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Wildlife Ranger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger/Naturalist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Park Ranger/Naturalist VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE The Department The Community Services ... wildlife and plants. • Assists with developing, planning, and delivering special events with an ...

... and wildlife protection, safety enforcement, pollution control, public relations, and fee ... Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt ...

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

... and wildlife protection, safety enforcement, pollution control, public relations, and fee ... Wear and maintain a designated Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment ...

Completely surrounded by breathtaking natural wildlife including the San Leandro creek which comes into play on nearly every hole, the course offers some of the most unique golf around and is truly ...

Completely surrounded by breathtaking natural wildlife including the San Leandro creek which comes ... In the event a marshal/ranger is not available, the starter will help fulfill the role of marshal ...

Wildlife Ranger information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$64.1K

$125.3K

How much do wildlife ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife ranger in California is $64,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are park ranger jobs hard to get?

Wildlife ranger jobs can be competitive due to limited openings and the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of conservation, law enforcement, and outdoor survival. Candidates often need relevant education, certifications, and experience working in natural environments to improve their chances of hiring.

What are Wildlife Rangers?

Wildlife Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting wildlife, habitats, and natural resources in parks, reserves, and conservation areas. They patrol designated areas to prevent poaching, enforce conservation laws, monitor animal populations, and assist with habitat restoration projects. Wildlife Rangers may also educate the public about conservation, conduct research, and respond to emergencies involving wildlife. Their work is crucial in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the safety of both animals and visitors in natural areas.

How do I become a wildlife ranger?

To become a wildlife ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of conservation and environmental practices. Relevant skills include outdoor survival, communication, and sometimes certifications in first aid or wildlife management. Gaining experience through volunteering or internships can also improve job prospects in this field.

What are some of the unique challenges Wildlife Rangers face in their daily work, and how do they typically address them?

Wildlife Rangers frequently encounter challenges such as patrolling vast and remote areas, navigating difficult terrain, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. They also face the responsibility of monitoring wildlife populations, preventing poaching, and engaging with local communities to promote conservation efforts. To address these challenges, rangers rely on teamwork, regular training in fieldcraft and first aid, and the use of modern technology like GPS and drones. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for responding to emergencies and collaborating effectively with colleagues and partner organizations.

What is the highest paying wildlife job?

The highest paying wildlife jobs are often senior roles such as wildlife managers, conservation directors, or research scientists, with salaries exceeding $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and organization. Specialized skills, advanced degrees, and certifications can increase earning potential in these positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wildlife Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildlife Ranger, you need knowledge of conservation practices, wildlife management, and often a background in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and sometimes certifications in first aid or law enforcement are typically required. Strong observational skills, resilience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for engaging with the public and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualities enable Wildlife Rangers to protect natural habitats, ensure visitor safety, and uphold conservation laws.

What is the difference between Wildlife Ranger vs Conservation Officer?

AspectWildlife RangerConservation Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in wildlife management or first aidSimilar credentials; often requires environmental science or related degrees
Work EnvironmentNational parks, wildlife reserves, outdoor settingsWildlife agencies, environmental organizations, government agencies
Primary DutiesPatrols, habitat protection, enforcing park rulesPolicy implementation, habitat conservation, public education

Wildlife Rangers focus on patrolling and protecting wildlife in outdoor settings, while Conservation Officers often work in broader environmental roles, including policy and education. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in wildlife preservation, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized medical professionals like neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced education, leadership skills, and often involve high levels of responsibility and long working hours.
What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Ranger jobs in California? For Wildlife Ranger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wildlife Ranger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wildlife Ranger jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Wildlife Ranger jobs? Cities in California with the most Wildlife Ranger job openings:
Senior Ranger/Naturalist

$111K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

The Position The Senior Ranger/Naturalist is a working lead position that performs general work and maintenance related to the operation, development, and conservation of the East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD's) watersheds, fisheries and wildlife, and outdoor recreation properties. Working together with Ranger/Naturalist staff, the Senior Ranger/Naturalist prioritizes, schedules, delegates, assigns, directs and reviews the work of Rangers, Attendants, work crews, contractors, and others; as well as overseeing and managing various programs. Responsibilities of this position do NOT include law enforcement duties.

The list generated from this recruitment will be used to fill any Senior Ranger/Naturalist vacancies that may occur in the next 12-24 months. Positions exist in the Orinda, Lafayette and the Mokelumne areas. There is currently one (1) immediate vacancy in the Mokelumne location.

Duties of the Senior Ranger/Naturalist position include: Maintenance Works with and acts as a lead in performing general watershed and recreation management duties including range management, fence construction and repair, fire suppression, fire fuel mitigation, fuel break construction, park operations and maintenance, erosion control, trail maintenance and construction, forestry, felling diseased or dangerous trees, sign installation, landscaping, integrated pest management including chemical applications, developing/modifying park rules and regulations, and other related functions. Lead Prioritizes, assigns, directs, and reviews the work of others in the construction, maintenance and operation of watershed and recreational facilities. Evaluates, interprets, and enforces recreation rules, regulations, and protocols.

