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Volunteer Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sacramento County, CA

Park Ranger Assistant

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$36K - $43.74K/yr

... 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 ...

City of Rosemead, CA

Park Ranger - Part-Time

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$21.98 - $26.72/hr

High school diploma or equivalent and one year paid/volunteer experience in a customer service-oriented position; OR one-year paid Recreation, Park Ranger or related work experience. Knowledge of:

County of Sacramento

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA

$79.70K - $101.71K/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 ...

City of Rosemead

Park Ranger - Part-Time

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$21.98 - $26.72/hr

High school diploma or equivalent and one year paid/volunteer experience in a customer service-oriented position; OR one-year paid Recreation, Park Ranger or related work experience. Knowledge of:

Sacramento County, CA

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$79.70K - $101.71K/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 ...

US Department of the Interior

$19.33/hr

The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Seasonal Park Ranger (General), GS-0025-5 ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

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Volunteer Park Ranger information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer park ranger in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are Volunteer Park Rangers?

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 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.

More about Volunteer Park Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Park Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Park Ranger jobs are:
Volunteer Park Ranger jobs near you

TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

Texas Parks & Wildlife

Sulphur Springs, TX

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

  
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

  • Job Title

  • Dates of employment (month/year)

  • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

  • Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement.  Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. 

  • Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

  • College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) if education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting. A copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview. 

  • Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

  • Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

  • Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

 

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Park Ranger I-V

Army

11B, 11C, 11A

Park Ranger I-V

Navy

RS, SN, YN, YNS

Park Ranger I-V

Coast Guard

MST, MSSR

Park Ranger I-V

Marine Corps

0300, 0365, 0369

Park Ranger I-V

Air Force

9T000

Park Ranger I-V

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: 

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

  • Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

  • Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

  • Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

HIRING CONTACT: Aron Maib, (903) 906-0211, Email: Aron.Maib@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Cooper State Park-South Sulphur Unit, 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Cooper South Sulphur Unit State Park Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, this position performs routine (journey-level) operations work in a state park and is designed to provide an avenue to obtain relevant experience to be competitive for future positions in park operations. Duties include but are not limited to performing a complete range of tasks to learn all aspects of park administration, operations and management; natural and cultural resource management; facility, grounds and equipment maintenance management; interpretation and education programming and management; customer service, fee collection, revenue control and fiscal accountability; marketing and promotional programming; park patrols to include visitor contact and law enforcement observation.  Performs special projects/assignments and attends selected training programs to enhance the overall working knowledge and skills related to operational and management activities. May assist other State Parks in operations support and natural resource management.  Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NOTE: TPWD is an at-will employer, and acceptance of a trainee position does not create an employment contract or alter the nature of the at-will relationship.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

% of Time

Essential Job Duties by Category

45%

Resource Operations:

Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to operations and lands and facilities. Applies the fundamentals of natural and cultural resource management and methods of interpretation. Observes Park maintenance duties including basic plumbing, carpentry, electrical, masonry, custodial and mechanical maintenance and repair tasks and equipment management. Understands the responsibilities and functions of support programs including Cultural Resources, Facilities Management, Interpretive Services, Law Enforcement, Natural Resources and Planning and Geospatial Resources. Applies basic property management practices. Supports efforts to meet accessibility requirements. Assists with processes for minor repair and capital improvement projects. Supports implementation of the Site's Emergency Plan, the Incident Command System and Law Enforcement functions.

25%

Administrative Operations:

Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to administrative operations. Understands the responsibilities of support programs including Budget, Business Management, Fiscal Control, Procurement, Staff Services and Administration, Recreation Grants and Technical Resources. Observes the principles of park administration including financial systems, accountability of budgets, revenue collections, expenditure systems and purchasing and inventory. Applies best practices in customer service to effectively engage with customers in a variety of settings. Practices use of State Parks software and reservation systems. Observes leased concession management and/or park store operations. Practices the use of Adobe, PowerBI, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Forms and Copilot for administration of business operations. Engages in basic report writing. Supports marketing and promotional activities.

20%

Personnel Management:

Acquires knowledge of policies, procedures, directives and resources related to human resource management and Volunteer/Park Host Management. Acquires knowledge of building community partnerships. Observes best practices and may assist in the onboarding, offboarding, disciplinary actions, conflict management, performance plans, coaching, appraisals and volunteer coordination.

10%

Marginal Job Duties:

Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with Agency, Division and Department rules, regulations, and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Experience:

No experience required.

Licensure:

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class "C" Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon maintaining required license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Park Administration, Recreation and Parks, Public Administration, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resources Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology, Archeology, History, Hospitality and Tourism, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography/GIS or closely related degree.

Experience:

Paid or unpaid Texas State Parks experience.

Experience working with the public.

Licensure:

Certified Interpretive Guide.

Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type II Certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles of park/historic site administration and operations

Knowledge of natural and cultural resource management.

Knowledge of maintenance management.

Knowledge of human resources management related practices and procedures.

Skill in exercising leadership qualities.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and Adobe products.

Ability to perform general maintenance.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to accurately follow instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

A trainee may apply and compete for available positions at any time during their trainee assignment. If a trainee is not successful in acquiring a non-trainee position within 36 Months from their initial trainee assignment date, they may be assigned to any available position in the State Park system. This may result in reduction in grade/classification, reduction in pay and relocation. Declining the assignment will result in separation of employment from TPWD. Future advancement may include positions with park police officer requirements, to include successful completion of the required background checks, physical and psychological exams, TCOLE licensing and State Park law enforcement academy. An extension beyond the 36-month period may be authorized by the Division Director or the Deputy Division Director on a case-by-case basis. The Trainee will be required to sign a letter, accepting the conditions of employment.

Required to work in a public park with overnight camping and day use.

Required to work 40 hours per week with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Required to respond to emergency situations.

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Required to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

May be required to operate a state vehicle.

Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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