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Wilderness Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Wilderness Ranger information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do wilderness ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness ranger in Colorado is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $22.50 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 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 popular job titles related to Wilderness Ranger jobs in Colorado? For Wilderness Ranger jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Ranger jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Ranger jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Wilderness Ranger jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Wilderness Ranger job openings:
Wilderness Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Ranger job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,191 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Watershed Ranger I/II Conservation & Public Safety | City of Longmont

Longmont Department of Public Safety

Longmont, CO • On-site

$56K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Watershed Ranger I/II – Public Lands, Conservation & Public Safety | City of Longmont
Full-Time | Longmont, Colorado
Ranger I Pay: $27.28 – $30.32/hour
Ranger II Pay: $31.91 – $35.46/hour
Schedule: Variable schedule including weekends and holidays
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
IMPORTANT — HOW TO APPLY
Applicants MUST apply directly through the City of Longmont website:
https://longmontcolorado.gov/jobs

Applications submitted through BetterTeams, Indeed, or other third-party job boards will NOT be considered.
To receive consideration, candidates must complete the official online application on the City of Longmont Careers page.
Open Until Filled positions may close without notice, so early application is strongly encouraged.
Join the City of Longmont as a Watershed Ranger
The City of Longmont is seeking motivated and community-focused Watershed Rangers to help protect critical water resources, manage public lands, support emergency response operations, and ensure safe recreational access throughout Button Rock Preserve, McCall Lake, and surrounding public lands.
This role combines:
  • Public safety.
  • Natural resource management.
  • Environmental stewardship.
  • Outdoor recreation management.
  • Emergency response.
  • Visitor education and enforcement.
Ideal candidates enjoy working outdoors, solving problems independently, interacting with the public, and protecting Colorado’s natural resources.
Key Responsibilities:
Watershed Operations & Resource Protection:
  • Monitor and manage raw water storage facilities and reservoir systems.
  • Conduct dam safety inspections and monitor water elevations and creek flows.
  • Patrol preserves, reservoirs, parks, and public lands by foot, vehicle, or boat.
  • Protect natural resources and identify environmental or safety hazards.
Public Safety & Emergency Response:
  • Provide first aid and emergency response coordination.
  • Perform rescue operations and boating assists.
  • Educate visitors and enforce reservoir and public land regulations.
  • Investigate violations and issue municipal summonses when required.
Land Management & Maintenance:
  • Assist with weed control, erosion control, timber management, and conservation efforts.
  • Support facility and infrastructure maintenance projects.
  • Operate a wide variety of equipment used in parks, forestry, utilities, and public lands management.
Leadership & Community Outreach:
  • Present educational programs to schools and community groups.
  • Support volunteer projects and public outreach initiatives.
  • Ranger II employees assist with hiring, training, and equipment management.

Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Natural Resource Management.
  • Natural Sciences.
  • Park & Recreation Management.
  • Criminal Justice.
OR
Equivalent directly related education and/or experience in:
  • Outdoor recreation.
  • Wildlife or fisheries.
  • Ecology.
  • Regulation enforcement.
  • Boat operations.
  • Emergency medical response.

Required Certifications (within designated timeframe):
  • Valid Colorado Driver’s License.
  • First Aid/AED/CPR.
  • OC Aerosol Spray.
  • Collapsible Baton.
  • Motor Boat Operation Certification.
  • Wildland Fire Certifications (S-130/S-190).
  • Basic Chainsaw Certification (S-212).

Additional Ranger II Requirement:
  • Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Emergency First Responder certification within 1 year of hire.

Benefits:
This full-time position includes an excellent benefits package, including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance.
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
  • 401(a) Retirement Plan.
  • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave.
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Tuition Assistance.
  • Life Insurance & Disability Coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Family & Caregiver Leave Benefits.

Working Environment
This position is primarily outdoors and involves hiking, standing, boating, patrol work, and exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions. Weekend, holiday, and adjusted schedules are required.
Selection Process:
The hiring process may include:
  • Interview.
  • Physical abilities testing.
  • Background investigation.
  • Criminal background check.
  • Substance screening.
  • Unescorted Security Clearance.

APPLY NOW
Applications are ONLY accepted through the City of Longmont website:

https://longmontcolorado.gov/jobs

Applications submitted through BetterTeams, Indeed, or other third-party job boards will NOT be considered.