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Urban Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Assistant Park Ranger

York, SC · On-site

$16.95 - $20.34/hr

Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and ... About our opportunity We are hiring a part-time (24 hours weekly), non-exempt Assistant Park Ranger ...

Assistant Park Ranger

York, SC · On-site

$16.95 - $20.34/hr

Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and ... About our opportunity We are hiring a part-time (24 hours weekly), non-exempt Assistant Park Ranger ...

Park Ranger - Parks and Recreation

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$29.59 - $40.51/hr

... 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo ... The Park Guide promotes and supports visitors' positive park use and voluntary compliance with all ...

Parks Enforcement Patrol

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Parks Enforcement Patrol

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 ...

SF Practitioner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $26/hr

Our Urban Alchemy Practitioners are to be a positive influence in the areas or installations they ... Call 911 for a police response or Rec and Park dispatch for a Park Ranger. Always call your ...

Our Urban Alchemy Practitioners are to be a positive influence in the areas or installations they ... Call 911 for a police response or Rec and Park dispatch for a Park Ranger. Always call your ...

SF Practitioner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $26/hr

Our Urban Alchemy Practitioners are to be a positive influence in the areas or installations they ... Call 911 for a police response or Rec and Park dispatch for a Park Ranger. Always call your ...

The 3000-acre park features 7 miles of trail, stunning vistas, and a 6000 square foot visitor ... and urban convenience. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, kayaking ...

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Urban Park Ranger information

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$12

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$39

How much do urban park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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

Getting a job as an urban park ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience in conservation, law enforcement, or customer service, along with knowledge of environmental policies. Candidates typically need to pass background checks and may need certifications such as CPR or first aid. The hiring process can vary depending on the agency and location, but strong communication skills and a passion for public service are important.
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:

Infographic showing various Urban Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY • On-site


City of New York
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

624th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Good employer

Recommended by students

Uninterrupted breaks


$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Company 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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