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Urban Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of New York

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY

$58K - $92K/yr

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 ...

City of New York

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY

$58K - $92K/yr

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 ...

City of New York

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

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 ...

City of Fremont, CA

Park Ranger/Naturalist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $97K/yr

Develop and deliver ranger interpretive programming in an urban park setting, including nature education, guided walks and public outreach. * Provide high-quality customer service to park visitors ...

SHELBY FARMS PARK CONSERVANCY

Park Ranger

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

About Shelby Farms Park At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the ... The Ranger is a steward of the landscapes, natural resources and wildlife in our care and is ...

Denver

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local ... Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or ...

City and County of Denver

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local ... Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or ...

Denver Int'l. Airport

Senior Park Ranger

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.89 - $40.10/hr

Park Rangers patrol mountain and urban parks daily by foot, bicycle and vehicle, assisting local ... Professional experience in various Park Ranger related duties; experience with lead work or ...

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Urban Park Ranger information

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How much do urban park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for urban park ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Urban Park Ranger vs Forest Ranger?

AspectUrban Park RangerForest Ranger
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in first aid or law enforcementHigh school diploma; often requires forestry or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentUrban parks, city-managed green spacesForests, national parks, rural natural areas
Employer & IndustryCity or municipal governmentFederal, state, or provincial government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonUrban Park Ranger vs Forest Ranger

Urban Park Rangers focus on maintaining city parks, engaging visitors, and enforcing local regulations within urban environments. Forest Rangers work in natural, rural, or wilderness areas, managing conservation efforts, protecting wildlife, and assisting visitors in national or state parks. While both roles involve environmental stewardship and public safety, their work settings and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What challenges do urban park rangers face when engaging with the public in city parks?

Urban Park Rangers often encounter challenges such as addressing diverse visitor concerns, managing large crowds during events, and handling situations involving park rules violations or wildlife in a city setting. They must balance educating the public about conservation with enforcing regulations, all while maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor. Building trust and positive relationships with park visitors is crucial, especially given the unique needs and backgrounds of urban communities.

What is an urban park ranger?

Urban Park Rangers are professionals who work to protect, educate, and engage the public in city parks and natural areas. They conduct environmental education programs, lead tours, enforce park rules, and help ensure the safety of visitors. Urban Park Rangers play a crucial role in conserving urban wildlife and habitats, as well as fostering a sense of stewardship among community members. Their work often combines law enforcement, education, and public service responsibilities.

Can I be an urban park ranger with no experience?

Urban park ranger positions often require some knowledge of environmental conservation, public safety, or customer service, but many entry-level roles do not require prior experience. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant skills such as communication and physical fitness are important. Training is usually provided on the job to develop necessary skills and certifications.

Is it hard to get a job as an urban park ranger?

Becoming an urban park ranger typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in environmental science or a related field, and experience in parks or conservation work. The hiring process can be competitive, often involving physical fitness tests, background checks, and knowledge of park regulations. Certifications like CPR and first aid may also be beneficial.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an urban park ranger?

To thrive as an Urban Park Ranger, you generally need knowledge of environmental science, public safety, and local regulations, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in natural resource management. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, first aid/CPR certification, and communication systems like two-way radios is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to educate diverse groups are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring public safety, fostering community engagement, and protecting park resources in urban environments.
More about Urban Park Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Urban Park Ranger job openings:
What states have the most Urban Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Urban Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Park Ranger jobs are:
Urban Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Urban Park Ranger IV

Highlands Ranch Metro District

Littleton, CO • On-site

$33.76 - $40.52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Love the outdoors and making a difference in your community?

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking an experienced Urban Park Ranger IV to serve as a senior field park ranger within the Urban Park Ranger Program. This position is ideal for an experienced park ranger, law enforcement professional, or public safety professional who enjoys working with others while remaining actively engaged in field operations.

This position is an in the field position focused on outreach and education, enforcement of rules and regulations for the Metro District, and providing support to Rangers and staff as needed.

About the Urban Park Ranger Program

Highlands Ranch Urban Park Rangers are responsible for outreach and education, rules enforcement on more than 2,600 acres of open space, 68 miles of trails, 26 parks, and numerous other recreation facilities. Rangers promote safe and enjoyable public spaces through education, customer service, community engagement, resource stewardship, and consistent enforcement of Metro District rules and regulations.

Rangers conduct proactive patrols, investigate violations, issue warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate, prepare reports and case documentation, work closely with partner agencies, and rely on outreach and education first to resolve public safety and resource protection concerns.

The Urban Park Ranger Program works collaboratively with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other regional partners to provide quality services to the Highlands Ranch community.

Your Role

Working alongside fellow rangers, you'll help coordinate daily operations, assist in training newer staff, provide technical expertise, and promote consistency in customer service, rules enforcement, and field decision-making.

What You'll Do
  • Promote voluntary compliance through communication, education, and problem-solving.
  • Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and exceptional public service.
  • Assist in the training of new Rangers while supporting ongoing professional development.
  • Patrol parks, trails, open spaces, and District facilities.
  • Enforce Metro District rules and regulations through education, warnings, parking citations, and criminal summons when appropriate.
  • Prepare reports, citations, summons, and supporting documentation.
  • Respond to visitors’ concerns, complaints, emergencies, and requests for service.
  • Coordinate with Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Douglas County Animal Services, and other partner agencies.
  • Assist with special events, emergency response, and operational planning.
  • Support supervisors/managers by identifying training needs, recommending process improvements, and promoting consistent field practices.
We're Looking for Someone Who...
  • Balances education, customer service, and regulatory enforcement.
  • Exercises sound judgment and remains calm under pressure.
  • Build trust with coworkers, partner agencies, and the public.
  • Communicates professionally and respectfully.
  • Takes initiative while supporting the goals of the team.
  • Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Experience That Transfers WellExperience in the following areas is highly valued:
  • Park ranger operations
  • Law enforcement or public safety
  • Visitor services and public engagement
  • Rules enforcement
  • Report writing and case documentation
  • Issuing citations, parking violations, or summons
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation
  • Field training
  • Working collaboratively with partner agencies
Why Highlands Ranch?

This is an opportunity to become a respected member of the Highlands Ranch Metro District team within a professional Urban Park Ranger Program that values service, stewardship, and collaboration.

You'll help shape daily operations, assist in training future rangers, and strengthen partnerships with regional public safety agencies, all while remaining actively engaged in the field.

Join Our Team

If you're an experienced field professional who enjoys outreach and education, solving problems, and serving your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, with days and hours varying. The work schedule will vary from Monday through Sunday with the daily workday varying between 6:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Due to the nature of this position, work hours are dependent on weather conditions, season, projects, events and programs, meeting and/or staffing levels and will include evenings, early mornings, and weekend hours. May be required to work holidays as staffing needs dictate.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Our Benefits

At Highlands Ranch Metro District, we prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!
  • 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
  • 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
  • 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
  • 100% contribution match for the pension plan
  • Up to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses
Work/life Balance!
  • 80 hours of paid sick leave (renewed each year on work anniversary)
  • 10 paid holidays in 2025
  • 200 hours of medical leave
  • 80 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, increasing after five years
Wellness & Improvement!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
  • Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
  • Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee
Saving, Planning & Other!
  • Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
  • Generous stipend for personal cell phone and vehicle use
  • Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services
Application Information

Visit our career center at highlandsranch.org/apply to see full job description and submit applications.

Applications will be accepted for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

Pre-employment screening includes background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record check.