How to Become a Park Ranger in Rhode Island

Becoming a park ranger in Rhode Island might sound niche, but this small state has a surprising number of parks; everything from the rocky shoreline of Newport Harbor to a place called Snake Den.

If you’re curious about how to get started, what the job involves, and what kind of salary to expect, we’ve got you covered.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a park ranger in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island state park rangers fall under the Division of Parks and Recreation, which is part of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM).

Requirements to Become a Park Ranger in Rhode Island

First, we should note that park rangers in Rhode Island are law enforcement.

RIDEM has a separate Division of Law Enforcement.

That said, the requirements to become a park ranger aren’t as strict as they would be for a commissioned role.

The jobs are listed in three categories:

• Park Ranger I positions require applicants to be at least 16 years old.
• Park Ranger II has the same requirements as Park Ranger I. This II tier is for second-year rangers who have already completed Park Ranger I duties.
• Park Ranger III is a lead role and usually requires prior experience in park operations or a related field. Plus, applicants must be 18.

CPR and First Aid certifications are expected across all levels.

Park Ranger Duties in Rhode Island

Here’s a quick breakdown of the park ranger expectations for each position.

Park Ranger I Duties

• Welcome visitors, give directions, and answer questions without sounding like a script.
• Walk the park, beach, or trails and keep an eye out for anything off, such as rule-breaking, safety issues, or maintenance needs.
• Help with basic upkeep, like emptying trash, checking restrooms, and making sure things look decent.

Park Ranger II Duties

• Do everything a Ranger I does, plus assist with minor safety or security issues.
• Keep an eye on potentially risky areas and step in to help if someone gets hurt or needs help.
• Handle small maintenance fixes or flag bigger issues for the right crew.

Park Ranger III Duties

• Acts as a shift leader, assigning tasks, overseeing operations, and keeping the team on track.
• File reports, manage logs, and follow up on incidents.
• Be the go-to person when things get busy or problems pop up.

Seasonal Ranger Duties

Most rangers are seasonal, working May through October.

Expect weekends, holidays, and odd hours.

This isn’t always a 9-to-5 job.

If you return each summer, your pay goes up through a three-step system.

Keep showing up, and it pays off.

State Parks in Rhode Island

Colt State Park (Bristol)

Right on Narragansett Bay, Colt is one of the busiest parks in the state.

It’s a great spot for rangers who want experience managing high foot traffic, keeping coastal paths in shape, and helping with events and group outings.

You’ll learn fast, and no two days are the same.

Burlingame State Park (Charlestown)

This huge forested park near Watchaug Pond is ideal for rangers who like a mix of campground management, trail checks, and working with nature lovers.

You’ll deal with everything from lost hikers to rowdy campers, and there’s a lot of room to grow your skills in backwoods terrain.

Beavertail State Park (Jamestown)

Perched on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, this rocky coastal park is known for its dramatic ocean views and unpredictable weather.

Rangers here deal with tide safety, slippery paths, and heavy tourism.

It’s perfect if you like rugged coastlines and don’t mind getting a little windburned.

Lincoln Woods State Park (Lincoln)

Just outside Providence, this is a busy park for day-trippers, anglers, and trail runners.

Rangers here handle crowd control, fishing access, and basic enforcement of park rules.

It’s a good intro to managing a multi-use park that blends urban access with woodsy recreation.

Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area (Glocester)

Tucked in northwest Rhode Island, this smaller park offers trails, picnicking, and a swimming area.

It’s great for rangers who prefer a slower pace, less crowd pressure, and more one-on-one visitor interaction.

You’ll also work closely with forest conservation teams on upkeep and land care.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	University of Rhode Island

Park Ranger Salary in Rhode Island

The average park ranger salary is around $46,000.

However, we can get a better look at reality through the state-listed positions and job descriptions.

• Park Ranger I makes between $15 and $15.50 an hour. That’s $31,200 and $32,240 a year.
• Park Ranger II earns a bit more, between $15.75 and $16.25 an hour, totaling $32,760 and $33,800 annually.
• Park Ranger III tops the salary range, with hourly rates ranging from $16.50 to $17. That runs $34,320 to $35,360 a year.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there National Park Service properties in Rhode Island?

Yes.

Rhode Island has two official National Park Service units: Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial.

They are joined by affiliated sites like the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site, all under NPS oversight.

However, there is no national park in Rhode Island.

What is the seasonal schedule for park rangers in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island park rangers typically work seasonally from May through October, covering the busy summer season.

Expect shifts on weekends and holidays, with two weekdays off each week, and schedules adjusted to meet park needs.

Do applicants choose which park they want to work at in Rhode Island?

Applicants can put preferred locations or regions, but before you’re hired, you’ll be told which location is available.

From there, you can determine if you’re still interested.

It’s smart not to expect a beachfront Newport park job in your first year.

Are park rangers in Rhode Island offered housing?

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management doesn’t offer dedicated on-site housing for seasonal park rangers.

You’ll be responsible for finding and paying for accommodations.

Do Rhode Island state parks close if a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching?

Rhode Island state parks and beaches are often closed when a hurricane or tropical storm moves in.

About a week before a named storm, RIDEM begins facility preparations, such as removing gear, staging equipment, and warning visitors.

The decision is made well in advance for park rangers to get to safety.