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Lawmakers press DNR on park‑ranger pay and reclassification study
Summary
Representative Fields told the DNR subcommittee that park rangers may earn about 40% less than starting state troopers despite similar training; DNR said a reclassification study is in its final steps and the department will follow up on timeline and implementation.
Representative Fields raised pay parity and classification concerns for state park rangers during a Jan. 30 House Finance DNR Subcommittee hearing, asking whether the governor's FY27 budget assumes action to address reclassification and compensation.
"If a state park ranger is traveling from one unit to another, they may be the first responder called out to a traffic accident... and yet State Park Rangers, I believe, earn 40% less than starting state troopers," Representative Fields said during the committee's question period.
John Crother, the commissioner designee, responded that the classification study is in its final steps and the department is working with the Department of Administration on final review. "We're working with the Department of Administration to review and make sure that's appropriate," Crother said, adding that the department intends to follow up with the committee on the study’s timeline.
Context and operational detail Goodrum and Crother described the operational roles rangers play: park rangers participate in law enforcement, public‑safety education and search and rescue. Goodrum said state rangers took part in 63 search‑and‑rescue missions last year and noted that the parks division continues modernization efforts such as an improved reservation system, an online permitting portal and 108 electronic fee stations.
Next steps Committee members asked for specific timelines on the classification study and whether any budget language or fiscal assumptions in the governor's proposal would implement pay changes. The department said it will follow up with members and share timelines and any additional details when available.
The subcommittee will continue to seek detail on how classification outcomes would interact with hiring waivers, position authority, and the FY27 budget if the study results are finalized this session.
