Park Ranger I pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000536
- Class code
- 32000536
- Pay group
- SW04
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Park Ranger I is $45,506 to $72,811 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000536.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 06/2018.
What the state says the job is
Park Rangers serve as field officers statewide in a law enforcement operation in the State Parks Division having statewide and/or special jurisdiction charged with enforcing the relevant laws of the State of North Carolina. Park Rangers have full law enforcement authority in the assigned area with a focus on patrol activities to deter and detect violations but may participate in criminal investigations. Park Rangers perform a variety of tasks in areas including ensuring visitor safety and protection and compliance to park regulations by monitoring boundaries for trespassing & poaching, providing first responder and search & rescue assistance, patrolling roads, campgrounds and other areas and developing and conducting educational programs and management of natural and cultural resources. Employees make arrests, issue citations, apprehend violators, obtain evidence and testify in court.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of crime scene management and fingerprint lifting tools and techniques. Working knowledge of the requirements to obtain a search warrant and the warrant issuance process and working knowledge of the standard law enforcement equipment, its care, and safe use according to Department Policy. Working knowledge of criminal statutes, case law for initial and follow up investigations, court process and ability to clearly and concisely present evidence. Ability to utilize technical and professional information to facilitate protection and safety of persons, state and personal property and ability to utilize a methodical and logical approach to investigate and enforce criminal laws, state p ...
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor's degree preferably in Parks and Recreation and/or Natural Science from an appropriately accredited institution; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Special requirements
Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer in accordance with the provisions of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission or the ability to achieve certification within one year of employment. <h2
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in North Carolina
Park Ranger I in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $38,976 | $58,045 | $38,976 to $58,045 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.