How to Become a Park Ranger in Idaho

If it’s time for a change of career, or you are planning your first job, becoming a Park Ranger in Idaho should be an option.

If you want to make a positive impact on the future of the environment and enjoy interacting with the public and nature, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Working as a park ranger offers variety and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference.

Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Idaho

• Must have First Aid and CPR certification.
• Must have a driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle with a manual transmission.
• Be fluent in English and be able to communicate with the public.
• Have basic writing skills to complete reports and evaluations.
• Experience is an important aspect of the requirements:
• With building and maintenance materials and repairs
• Six months of experience operating and maintaining equipment
• Knowledge of how to provide educational and interpretive experiences for guests in parks
• Supervisory experience
• Answering questions from visitors
• Having worked as a ranger for a city, county, federal, or other agency
• Some college credits are preferred, but not required.
• Candidates must be willing to work nights and weekends.
• Preference may be given to qualified veterans.

Park Ranger Duties in Idaho

Park Rangers are part of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Duties come under four categories: administrative, visitor services, maintenance, and resource protection.

• Provide information to park visitors both by answering questions and offering talks.
• Design and present programs to the public, highlighting nature, history, and other topics of interest.
• Enforce all park, state, local, and federal laws and regulations.
• Patrol the park to protect it from vandalism and abuse.
• Collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies.
• Work with other park staff to train and hire staff.
• Maintain fiscal reports and do employee reviews.
• Do the purchasing for the park.
• Maintain the park with the help of the maintenance staff.
• Be able to perform the maintenance tasks personally if necessary.
• This includes, but is not limited to, lawn mowing, pest control, carpentry, and plumbing.

State Parks in Idaho

Ponderosa State Park

Located in the southwestern area of the state near McCall, this park is on a peninsula that juts into Payette Lake.

Bald eagle sightings in the park are not uncommon.

Camping, hiking, and guided nature walks are available to visitors.

Don’t miss visiting the two marshes that are located within the park.

Campfire programs in the evening are popular.

Swimming is available at several beaches on the lake.

The lake also offers fishing, boating, and other water activities.

The park is a popular destination in the winter for Nordic sports.

Osprey Point offers spectacular views of the lake.

Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park

The Mission of the Sacred Heart, the oldest building in Idaho, is located within the park.

The Church was constructed by missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Tours of the historic mission are given by park rangers.

The site also has a church house and a visitors center.

The visitor center has an exhibit that highlights the relationship between the native tribes and the missionaries who lived among them.

A boat launch and fishing are available.

Hell’s Gate State Park

It is located on the Washington State border near Lewiston, Idaho.

Visitors can camp on the shores of the Snake River.

A popular destination is Hells Gate Gorge, the deepest gorge in the US.

More than 20 miles of paved bike trails lead from the park to Lewiston.

A Nez Perce village was once located on the site of this park.

Lewis and Clark came through this area in 1805.

The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center offers interesting exhibits both inside and outside.

There is a film offered in the center that should not be missed.

Camping, biking, fishing, boating, and hiking are all attractions of Hells Gate State Park.

Massacre Rocks State Park

Massacre Rocks State Park is located in American Falls along the Snake River.

This area of the state was once an extinct volcano, and the volcanic remnants are still evident.

The Oregon Trail passed through what is now the park.

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is home to Challis Hot Springs.

Three ghost towns are within the park: Custer, Bayhorse, and Bonanza.

Learn about Idaho’s mining history at this park.

RV and tent camping are available, as well as an Interpretation Center.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	University of Idaho

Park Ranger Salary in Idaho

Being a Park Ranger in Idaho can range from a low of $28,000 to $55,000.

The average salary is about $42,500.

There is a significant difference between the various areas of the state in terms of salary.

Having more experience and education can also affect the salary you will receive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any national parks in Idaho?

There are six National Parks in Idaho, including what is considered the most beautiful National Park.

• City of Rocks National Reserve
• Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
• Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
• Minidoka National Historic Site
• Yellowstone National Park
• Nez Perce National Historical Park.

How many state parks are there in Idaho?

There are 30 State Parks in Idaho.

 

What is the most unique state park in Idaho?

Thousand Springs State Park is located in what is called Magic Valley, which says it all.

Is the salary for Park Rangers in Idaho competitive with other states?

The salary for park rangers is within the median ranger salary for the United States, which is $37,000 to $49.000.

The cost of living in Idaho is number 28 in the country.

This places it in the lower 50 percent.

Does Idaho hire temporary seasonal park rangers?

Yes, the Idaho Recreation and Parks Department offers a variety of temporary seasonal employment opportunities.

Some positions are part-time, and some are full-time.

They are a great way to get an introduction to the duties of a park department employee.