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

Temporary Park Ranger information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do temporary park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 temporary park ranger?

Temporary Park Rangers are seasonal or short-term employees hired to help maintain and protect parks, natural reserves, or recreation areas. They perform many of the same duties as full-time park rangers, such as patrolling park grounds, providing information to visitors, enforcing rules, and assisting with conservation efforts. Temporary positions are often available during busy seasons, such as summer, and can be a great way to gain experience in environmental protection or public service.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a temporary park ranger?

To thrive as a Temporary Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resource management, basic first aid, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supported by coursework in environmental science or related fields. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, two-way radios, and incident reporting systems is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service help you engage effectively with visitors and handle emergencies. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting park resources, ensuring visitor safety, and providing excellent public outreach.

How does a temporary park ranger collaborate with full-time staff and volunteers?

Temporary Park Rangers often work closely with full-time rangers and a variety of volunteers to ensure smooth park operations, visitor safety, and resource protection. They may assist with educational programs, patrol duties, environmental monitoring, and maintenance tasks, frequently partnering with others to cover peak visitation times or special events. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as temporary rangers are expected to quickly adapt to established protocols and support the ongoing goals of the park. This collaborative environment provides valuable networking opportunities and practical experience for those seeking a future in park services or conservation.

What is the difference between Temporary Park Ranger vs Seasonal Park Ranger?

AspectTemporary Park RangerSeasonal Park Ranger
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in first aid or CPRSimilar; often requires same certifications
Work EnvironmentNational, state, or local parks; temporary assignmentsSame; seasonal work during peak times
Employment DurationShort-term, project-basedLimited to specific seasons or months
Employer UsageGovernment agencies, parks departmentsSame; government agencies

Both Temporary Park Rangers and Seasonal Park Rangers work in park environments, often for government agencies, and require similar credentials. The main difference lies in employment duration, with Temporary Park Rangers typically working on short-term projects and Seasonal Park Rangers working during specific seasons. Both roles are essential for park management and visitor services during peak times.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

Ranger Assistant - Seasonal

Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description

Position Purpose


Ranger Assistants support the Desert Botanical Garden Ranger team during the Garden's busiest seasons and events. This role is ideal for individuals who are reliable, customer-service oriented, and able to work evenings and weekends. Ranger Assistants help with parking direction, event monitoring, first aid support, and alcohol compliance checks, but are not assigned high-level security or emergency responsibilities.


(This position is not authorized to carry keys or access restricted areas nor responsible for incident command or emergency response.)


Works under supervisor and direction of on-duty Lead or full-time Ranger.


Note: this is a temporary, seasonal role and does not guarantee ongoing employment after the event season concludes.


Position Information:

Job Type: Seasonal

Hours: Approximately 28 hours/week

Pay: $18.00/hr


Essential Duties

  • Assist with guest wayfinding and parking control during special events.
  • Perform alcohol compliance checks during and after events, ensuring guests follow Garden policies.
  • Monitor designated zones and report concerns or safety issues to full-time Rangers or Lead Rangers.
  • Staff first aid room during events and notify Rangers of any medical needs.
  • Support the Ranger team in escorting guests or vendors when needed.
  • Provide friendly and informative guest service without issuing formal enforcement.


Requirements

Competencies

  • Previous guest services, event support, or campus safety experience preferred.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
  • Reliable and punctual.
  • Strong communication and observation skills.
  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred (can be provided upon hire).
  • Valid Arizona driver's license.
  • Must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, during seasonal events (especially November - December and March - April).
  • Shifts vary depending on event needs. Most shifts occur between 12pm - 11pm during seasonal events, with some earlier daytime availability needed during peak weekends.

Equipment Used

Typical office equipment: this role will also use a two-way radio, motorized cart, first aid equipment, and AED.


Internal Communication

Frequent interaction with all Garden employees.


External Communication

Rangers will have frequent communication with guests and vendors.


Working Conditions

Some physical effort beyond what's typically required in a normal office environment. Time periods of high workload may require additional hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate. The Garden is an outdoor venue, and while the offices and climate controlled, patrolling the Garden and walking between sites in extreme heat and occasional cold is expected. Most shifts will be outdoors, even in inclement weather.

  • Outdoor environment, often in low light and variable weather.
  • Standing/walking for long periods.

Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, see, hear, speak, read, and type. Manual dexterity and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds required.


Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.


The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.


All employees will help add to the Garden's diversity and fully embrace it.


This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.