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Wildlife Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

... wildlife management and active conservation. Public service is a rewarding career! NYC Parks offers ... Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov) URBAN PARK RANGER ...

Urban Park Ranger

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

... wildlife management and active conservation. Public service is a rewarding career! NYC Parks offers ... Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov) URBAN PARK RANGER ...

... Ranger position for the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park District in Ulm, MT, is located about ... wildlife viewing. The city features miles of riverfront trails, multiple parks, golf courses, a ...

PARK RANGER 1966

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$78K - $96K/yr

DUTIES A Park Ranger provides public assistance and emergency services, including first aid, crowd ... vegetation, wildlife, ecosystems or historical significance) of a park, forest, or public ...

PARK RANGER 1966

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$78K - $96K/yr

DUTIES A Park Ranger provides public assistance and emergency services, including first aid, crowd ... vegetation, wildlife, ecosystems or historical significance) of a park, forest, or public ...

Park Ranger

Jacksonville, FL · 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 subjects ...

Park Ranger I

Naples, FL · On-site

$20.29 - $89/hr

Protects and maintains wildlife and natural resources; removes exotic plants; protects sea turtle nests; protects and monitors gopher tortoise burrows. Provides ranger-guided canoe trips; maintains ...

Showing results 41-60

Wildlife Ranger information

See salary details

$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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.

What is a wildlife ranger?

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.

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 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.

How do you become a wildlife ranger?

To become a wildlife ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or education in environmental science, biology, or conservation. Many positions require physical fitness, knowledge of local ecosystems, and sometimes certifications such as first aid or firearm safety, depending on the job environment.

How to get a job as a wildlife ranger?

To become a wildlife ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in conservation, ecology, or outdoor work. Many positions require knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems, and certifications such as first aid or firearm safety may be necessary. Gaining experience through volunteering, internships, or working with conservation organizations can improve job prospects.
More about Wildlife Ranger jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Ranger jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Ranger job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Wildlife Ranger jobs?

The top employers for Wildlife Ranger jobs are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Urban Park Ranger

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

625th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

Build your career with NYC Parks! NYC Parks helps bring together people from all over our great city. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, we own and operate some of the most exemplary green spaces in the world. The Urban Parks Rangers' (UPR) mission is to link New Yorkers to the natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management and active conservation.
Public service is a rewarding career! NYC Parks offers innovation, leadership, the satisfaction of public service and a place to grow and develop your career. Full-time employees are eligible for a wide variety of City benefits and perks including exceptional health and union benefits, pension, generous vacation/sick days, paid holidays, earned overtime, and a work-life balance.
Professional Development - We offer numerous training programs, leadership development opportunities, and career coaching services, while encouraging employees to attend approved off-site trainings and seminars.
Perks - Our employees are eligible for discounts on some of the top attractions in the city, and all employees receive free membership to our recreation centers.
Major Responsibilities
- Under supervision, lead educational and recreation-based programs for school children, summer camps and adults in natural areas throughout the city.
- Lead projects that support wildlife, preserve the urban natural world and promote stewardship of parks and natural resources.
- Lead current programming which includes canoeing, hiking, seining, fishing, biking, historical tours as well as educational programming.
- Staff nature centers, greet visitors and disseminate information regarding Parks Rules & Regulations, health & safety hazards and park events to the public.
- Patrol parks and natural areas, provide a uniform presence and enforce Parks Rules & Regulations.
- Provide first aid and emergency response to park patrons.
- Issue summonses for the violation of Parks Rules & Regulations; may detain or arrest violators of city and state laws.
- May be assigned to work in any borough.
Work Location: Citywide
Salary: $58,843 ($92K fully loaded including fringe benefits)
Other Requirements
1. Able to work any shift, including weekends and holidays.
2. Able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather; able to walk and/or stand in an assigned area; able to drive or sit in a patrol vehicle while remaining alert.
How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 788918.
All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.
*Current City Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.
nyc.gov/parks
MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)
URBAN PARK RANGER - 60421

Qualifications

1. An associate degree or completion of 60 college-level semester credits from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Educational Accreditation (CHEA); or
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in one of the following: law or code enforcement; security; ecology; or as an environmental instructor or ranger in a recognized park, recreation or ranger program, cultural institution or accredited school; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience that is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. College education may be substituted for the required experience in "2" above on the basis of 5 semester credits for 1 month of experience. Experience working as a clerk or secretary is not acceptable.
Special Patrolman Requirement: At the time of appointment, you must meet the following qualifications for Special Patrolman status (a status given by the New York City Police Department pursuant to Title 38, Chapter 13 of the Rules of the City of New York):
- must be twenty-one years of age or older,
- a citizen of the United States
- a resident of New York City
- have no record of convictions for any felony or for any serious offence against public safety (as defined in the New York State Penal Law),
- if discharged from military service, the discharge must not have been dishonorable, and
- be of good moral character.
Driver License Requirement: By the time you are appointed to this position, you must have a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York. If you have moving violations, license suspension(s) or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
Medical Requirement: Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Urban Park Ranger. Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position of Urban Park Ranger.
Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable him or her to take the examination, and /or to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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