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Wildlife Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Ogden, IA ยท On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

PARK RANGER Position Description Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee ... Knowledge of native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Boone County

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 ...

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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.

Park Ranger

Boone County Iowa

Ogden, IA โ€ข On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description: PARK RANGERPosition Description

Position Detail: Park Ranger, full-time, Boone County Employee Benefits, this position has been classified as FLSA Non-Exempt

Accountable To: Boone County Conservation Board Executive Director, Governed by the Boone County Employee Handbook

Payment: Pay range between $48,000-$55,000 depending on experience.


Position:

Under general supervision of the Director, serves as a peace officer under the provisions of Chapter 350 of the Code of Iowa. Responsible for enforcing Conservation Board rules and natural resource laws, maintaining a safe environment for the public, and protecting public lands. Oversees the daily maintenance and operation of Swede Point Park, Grantโ€™s Woods, and the High Trestle Trail. Recommends and implements improvements, enhancement in natural resource and recreational management, including timber stand improvement, prairie and tree planting, invasive species control, and prairie burns. Perform routine and special patrol duties, including the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, maintain good public relations, and maintain park facilities and equipment.


Education and Experience:

Bachelorโ€™s degree from an accredited college or university required, with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related natural science field; experience in natural resource or law enforcement work may be substituted for the course work requirement.


Essential Job Functions: These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other skills and duties may be required and assigned.

? Enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of the areas and issue citations and warnings to violators. Perform scheduled and non-scheduled patrol days in uniform

? Enforcement of Boone County Conservation Board (BCCB) rules and regulations, state park laws, Iowa traffic laws, Iowa fish and game laws that may apply to public lands

? Knowledge of native trees, shrubs, flowers, birds and other wildlife common to Boone County

? Knowledge of principles and practices of park and natural resource management

? Ensures the cleanliness of properties, parking lots, shelters, and bathrooms.

? Oversees the care and maintenance of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees and wetlands on the facility grounds.

? Manages the High Trestle Trail System in Boone County, including mowing, weed control, tree trimming, sign maintenance, plowing, etc.

? Collect user fees, meet, understand, and assist the general public

? Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments and agencies, and volunteers

? Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and ages

? Work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision

? Operate automotive and law enforcement equipment including pickup patrol unit, police radios, in-car computer, and emergency equipment

? Repair and maintain park structures and grounds

? Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and native grasses through drilling, planting, broadcasting, mowing, burning, and spraying herbicide

? Operate, repair, inspect, and service vehicles, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, skid loaders, dump truck, and other tools

? Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays


Essential Administration Responsibilities

? Operate common office equipment such calculators, photocopiers, and multi-line telephones

? Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, email, and web browsing

? Apply for local, state or federal grants

? Plan, assign, and assist in the supervision of seasonal employees, volunteers and contractors

? Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to individuals and groups both in formal and informal situations

? Operate the administrative side of the MyCountyParks reservation system to change, make, and check campground, shelter, and cabin reservations.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Conservation, Natural Resources, or related sciences preferred, High School Diploma/GED, Pre-Employment Physical, Pre-Employment Drug test, Clear Motor Vehicle Record, must be insurable under Boone County liability coverage, Pre Employment Background Check


Required Essential Licenses and Certifications

Certified peace officer in the State of Iowa (or be able to obtain certification), CPR and First Aid Certification (within one year of employment), Pesticide Applicatorโ€™s Certification


Mental/Visual Demands

Position demands attention in maintaining accurate records. Work under pressure with interruptions and challenging deadlines.


Required Essential Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 75 pounds of force. Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting. Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communications is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken work levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location, occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas and ditch embankments.


Environment

Frequently subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, cold and heat. Position will encounter dusty, windy, wet and icy work conditions.


Position Location

Primary location is Swede Point Park, Madrid, IA. Some traveling is required. Telecommuting is NOT approved for this position. Successful candidate will be offered a chance to live in the county residence at Swede Point Park as a rented residence.


Contacts

Position requires regular daily contact with others such as the public, other county offices and vendors.


Accountability

Accuracy is important to avoid errors in recording transactions. Be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Reliable work attendance. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and personal high level of integrity. Represent Boone County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner.


The Above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
performed by employee assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an
exhaustive list of all skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions required of a
person assigned to this job classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer
and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.Requirements: