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Wilderness Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Wilderness Ranger information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do wilderness ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness ranger in California is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Wilderness Ranger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Ranger, you need strong outdoor survival skills, ecological knowledge, physical fitness, and usually a degree in natural resource management or a related field. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication, first aid/CPR certification, and park management systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and adaptability help rangers interact with visitors and handle unpredictable situations. These abilities are essential for effectively protecting natural resources, ensuring visitor safety, and promoting positive experiences in wilderness areas.

What does a Wilderness Ranger do?

A Wilderness Ranger is responsible for protecting and maintaining designated wilderness areas. They patrol trails, educate visitors on Leave No Trace principles, perform trail maintenance, and monitor environmental conditions. Rangers also enforce regulations to ensure the preservation of natural resources. Their work helps maintain the ecological integrity of wilderness areas while promoting safe and responsible recreation.

What jobs make 10,000 a month without a degree?

Wilderness Rangers typically do not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; most entry-level positions pay less. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales roles, real estate agents, commercial pilots, and skilled trades like electricians or plumbers with experience. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal college degrees.

What are the most common challenges faced by Wilderness Rangers in the field?

Wilderness Rangers often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, remote terrain, and limited resources, which can make daily tasks physically and mentally demanding. Managing visitor safety, enforcing regulations, and responding to emergencies are regular challenges, especially in high-traffic or sensitive ecological areas. Collaboration with other rangers, law enforcement, scientists, and volunteers is frequent, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills. Successfully navigating these challenges is rewarding but demands flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine passion for conservation.

How to be a wilderness ranger?

To become a wilderness ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant outdoor experience, and knowledge of conservation practices. Many positions require certifications such as CPR or first aid, and applicants should be prepared for physically demanding work in remote outdoor environments, often involving patrols, maintenance, and public education.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Jobs that can earn $1,000,000 annually include high-level executive roles such as CEOs, successful entrepreneurs, investment bankers, and certain professional athletes or entertainers. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes ownership stakes or performance-based bonuses.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized consultants, executive positions, or certain freelance professionals like surgeons, lawyers, or financial advisors. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience, and may involve self-employment or contract work with variable schedules.
What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Ranger jobs in California? The most popular types of Wilderness Ranger jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Ranger jobs in California? For Wilderness Ranger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Ranger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Ranger jobs in California are:
Wilderness Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Ranger job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,414 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Camp Ranger Assistant (Seasonal)

Camp Ranger Assistant (Seasonal)

Girl Scouts of Northern California

Kirkwood, CA

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Assist Camp Ranger with maintenance and repair of the camps’ buildings, grounds, equipment and other facilities consistent with the mission and established policies and procedures of the camp. Serve as a role model to campers and staff by your actions, appearance, manners, language, and general conduct. Participate enthusiastically in camp activities, supporting those as assigned.
Essential Duties Include:
  1. Maintain camp grounds
    • Operate necessary grounds care equipment such as mower, trucks, chain saws, etc., in safe and efficient manner.
    • Be aware and make necessary changes to hazards found on camp grounds.
    • Participate in daily check in with Camp Ranger and/or Camp Director.
    • Assist in tasks such as trail maintenance, painting, moving large equipment, etc.
  2. Assist in the repair of buildings and facilities.
    • Make minor repairs as needed.
  3. Perform janitorial and general maintenance duties.
    • Sweep, scrub, wax floors, wash windows and screens.
    • Clean toilets and bathrooms in living units.
    • Clean toilets, shower stalls, floors in shower houses.
    • Assist with dishes as needed.
    • Dispose of trash and waste. Manage recycling.
  4. Performs all duties in accordance with prescribed regulatory compliance guidelines, including local, state and federal guidelines as well as American Camp Association accreditation standards.
    • Assist with emergencies on physical plant and site.
    • Assist in conducting initial and end-of-season inventory.
    • Store equipment for safety.
    • Follow schedule for checking physical plant and equipment for safety.
    • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
  5. Provide superior client service to all campers, parents/families, staff, volunteers and vendors.
    • Identify client needs, make suggestions, initiate and follow through with appropriate action.
  6. Participate as a member of the camp staff team to support programs, special events, out trips, overnights and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
    • Attend staff meetings.
    • Assist where needed on camper arrival and departure days.
    • Be a member of the luggage team loading and unloading luggage to camper living units.
  7. Accept other duties as assigned.
    • Assisting all paid staff on site.
    • Supervise campers on the water (pending current certifications).
    • Rowing materials in and out of camp.
Required Experience:
  • Must be able to obtain certification in first aid and CPR.
  • Must submit health history record and examination completed by MD, RN, PA or NP form on first day of work.
  • A high school diploma or its equivalent or two years of experience in a facility and site maintenance, construction, or grounds keeping business.
  • Ability to drive, possession of a valid driver’s license, and clean DMV record.
  • Minimum age: 18 years.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Support the beliefs and principles of the Girl Scout Organization.
  • Knowledge and experience with Girl Scout resident camp program preferred.
  • Ability to work on a team, relate and work well with others.
  • Self starter and organizer.
  • Ability to accept guidance, direction and supervision.
  • Proficiency in the safe and proper use of power equipment and tools, heavy and light machinery, and building materials.
Physical Aspects of the Position:
  • Ability to understand and implement safety regulations and procedures.
  • Ability, both visual and auditory, to identify safety hazards and monitor guest and staff behavior and enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures.
  • Ability to walk, stand, bend and stretch.
  • Ability to lift, up to approximately 50 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to approximately 75 pounds may be required.
  • Ability to safely and properly use power tools and equipment.
  • Ability to safely drive cars, light trucks, tractors, and other motorized vehicles.
  • Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the camp operation.
  • Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness or injury).
  • Ability to climb ladders, walk on building roofs, carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment.
  • Ability to walk/hike several miles daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain.
  • Possess endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching.
  • Willing to live in camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.
  • Operate with daily exposure to various weather conditions and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, raccoons, and other wilderness animals common to the area.
Benefits: Meals and Lodging
Girl Scouts of Northern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

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