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Wilderness Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Claremont, CA · On-site

$23.03 - $27.82/hr

... Wilderness Park. Are you ready to experience a different kind of City. A City that challenges ... The Park Ranger will assist local law enforcement agencies with the enforcement of City policies ...

Park Ranger

Claremont, CA · On-site

$23.03 - $27.82/hr

... Hills Wilderness Park. * Are you ready to experience a different kind of City? A City that ... The Park Ranger will assist local law enforcement agencies with the enforcement of City policies ...

Wilderness Ranger information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do wilderness ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 as a wilderness ranger?

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.

Is it hard to get a job as a wilderness ranger?

Getting a job as a wilderness ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, physical fitness, and knowledge of conservation practices. Many positions are seasonal and may require certifications such as CPR or first aid, along with a background in outdoor skills and environmental education.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Ranger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,414 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

$23.03 - $27.82/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

City of Claremont **MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES AND SHIFTS AVAILABLE!** The Claremont Recreation and Human Services Department is looking for highly motivated individuals with strong work ethics to monitor activities and enforce City policies in public parks, including the 2,500-acre Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. Are you ready to experience a different kind of City. A City that challenges convention, embraces innovation, and demands excellence.

Do you have the passion, drive, and commitment to succeed in a fast-paced, service-driven environment. The City of Claremont produces innovative programs that are setting the bar for municipalities across the country. Do you enjoy a challenging environment that will push you to be the best in your field.

If you answered these questions with YES, consider applying to join the Recreation and Human Services Department as their next Park Ranger. SUPPLEMENTAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION Candidate applications will be screened for minimum qualifications as well as against the pool of qualified applicants who apply. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview.

Dates for recruitment processes are subject to change. Recruitment may close after a sufficient number of qualified applicants are received. All candidates will be notified of their standing in the recruitment process via email.

OPEN DATE: August 3, 2026 CLOSE DATE: August 20, 2026 INTERVIEWS: September 10, 2026 The Position Park Rangers will provide information to park users, report problems to the appropriate agency and manage group activities in City parks. Other duties include inspecting park facilities, reporting graffiti, vandalism, and any items that need to be repaired. The Park Ranger will assist local law enforcement agencies with the enforcement of City policies and codes at various parks through education and the issuance of citations.

The Park Ranger is part-time and requires up to 30 hours per week.However, minimum hours cannot be guaranteed. Shift hours vary Monday through Sunday, 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m

365 days per year. Park Rangers are assigned to preset shifts upon hire and are required to maintain availability for their assigned shift, as well as be available for special events or details as assigned. The current vacancies exist: Thursday - Sunday shifts between 1 p.m

- 9 p.m., with alternating Thursdays off. Monday - Thursday shifts between 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., with alternating Thursdays off

The mandatory special events all staff are required to work include: Village Venture; Halloween Spooktacular - Saturday before Halloween; Holiday Promenade - First Friday in December; Spring Celebration - Saturday before Easter; 1k Kids Fun Run/5k Run/Walk - Saturday prior to July 4; 4th of July Celebration - July 4. Support on all major holidays including Thanksgiving, New Years, and Christmas may be required. Ideal Candidate Education: Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed 12th grade or equivalent GED.

Experience: Experience in park and open space operations, public service, or a related field. Related knowledge of local flora/fauna is highly desirable. Chainsaw certification is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or successful acquisition within six months of employment, a valid CPR and first aid certification, to be maintained throughout employment. PC 832 training must be completed within six months of employment. Due to the performance of field duties which will require operation of a motor vehicle, a valid California Class C Driver's License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and through employment is required.

Individuals holding this position are considered mandated reporters under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA"), Penal Code Section 11164-11174.3. As a mandated reporter, these individuals will be required to comply with the agency's Policy on Mandated Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting. For a comprehensive list of duties and requirements, review the job description here

Additional Information THE COMMUNITY Located 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles on the lower slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, Claremont is best known for its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, world-renowned colleges, and award-winning school system. Claremont provides the charm of a New England town within comfortable driving distance of major Southern California attractions, sports stadiums, and the Ontario International Airport. Sunset magazine described Claremont in this manner, "College towns like this one may be commonplace on the East Coast, but Claremont, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, stands out as a singular example in Southern California." Metrolink Rail Authority also named Claremont a Preferred Destination Point

The City has a population of 36,000 people calling Claremont their home. Within the City's 14.14 square miles, Claremont has 24 City-owned parks and sports fields, with 2,555 acres of public parkland, of which 1,769 is wilderness. Claremont has over 25,000 City trees and has been a winner of the National Arbor Day Association's TREE CITY USA award for 38 years

Claremont's success is not accidental, but the result of a long tradition of creating and encouraging community cooperatives and involvement in civic affairs, which has also worked successfully in the areas of business and economic retention and development. The City of Claremont exemplifies the quality of a model city and is viewed and respected as a leader in local government. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The City of Claremont is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process or in the performance of their duties must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.