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Nevada is more famous for its nightlife, but there are plenty of outdoor adventures waiting to be had.
Park Rangers are law enforcement officers in state and national parks, and some other natural areas.
Park rangers are caretakers of parks and of the outdoors, and they have the ability to act as police officers when they need to.
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Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Nevada
Requirements for a job as a park ranger in Nevada start with a four-year college degree in natural resources or some area of recreation.
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You must be in good physical condition and have excellent speaking and writing skills.
You must also pass the standard police officer test, though going through a police academy course is not required.
You must also be 21 years old, have a driver’s license, and pass a standard background check.
The park also employs seasonal workers, and this is a good way to get some experience to become a park ranger.
One year of experience in a visitor center, zoo, or some related type of facility.
A balance of education and experience is considered, and that can also be part of getting a part-time job.
Park Ranger Duties in Nevada
Park rangers in Nevada enforce park rules, as well as hunting and fishing rules in the state.
They are also involved in natural resource management, which can include preparing reports and programs for the public.
They oversee park maintenance and seasonal workers.
They may be in charge of park maintenance and the seasonal worker program at their facility.
Emergency medical services can also be part of the job.
Seasonal workers are involved in the maintenance of the park, collecting fees, presenting educational programs, or any other duty that might be needed.
State Parks in Nevada
There are 27 state parks, one national park, and wildlife or preservation areas where park rangers might work.
Here are some of the most popular.
Cave Lake State Park, near Ely, is one of the most popular parks in Nevada.
It has a lake inside a 4500-acre park that is next to the Humboldt National Forest.
In January there is a fire and ice show which is one of the biggest ice sculpture events in the nation.
It has a campground with full hookups.
Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking are just a few things you can do at this park.
There are trails where you can ride motorized vehicles.
In winter there is sledding, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing, as the area gets a good amount of snow at 7,000 feet of elevation.
Great Basin National Park is the state’s only national park, and it uses quite a few park rangers.
This is a 77,000-acre area about 300 miles north of Las Vegas.
It is in the high desert and is at the base of Wheeler Peak, a 13,000-foot mountain.
There are about 45 caves in this park, lots of ancient drawings, and a lot of fossils.
There are campgrounds at the park with full hookups.
There are 12 hiking trails, as well as several Lehman Caves.
There are two visitor centers, an archeological site, and the largest limestone arch in the Western United States.
Valley of Fire state park is famous for petrified wood and a petroglyph believed to be 3000 years old.
It is the oldest park in the state, founded in 1935, and it is the largest with 42,000 acres.
This is in the Mohave Desert and has been the site of several movies.
It has unique sandstone formations carved by nature that provide amazing views.
Salary
Park Rangers in Nevada can expect to start with a salary of about $35,000 and that can rise to $50,000 or more.
The average is $42,000.
The salary is very close to the national average, with the average salary nationally at $41,000.
Seasonal workers average $13 per hour.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $41,949 |
| Reno | $41,230 |
| Henderson | $41,785 |
| North Las Vegas | $41,949 |
| Sparks | $41,230 |
| Carson City | $41,394 |
| Elko | $34,947 |
| Boulder City | $41,374 |
| Mesquite | $41,333 |
| Fallon | $40,696 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for park rangers in Nevada?
According to the job website Zippia, Nevada is the fourth-best state for park rangers considering salary, benefits, and number of jobs.
Are park rangers police?
In the national parks, rangers are fully commissioned police officers.
At the state level, they do not always have to have that designation.
Both state and national park rangers have the authority to arrest people.
How much experience is needed to become a park ranger?
The official requirement is one year of experience in a park or a similar facility.
Education is also required, and there can be a combination of experience and education when hiring a park ranger.
Do park rangers need to be in good physical condition?
Yes.
Sometimes park rangers have to do rescue missions and will have to hike long distances, and that may be in bad weather conditions.
Park Rangers need to be skilled in dealing with the public and be willing to help when it is needed.
They also need to have a love for the outdoors and historic sites.
The ability to speak well in public is also a plus.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist
Park Ranger by State