Consider working at one of the state parks in Oklahoma if working outdoors is your ideal job.
Park rangers get paid to learn new skills, spend time in the country’s vast open spaces, and actively promote their preservation and public awareness.
Starting out as a park ranger is not challenging. You can get all the details you need right here.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Oklahoma
To become a park ranger in Oklahoma, here are the requirements you need to meet:
Earn your accredited, affordable Wildlife Forestry and Conservation career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Popular Programs
- Successfully pass a rigorous background and character check
- Have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at the appointment time
- Have a healthy physical and mental state.
- CPR and first aid training
- Physical preparedness for outdoor work
- Powerful communication abilities
- Be ready to put in erratic hours as necessary
- Satisfactorily complete your peace officer training within a year of starting your job
Park Ranger Duties in Oklahoma
Park rangers in Oklahoma are grouped into four levels.
The levels are distinguished by the intricacy of the required duties, the amount of salary pad, the extent of responsibility, and the necessary amount of leadership.
Band G
Band 5 is the initial level of employment for park rangers in Oklahoma and is specifically designed for trainees.
People in this wage range are sharpening their skills by offering guests safety, protection, and guidance.
Band H
After graduating from band G, salary Band H park rangers are given more tasks, including protecting premises, safeguarding people and property, and ensuring everyone adhere to all applicable rules and regulations.
Band H park rangers also provide protection and safety for the area’s resources, visitors, and staff by patrolling certain sections of a state park or resort.
They also help guests as needed, and collect money for things like camping.
Band I
Band I park rangers are in leadership positions, and their work is to supervise and keep an eye on every park area to ensure the safety of visitors and property.
Park rangers in this pay grade may also need to work with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate their efforts and conduct investigations into significant infractions.
These park rangers also prepare reports and documentation, conduct investigations, make arrests, seize contraband or property, and so forth.
Band L
Band L park rangers are responsible for managing the park ranger program statewide, and they are responsible for crafting the required policies, processes, and law enforcement initiatives.
These park rangers frequently have to create the budget for the park ranger program, deliver testimony or evidence as required, represent the organization in court throughout the legal proceedings, and assist other law enforcement officers as needed.
State Parks in Oklahoma
There are more than 32 state parks in Oklahoma.
The most well-known state parks are:
Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state of Oklahoma.
The park has 180 acres of beachfront, rocky landscape, and hardwood forests ideal for hiking, biking, and equestrian riding.
Black Kettle National Grassland
The Black Kettle National Grassland is made up of over one hundred different land parcels that are dispersed across Oklahoma and Texas.
Three of these locations are accessible to the public for recreational purposes, and some of these regions are used for energy production and cattle grazing.
Fort Cobb State Park
Fort Cobb, situated on the shore of Fort Cobb Lake, offers a variety of chances for enjoyment.
This state is famous and popular because it offers a variety of activities that you and your loved ones will love.
From a restaurant that sells finger-licking food, to a convenience store, or campsite, you will definitely enjoy your stay.
Salary
The usual beginning salary for a park ranger in Oklahoma is $26,805.25, and the typical annual income is $40,196.
However, there are four compensation rank levels, and the pay range is up to $58,000.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Oklahoma City | $37,514 |
Tulsa | $39,399 |
Norman | $37,267 |
Lawton | $34,947 |
Broken Arrow | $39,275 |
Edmond | $37,391 |
Altus | $34,824 |
Enid | $37,144 |
Mooreland | $35,799 |
Stillwater | $37,144 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma City, OK | 80 | $49,670 | $23.88 | $74,240 | $38,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a few skills that park rangers must have?
Park rangers should have excellent customer service abilities and an extensive understanding of natural resources.
Because they deal with so many people daily, park rangers play a crucial role in providing tourists with a positive experience.
Many of these tourists may ask many questions when interacting, which can only be answered if you are familiar with the woodlands and environment.
Do you need a license to be a park ranger in Oklahoma?
A license is only needed for park rangers in salary band I.
Park rangers in this band will need a peace officer CLEET certificate from Oklahoma because they will be assigned law enforcement duties.
Which academic field is most advantageous to park rangers in Idaho?
The typical educational path park rangers take includes forestry, wildlife management, conservation, and park and recreation management.
Another course of study that can be beneficial is criminal justice because it provides a solid foundation for the position’s code enforcement duties.
How useful is a degree in environmental management for a job as a park ranger in Oklahoma?
Environmental management graduates can manage the earth’s natural resources successfully.
The management emphasis of the environmental management degree is having a strong background in natural science and making wise decisions based on business and economics.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist