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Wildlife Ranger Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Overnight Ranger

Houston, TX

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

The role of a Houston Zoo Ranger requires exceptional internal and external guest service to all ... Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Overnight Ranger

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

The role of a Houston Zoo Ranger requires exceptional internal and external guest service to all ... Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

Overnight Ranger

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

The role of a Houston Zoo Ranger requires exceptional internal and external guest service to all ... Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities * Provides ...

The region also boasts diverse wildlife and landscapes such as Columbia Bottomland forests, rivers ... The successful candidate(s) for Temporary / Seasonal General Maintenance, Beach and Grounds Ranger ...

Parks Temporary

Angleton, TX · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

The region also boasts diverse wildlife and landscapes such as Columbia Bottomland forests, rivers ... The successful candidate(s) for Temporary / Seasonal General Maintenance, Beach and Grounds Ranger ...

Wildlife Ranger information

See Texas salary details

$23.3K

$60.5K

$118.3K

How much do wildlife ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife ranger in Texas is $60,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $68,900.00 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 cities in Texas are hiring for Wildlife Ranger jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Wildlife Ranger job openings:

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The role of a Houston Zoo Ranger requires exceptional internal and external guest service to all zoo guests and staff. Other duties include extensive on grounds patrols where the ideal candidate will have proven experience being observant to safety hazards, respond to first aids, and possess the ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner during emergency situations.

This is a uniformed position that requires working during scheduled holiday periods and school vacation weeks due to increased attendance.
 

Our Mission: Connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provides exceptional internal and external guest service per established guidelines. Greets and assists guests in a friendly and positive manner regarding Zoo offerings, prices, information and directions
  • Patrol and monitor all areas of the zoo
  • Know the department manual, emergency plans, and knowledge of emergency phone numbers and protocols
  • Responds to first aid, medical needs and a variety of other emergencies according to Zoo policies and procedures in a timely manner
  • Investigate all recordable incidents and deliver reports based on findings
  • Assist in reuniting lost children with parents and/or guardians
  • Assist with returning lost and found items in a timely manner
  • Respond to and resolves guest concerns
  • Respond to emergency situations providing assistance to guests and staff
  • Point person at Giraffe Feeding platform and entrance

Experience and Education
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Ability to work irregular hours and outdoors
  • Ability to work nights, holidays, weekends and extended hours
  • Must be eligible to complete and receive certification as a Non-Commissioned Security Officer through the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Bureau (No current or prior Class A or B misdemeanors or felony convictions)
  • Must be able to maintain eligibility to keep certifications as an Non-Commissioned Security Officer
  • Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability required


About Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.