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Wildlife Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH

$24.16 - $35.79/hr

Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our parks safe and ... Respond to animal and wildlife calls; enforce fish and wildlife regulations to ensure protection of ...

Park Ranger

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$24.15 - $35.78/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our ... Respond to animal and wildlife calls; enforce fish and wildlife regulations to ensure protection of ...

Ranger- Seasonal PT

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$15/hr

If so, you might be a great fit for a Part Time Seasonal Ranger role on our Guest Relations team ... Interact with guests and share information regarding exhibits and native wildlife * Provide guests ...

Overnight Ranger

Houston, TX ยท 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 Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is actively seeking two (2) Park Ranger ... Coordinates assistance for injured wildlife. Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects ...

Park Ranger

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$36K/yr

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is actively seeking two (2) Park Ranger ... Coordinates assistance for injured wildlife. * Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of ...

PARK RANGER - 37001154 1 Position Number: 37001154 Salary: $2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37001154 1 Position Number: 37001154 Salary: $2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000951 1 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000951 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000951 1 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000951 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000951 1 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000951 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000951 1 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000951 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000951 1 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000951 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000548 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000548 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

PARK RANGER - 37000951 1 1 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 37000951 Salary: $2,896.67 ... Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, maintains optimum species control via natural ...

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Showing results 1-20

Wildlife Ranger information

See salary details

$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife ranger in the United States is $64,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $74,000.00 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.
More about Wildlife Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for Wildlife Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Wildlife Ranger job openings:
What states have the most Wildlife Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildlife Ranger jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wildlife Ranger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

$24.16 - $35.79/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description:

Join Metroparks Toledo as a Park Ranger. In this role, you keep our parks safe and protect our natural resources. Youโ€™re the friendly face at our parks through positive interactions with people on a daily basis. Youโ€™ll combine traditional traffic and criminal law with community oriented policing and crime prevention to ensure we maintain our โ€œClean, Safe, and Naturalโ€ promise.


Day in the Life?

No two days are the same. You set your routine based on our department goals to keep our parks safe. You might be patrolling a park trail on a bike, engaging with park visitors, or participating in a community outreach program.


Hereโ€™s why we think youโ€™ll love working at Metroparks

  • Work outside in our beautiful Metroparks. Patrol in multiple ways โ€“ vehicles, bicycles, ATVs, on foot.
  • Known schedule (4 10s, 3 days off weekly) so you can plan your life outside of work.
  • Proactively create your daily activities rather than respond to a large call load.
  • Competitive pay, health care, retirement, and time off. Read more here.
  • Grow your career on a special assignment or develop to become Sergeant.

Youโ€™ll love this job if

  • You want to combine traditional traffic and criminal law with community oriented policing and crime prevention.
  • You want to build relationships with our park visitors and interact with people in a positive way on a daily basis.
  • You care deeply about preserving the natural resources in our parks for future generations.

-------------------------

Job Summary

Serve as law enforcement officer to assure the publicโ€™s safety, protection and enjoyment. Responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and protecting life and property at Metroparks Toledo.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Patrols Metroparks to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect.
  • Patrol a designated area in a motor vehicle, bicycle and/or on foot; prevent and discover the commission of crimes, direct and enforce traffic, parking, and laws, administer medical assistance, check for safety hazards, answer calls and complaints, check security of buildings, and investigate accidents. Take corrective action as needed.
  • At the scene of a crime or accident, initiate department procedures as relates to: emergency medical care, investigation, witnesses, site inspections, gathering and maintenance of evidence and arrests.
  • Conducts investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift and performs follow up investigations as needed.
  • Make arrests, escort suspects from the crime scene, and prepare detailed reports.
  • Give advice, assistance, and general information to the public.
  • Answer all emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Attend assigned training classes and programs.
  • Analyzes and evaluates evidence. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
  • Obtain working knowledge of, and acquire the needed skills to enter and retrieve data for both in car mobile data terminals and in-house computer systems.
  • Make daily checks of equipment to ascertain that they are in proper working condition.
  • Serve in special assignment roles such as firearms instructor, detective, public information officer, or defensive tactics instructor, as assigned.
  • Carry out any lawful order or duty as prescribed by the Chief or other supervisor.
  • Perform outreach programs.
  • Ensure effective communication and working relationships between external departments and organizations.
  • Assist other law enforcement agencies through mutual aid.
  • Promote cross departmental communications and objectives.
  • Maintains a professional appearance to include grooming, uniforms and vehicles
  • Maintains all departmental equipment and work areas to highest professional standards.
  • Open and close parks; lock and alarm all buildings and facilities.
  • Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, traffic safety, etc.
  • Assist with river rescues.
  • Respond to animal and wildlife calls; enforce fish and wildlife regulations to ensure protection of wildlife and natural resources.
  • Promote compliance with all safety regulations.
  • Direct the work of Metroparks and volunteer staff as needed.
  • Other Park District work related duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

  • Vehicles: Law enforcement patrol vehicles equipped with lights and siren, UTVs, bicycles
  • Handguns, patrol and wildlife control rifles, TASER, OC spray, handcuffs, radar/laser guns, body worn cameras, and other equipment as needed.
  • Radios, mobile data terminals, cell phones with specialized apps
  • First Aid Equipment and AEDs
  • Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS), Specialized law enforcement software
  • General office equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 hour shift on either 2nd shift or 3rd shift
  • Home Work Location: Glass City Metropark
  • May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
  • Requires physical agility to perform law enforcement duties. Requires wearing 20 pounds of equipment. Must pass fitness for duty, psychological assessment and drug test at the time of hire.
Requirements:

Job Requirements

  1. Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driverโ€™s license with an acceptable driving record.
  2. Education: High School Diploma or GED
  3. Experience: Some experience that demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities of position. Some park operations and natural resources management experience preferred.
  4. Certifications: Certified Peace Officer in the State of Ohio (OPOTA)
  5. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements: First Aid / CPR

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal criminal statutes of which charges and arrests are executed.
  • Understanding of state wildlife and watercraft laws.
  • Knowledge of Metroparks rules, regulations and standard operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn Metroparks properties, features, and natural resources areas.

Skills

  • Computer skills including word processing and data entry.
  • Problem solving skills; ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
  • Customer service skills.
  • In-depth interpersonal skills; demonstrated sensitivity and empathy.
  • Oral communication skills and presentation skills.

Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to work without supervision.
  • Ability to maintain all required law enforcement certifications.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and apply departmental standards for security and privacy.
  • Ability to observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
  • Ability to maintain high standards in law enforcement activities; such as, use of firearms, self-defense, operation of a motor vehicle, interviewing techniques, radio and communication procedures, testifying in court, report writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public, and to effectively and discreetly convey information.
  • Ability to instruct and train others.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.