Assists Supervisor with scheduling and staff assignments. Prioritizes projects, creates daily work assignments for staff, equitably divides workloads, assists with the scheduling and maintenance of required staff training such as CPR/First Aid, fire, IPM, and hazmat, Trains and orients new employees. Prepares, reviews, analyzes, and recommends actions on routine and specialized documents including leases, incident reports, watershed entry permits, daily and weekly tally sheets, purchase orders, reconciliation of products received, receipts and payments, monthly dam inspection reports, and other related functions.

Administrative Monitors agreements with local fire and law enforcement agencies, cooperates with fire inspection and prevention programs. Maintains accurate records. Enters data into automated or computerized work management systems.

Assists with long range planning activities. Assists with processing new watershed use requests including CEQA issues. Administers billing for leases.

Assists with the development of plans associated with various programs. Emergency Response Wildland fire suppression. Responds to medical, safety, water, and other emergencies within the watershed and recreation areas.

Assists and cooperates with law enforcement and other agencies during routine operations and emergencies. Public Contact Answers visitor inquiries, interprets and explains natural and historic features of the area, conducts tours, assures adherence to rules and regulations, and calls for law enforcement assistance when necessary. Instructs visitors in safe boating practices, directs and performs search and rescue duties, and administers first aid Working conditions include a field environment; working closely with the public, Ranger/Naturalists, District staff, and contractors; wearing uniforms; exposure to inclement weather conditions where fire, insects, plants, and animals are potential hazards.

The salary range is $9,288 per month increasing to $9,752, $10,240, $10,752 and $11,290 after 6, 18, 30, and 42 months, respectively. EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Requirements 1. Completion of the twelfth grade or its equivalent. 2.

Two years' experience in maintenance and operations work in recreation, fisheries and wildlife, or range and forestry at a level equivalent to or higher than an EBMUD Ranger/Naturalist II. 3. Must possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including sufficient swimming ability for self-preservation and for learning and performing lifesaving techniques, take boats out of water and drag fire hose up a hill.

4. Duties may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for standing, walking, bending, and swimming for prolonged periods of time; and moderate to heavy lifting. 5.

Willingness to work shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime and to wear uniforms. 6. Willingness to work exposed to adverse weather conditions and where fire, insects, plants and animals are potential hazards.

7. First Aid and CPR certification. 8.

California driver's license and satisfactory driving record. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position.

For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/. The Selection Process 1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026

Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted. 2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.

3. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates receiving a passing score to be invited to a work capacity test, expected to be held in mid-August at EBMUD's Mokelumne Recreation Area. Please see "WORK CAPACITY 'FIELD' or 'PACK' TEST" below.

4. Those passing the work capacity test will be invited to a panel interview, which may include a work sample project to further evaluate job-related knowledge, skills and abilities and to rank candidates for further consideration. 5.

Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months. 6. The probation period for this position is 12 months.

For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months. 7. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening.

All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment. WORK CAPACITY "FIELD" or "PACK" TEST Testing: The work capacity test portion of the performance test will consist of walking two miles in 30 minutes on a level surface while wearing a 25-lb. pack carried over your shoulders/on your back.

No jogging or running will be permitted. The work capacity test is pass/fail only. A weighted vest will be provided.

Background: The goals of passing this work capacity test are to better protect the firefighter's personal safety and health, to protect co-workers' safety and to improve the firefighting operation and function. Therefore, the work capacity test is intentionally stressful and passing it a good indication of minimum fitness in the areas of aerobic capacity, muscular strength and muscular endurance. Preparation: We recommend consulting a physician before substantially increasing your level of activity or beginning to train for this test.

This is especially important if you are over 40; have been inactive; have a history of a heart condition, chest pain or loss of balance; and/or have a joint or bone problem that could be made worse by a change in physical activity. Applicants are strongly urged to train for moderate-level work capacity at least four weeks before taking the work capacity test. Once you have been cleared to begin training, you will need: adequate footwear, comfortable clothing, a 25-lb.

backpack and an accurately measured, safe and level course. Training should start by walking short distances without a pack, gradually increasing distance and carrying weight up to the required pace (2 miles in 30 minutes) and weight (25-lb. backpack).

Supplemental Information As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed. Should you respond with comments such as "see application" or "see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.

Responses to questions 1-10 indicate your ability and/or willingness to perform important and ongoing aspects of this position. Questions 11-14 cover a range of work experience and responsibilities. Generally, the greater the variety and/or complexity of duties and level of responsibility, the better your score.