enforce park regulations. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and engaging with the public, and it often provides valuable experience for those interested in environmental or conservation careers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ranger jobs in New York? The most popular types of Ranger jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Summer Ranger jobs? Cities in New York with the most Summer Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Ranger job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 40% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,018 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Urban Park Ranger

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

619th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

Build your career with NYC Parks! NYC Parks helps bring together people from all over our great city. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, we own and operate some of the most exemplary green spaces in the world. The Urban Parks Rangers' (UPR) mission is to link New Yorkers to the natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management and active conservation.
Public service is a rewarding career! NYC Parks offers innovation, leadership, the satisfaction of public service and a place to grow and develop your career. Full-time employees are eligible for a wide variety of City benefits and perks including exceptional health and union benefits, pension, generous vacation/sick days, paid holidays, earned overtime, and a work-life balance.
Professional Development - We offer numerous training programs, leadership development opportunities, and career coaching services, while encouraging employees to attend approved off-site trainings and seminars.
Perks - Our employees are eligible for discounts on some of the top attractions in the city, and all employees receive free membership to our recreation centers.
Major Responsibilities
- Under supervision, lead educational and recreation-based programs for school children, summer camps and adults in natural areas throughout the city.
- Lead projects that support wildlife, preserve the urban natural world and promote stewardship of parks and natural resources.
- Lead current programming which includes canoeing, hiking, seining, fishing, biking, historical tours as well as educational programming.
- Staff nature centers, greet visitors and disseminate information regarding Parks Rules & Regulations, health & safety hazards and park events to the public.
- Patrol parks and natural areas, provide a uniform presence and enforce Parks Rules & Regulations.
- Provide first aid and emergency response to park patrons.
- Issue summonses for the violation of Parks Rules & Regulations; may detain or arrest violators of city and state laws.
- May be assigned to work in any borough.
Work Location: Citywide
Salary: $58,843 ($92K fully loaded including fringe benefits)
Other Requirements
1. Able to work any shift, including weekends and holidays.
2. Able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather; able to walk and/or stand in an assigned area; able to drive or sit in a patrol vehicle while remaining alert.
How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 788918.
All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.
*Current City Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.
nyc.gov/parks
MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)
URBAN PARK RANGER - 60421

Qualifications

1. An associate degree or completion of 60 college-level semester credits from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Educational Accreditation (CHEA); or
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in one of the following: law or code enforcement; security; ecology; or as an environmental instructor or ranger in a recognized park, recreation or ranger program, cultural institution or accredited school; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience that is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. College education may be substituted for the required experience in "2" above on the basis of 5 semester credits for 1 month of experience. Experience working as a clerk or secretary is not acceptable.
Special Patrolman Requirement: At the time of appointment, you must meet the following qualifications for Special Patrolman status (a status given by the New York City Police Department pursuant to Title 38, Chapter 13 of the Rules of the City of New York):
- must be twenty-one years of age or older,
- a citizen of the United States
- a resident of New York City
- have no record of convictions for any felony or for any serious offence against public safety (as defined in the New York State Penal Law),
- if discharged from military service, the discharge must not have been dishonorable, and
- be of good moral character.
Driver License Requirement: By the time you are appointed to this position, you must have a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. If you have moving violations, license suspension(s) or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
Medical Requirement: Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Urban Park Ranger. Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position of Urban Park Ranger.
Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable him or her to take the examination, and /or to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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