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Volunteer Park Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Fairfield, CA

Park Ranger

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$88K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Park Ranger plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing Fairfield's parks, open space, and ... volunteer and interpretive programs. CLICK HERE to view the full Recruitment Brochure. IMPORTANT ...

Sacramento County, CA

Park Ranger Assistant

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Ranger Assistant provides assistance and support services to the County Regional Parks System ... OR Six months (1040 hours) of full-time paid or volunteer experience in a park-setting providing a ...

Sacramento County, CA

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$82K - $104K/yr

... volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to ... Wear and maintain a designated Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment ...

County of Sacramento

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA

$82K - $104K/yr

... volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to ... Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt ...

EOS Hospitality

Front Office Agent

Goleta, CA

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Here at Ocean Mesa we have the benefit of a hybrid work place mixing both the jobs of a Park Ranger ... Voluntary Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts * Life and Accidental Death and ...

EOS USA

Front Office Agent

Goleta, CA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Here at Ocean Mesa we have the benefit of a hybrid work place mixing both the jobs of a Park Ranger ... Voluntary Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts * Life and Accidental Death and ...

EOS Hospitality

Front Office Agent

Goleta, CA · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Here at Ocean Mesa we have the benefit of a hybrid work place mixing both the jobs of a Park Ranger ... Voluntary Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts * Life and Accidental Death and ...

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All JobsVolunteer Park Ranger JobsVolunteer Park Ranger Jobs in California

Volunteer Park Ranger information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do volunteer park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer park ranger in California is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer Park Ranger vs Park Maintenance Worker?

AspectVolunteer Park RangerPark Maintenance Worker
Required CredentialsNone or basic certifications, training providedHigh school diploma; certifications in equipment operation may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, visitor centers, educational settingsOutdoor parks, maintenance areas, landscaping sites
Employer & Industry UsagePublic parks, government agencies, non-profitsMunicipal parks, government agencies, private contractors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles, entry-level opportunitiesMaintenance tasks, physical outdoor work

Volunteer Park Rangers primarily focus on visitor assistance, education, and park preservation, often volunteering or working part-time with minimal formal credentials. In contrast, Park Maintenance Workers handle physical tasks like landscaping, repairs, and upkeep, usually requiring specific certifications or experience. Both roles operate outdoors within parks and are essential for park management, but they differ in responsibilities and credential requirements.

How to become a volunteer park ranger?

To become a volunteer park ranger, individuals typically need to complete an application process through the park or agency, which may include background checks and orientation sessions. Volunteers often assist with visitor services, educational programs, and conservation efforts, and some positions may require basic knowledge of park rules and safety procedures.

What are some common challenges volunteer park rangers face while working in the field?

Volunteer Park Rangers often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, interacting with diverse visitors, and balancing conservation efforts with public use of park resources. They may need to handle situations like enforcing park rules, providing first aid, or educating visitors about safety and environmental protection. Effective communication, flexibility, and a passion for the outdoors are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a positive experience for both visitors and the park ecosystem.

What is a volunteer park ranger?

Volunteer Park Rangers are individuals who donate their time to help maintain and protect parks, educate visitors, and assist with park operations. They often support full-time park staff by providing information to guests, leading tours or educational programs, and monitoring trails and facilities. Their contributions are vital to preserving natural resources and enhancing the visitor experience. Volunteers may work at local, state, or national parks and typically receive training to prepare them for their duties.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Park Ranger, you need a solid understanding of park policies, natural resource management, and basic first aid, often supported by relevant training or experience in environmental education. Familiarity with GPS devices, park management software, and radio communication systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, public speaking, and a passion for conservation help volunteers effectively engage with visitors and support park initiatives. These skills are vital for ensuring visitor safety, promoting environmental stewardship, and maintaining the park's natural and cultural resources.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Volunteer Park Ranger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Volunteer Park Ranger job openings:

Volunteer Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Park Ranger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,283 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Park Ranger

City of Fairfield, CA

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$88K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary : $88,070.94 - $107,050.53 Annually
Location : Fairfield, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00056
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: FEA
Description
The City of Fairfield invites your interest for the position of Park Ranger!
The Park Ranger plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing Fairfield's parks, open space, and recreational areas through public safety, resource stewardship, visitor services, and park operations. This role patrols City open space lands, Rockville Hills Regional Park, and the Dunnell property; supports visitors; assists with inspections, maintenance, and repairs; and helps coordinate volunteer and interpretive programs.
CLICK HERE to view the full Recruitment Brochure.
IMPORTANT DATES
Filing Deadline: Monday September 14, 2026
First Review of Candidates: September 15-28, 2026
First Interviews: Tentatively scheduled for late September/early October (in-person)
ABOUT FAIRFIELDFairfield, the heart of Solano County, is a diverse and growing community located halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento in the North Bay Area. With 24 parks, numerous bike trails and two championship golf courses, Fairfield is a great family community with just under 123,000 residents. It is a thriving business hub with notable international companies such as Jelly Belly, Clorox, Ball Metal, and Meyer Corporation. Fairfield offers a regional shopping center, a large auto mall, and is home to Travis Air Force Base, the County's largest employer. Bordered by farms and vineyards, the City's well-developed infrastructure and business-friendly attitude provide the foundation for strong growth and an enhanced quality of life.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Estimated Total Compensation: $129,194 - $148,824*| Base Salary: $88,071 - $107,050
*The estimated total compensation includes base salary and the annualized value of employer-paid benefits and contributions, such as deferred compensation, medical/dental/vision insurance, retiree health contributions, and other applicable benefits. Actual compensation and benefit values may vary based on individual benefit elections, coverage levels, and length of service.
The position is represented by the Fairfield Employee's Association ("FEA") and offers a robust benefits package featuring generous retirement contributions and leave accruals. Key benefits include:
  • CalPERS pension (Classic 2.5% @ 55 OR 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS member)
  • Generous contributions to medical, dental, and vision plans
  • 3 medical carriers to choose from: Kaiser, Sutter Health, or Western Health
  • 50 hours of personal leave (cashable) annually, plus vacation and sick leave
  • City paid retirement health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) and life insurance
  • $75/month plus 1.0% of salary City paid deferred comp contribution (employee contribution is optional)
  • A 9/80 work schedule

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Education equivalent to graduation with a two or four-year college degree in Environmental Management, Range Management, Botany, or Park Management, Forestry, Natural Resources or closely related field is required.
Experience:
  • Three years of experience in regional park and open space management, operations and maintenance, at least one year of which must be a fulltime paid park ranger position, or in a comparable position with similar responsibilities.
    • This experience must include comprehensive training in park operations, such as training in visitor services, public safety, resource protection, facility and trail maintenance, emergency response, or park regulations and enforcement, etc.
  • Experience or training in wildland fire fighting and law enforcement resource management or related fields is desirable.

Licensing and Certification:
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
    • Possession of a valid equivalent is acceptable during the application process.
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment, a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is desirable when assigned duties involving vegetation management and pesticide application.
  • Must possess, or obtain within 6 months of being hired, a standard CPR card and a Standard First Aid card. However it is recommended the individual be a certified EMT.

Please to access the full job description on our Careers Page.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.
HOW TO APPLY:
Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGov'sApplicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.
If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.
This recruitment search provided by Sequence Staffing.
The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.
FULL-TIME/PRO-RATA POSITIONS - The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave. For a more detailed overview of the benefit package, please click on the following link: FEA Employee Benefits.*
PART-TIME POSITIONS - For benefits associated with part-time positions, please see the *
*Benefits, terms and conditions of employment may be amended or modified through the collective bargaining process.

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