If you love the outdoors and working in nature, there’s a great opportunity waiting for you! Applications are now being accepted to become a New York State Park Ranger, but don’t wait, the deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.
New York State is home to some of the most beautiful parks and natural areas in the country. From Buffalo to Syracuse, Albany, and the Adirondack Mountains, there are countless places for families to explore and enjoy — many of them free to visit. Park Rangers play a vital role in keeping these areas safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.
Being a Park Ranger doesn’t just mean spending time in the woods. Rangers also help protect and maintain historic sites, beaches, cabins, and campgrounds across the state. It’s a rewarding way to serve your community while working outdoors and connecting with people who love nature.
The starting salary for a New York State Park Ranger is $22.47 per hour, and positions are available across the state — including Niagara, Genesee, Long Island, and many more regions. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify.
“Positions for Park Rangers exist in all eleven regions of the NY State Park system: Allegany, Central, Finger Lakes, Genesee, Long Island, New York City, Niagara, Palisades, Saratoga, Taconic, and Thousand Islands.
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Keep in mind, a background check is required as part of the hiring process, and there is a fee of just over $100 for that service.
If you’re ready for a new adventure and want to help protect New York’s natural treasures, this could be the perfect career path for you. Apply before the end of the year — and maybe we’ll see you on duty at one of the many amazing New York State Parks next summer!
Bald Eagle Flies Through Hamburg, New York
Gallery Credit: Clay Moden