Colorado Park Ranger Salary Information in the US

Are you interested in becoming a park ranger in Colorado? Do you want to know how much park rangers earn in this state and what factors affect their salary? If so, this article is for you.

In this article, you will learn about:

• The average salary of park rangers in Colorado
• The difference between state and national park rangers
• The education and training requirements for park rangers
• The benefits and challenges of working as a park ranger
• The 10 most asked questions about park ranger careers

Colorado Park Ranger Salary Information in US

Average Salary of Park Rangers in Colorado

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a park ranger in Colorado is $19.71 per hour, which is 22% above the national average. This translates to an annual salary of about $41,000.

However, the salary of park rangers can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The level of education and experience
• The type and location of the park
• The duties and responsibilities of the position
• The season and demand for park services

For example, park rangers who work for the National Park Service (NPS) may earn more than those who work for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average annual salary of a national park ranger in Colorado is $38,02,, while the average annual salary of a state park ranger in Colorado is $45,978.

Similarly, park rangers who work in popular and urban parks may earn more than those who work in remote and rural parks. According to Indeed.com, some of the highest-paying cities for park rangers in Colorado are:

City	Average Hourly Salary	Average Annual Salary
Boulder	$24.88	$51,750
Westminster	$21.69	$45,120
Aurora	$21.31	$44,320

Some of the lowest paying cities for park rangers in Colorado are:

City	Average Hourly Salary	Average Annual Salary
Pueblo	$16.53	$34,380
Fort Collins	$17.50	$36,400
Littleton	$17.58	$36,570

Additionally, park rangers who have higher levels of education and experience may earn more than those who have less. According to ParkRangerEdu.org, park rangers who have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field may qualify for higher pay grades and advancement opportunities.

Moreover, park rangers who perform specialized duties and responsibilities may earn more than those who perform general tasks. For instance, park rangers who are certified as peace officers and conduct law enforcement activities may earn more than those who provide visitor services and interpretive programs.

Finally, park rangers who work during peak seasons and high-demand periods may earn more than those who work during off-seasons and low-demand periods. For example, park rangers who work during the summer months when more visitors come to the parks may earn more than those who work during the winter months when fewer visitors come to the parks.

Difference Between State and National Park Rangers

Another factor that affects the salary of park rangers is the type of employer they work for. In Colorado, there are two main types of park rangers: state park rangers and national park rangers.

State park rangers work for the CPW, which manages 42 state parks and more than 300 wildlife areas across the state. State park rangers serve as state peace officers, performing a variety of law enforcement and guest services duties, as well as natural resource management. Some of the duties of state park rangers include:

• Patrolling land and water and conducting investigations
• Enforcing Colorado Revised Statutes and park rules
• Checking for appropriate hunting, fishing, and park permits
• Visitor program development and management
• Interpretive services
• Management of temporary and seasonal workers

National park rangers work for the NPS, which manages four national parks in Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. National park rangers work to preserve the natural and historical resources of these sites, as well as greatly enhance visitor experiences. Some of the duties of national park rangers include:

• Providing information and orientation to visitors
• Conducting guided tours and educational programs
• Protecting wildlife and cultural resources
• Responding to emergencies and providing first aid
• Assisting with research and monitoring projects
• Collaborating with other agencies and partners

Both state and national park rangers play an important role in protecting and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of Colorado. However, they may have different requirements, benefits, and challenges depending on their employer.

Education and Training Requirements for Park Rangers

To become a park ranger in Colorado, you will need to meet certain education and training requirements depending on the type of position you are applying for.

For state park ranger positions, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field, such as:

• Biology/Wildlife biology
• Ecology/Environmental science
• Forestry
• Natural resource management
• Outdoor recreation/Parks management
• Zoology/Wildlife management

Alternatively, you may substitute specialized experience in law enforcement, natural resource management, or parks administration on a year-by-year basis for the required education.

In addition to the education requirement, you will also need to meet the following general requirements:

• Must be able to possess and maintain a Colorado state driver’s license
• Must submit to a medical/psychological examination and drug screening
• Must be able to pass physical agility test
• Must pass a background investigation

Furthermore, you will also need to undergo the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic program in order to be certified as a peace officer. Additionally, you will need to complete the CPW Training program.

For national park ranger positions, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, having a college degree or some college coursework in a relevant field may give you an advantage over other applicants.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, you may also need to have one or more of the following:

• Experience in public contact, customer service, or education
• Experience in natural or cultural resource management or conservation
• Experience in law enforcement or emergency response
• Certifications or licenses in CPR, first aid, firearms, etc.
• Knowledge of the park’s history, geology, flora, fauna, etc.

Additionally, you will also need to meet the following general requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be at least 21 years old (for law enforcement positions)
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must pass a physical fitness test
• Must pass a medical examination and drug screening
• Must pass a background investigation

Moreover, you will also need to undergo the NPS Training program, which may include courses in:

• Interpretation and communication skills
• Resource management and protection
• Law enforcement and emergency services
• Safety and risk management
• Leadership and supervision

Benefits and Challenges of Working as a Park Ranger

Working as a park ranger in Colorado can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who love nature and people. However, it can also be a demanding and challenging job that requires physical stamina, mental resilience, and emotional intelligence.

Some of the benefits of working as a park ranger include:

• Having the opportunity to work in beautiful and diverse natural settings
• Having the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge every day
• Having the opportunity to educate and inspire visitors about the park’s resources and values
• Having the opportunity to make a positive difference in the environment and society
• Having the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals and partners who share your passion and vision

Some of the challenges of working as a park ranger include:

• Having to work long and irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and nights
• Having to work in harsh and unpredictable weather conditions, such as snow, rain, heat, cold, etc.
• Having to deal with difficult and sometimes dangerous situations, such as fires, floods, accidents, crimes, conflicts, etc.
• Having to cope with stress and trauma from witnessing or experiencing violence, injury, death, etc.
• Having to balance multiple roles and responsibilities that may sometimes conflict with each other

Most Asked Questions About Park Ranger Careers

If you are still interested in becoming a park ranger in Colorado after reading this article, you may have some questions about this career path. Here are some of the most asked questions about park ranger careers and their answers.

1. How do I apply for park ranger jobs in Colorado?

You can apply for state park ranger jobs through the CPW website. You can also apply for national park ranger jobs through the USAJOBS website. You will need to create an account on these websites and upload your resume and other documents. You will also need to fill out an online application form and answer some questions related to the position. You may also need to take some assessments or tests as part of the application process.

2. How competitive is it to get hired as a park ranger?

It can be very competitive to get hired as a park ranger because there are usually more applicants than available positions. According to the NPS, the average number of applicants per position is about 200. Therefore, you will need to have a strong resume and application that showcase your qualifications, skills, and achievements. You will also need to prepare well for the interview and demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the job.

3. How long does it take to get hired as a park ranger?

It can take several months to get hired as a park ranger because the hiring process involves multiple steps and stages. According to the NPS, the average time from application to hire is about 6 months. However, this may vary depending on the position, the park, and the season. Some factors that may affect the hiring time include:

• The number and quality of applicants
• The availability and schedule of hiring managers and panels
• The completion and verification of background checks and medical exams
• The availability and allocation of funding and positions

4. What are the career advancement opportunities for park rangers?

There are many career advancement opportunities for park rangers who want to grow and develop in their profession. Park rangers can move up the ranks from entry-level to supervisory or managerial positions, such as:

• Lead park ranger
• Park ranger supervisor
• Park ranger district manager
• Park ranger chief
• Park superintendent

Park rangers can also transfer to different parks or regions, or specialize in different areas or functions, such as:

• Interpretation
• Law enforcement
• Resource management
• Education
• Administration

Park rangers can also pursue further education or training to enhance their knowledge and skills, or obtain additional certifications or licenses to increase their qualifications and credibility.

5. What are the best parks to work as a park ranger in Colorado?

There is no definitive answer to this question because different parks may appeal to different park rangers depending on their preferences, interests, and goals. However, some factors that may influence your choice of park include:

• The size and location of the park
• The type and diversity of the resources and attractions
• The number and profile of the visitors and partners
• The culture and climate of the park staff and community
• The challenges and opportunities of the park

Some examples of popular parks to work as a park ranger in Colorado are:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. It features stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and abundant recreational activities. It also offers a variety of seasonal and permanent positions for park rangers.
• Mesa Verde National Park: This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves over 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. It offers a unique opportunity for park rangers to learn about and share the rich cultural history of this region. It also offers a range of interpretive, resource management, and law enforcement positions for park rangers.
• Cherry Creek State Park: This park is one of the largest and most popular state parks in Colorado, serving over 1.5 million visitors annually. It features a large reservoir, a natural prairie environment, and a variety of outdoor activities. It also offers a challenging and rewarding environment for park rangers who perform law enforcement, visitor services, and natural resource management duties.