Forest ranger
Also known as: forestry officer, woodland ranger, woodland officer, forest rangers
About this occupation
Forest rangers are responsible for the protection and conservation of natural resources, particularly in regards to forests and woodlands.
Essential skills and knowledge
- promote environmental awareness
- perform search and rescue missions
- health, safety and hygiene legislation
- monitor forest health
- tree preservation and conservation
- write work-related reports
- environmental legislation
- assist forest visitors
- oversee the use of the land within the park
- pollution prevention
- perform safety inspections
- make decisions regarding forestry management
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Forest and Conservation Technicians (O*NET 19-4071.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
- Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
- Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
- Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
- Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
- Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management
US median pay: US$54,560 a year (2025), 30,410 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyImportant (3.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Foresters
- Range Managers
- Forest and Conservation Workers
- Conservation Scientists
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Agricultural Technicians
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.