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Federal Park Ranger Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ZION PARK DISTRICT

Golf Starter / Ranger

Zion, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be ... Federal and/or state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex ...

Mirador, Inc.

Golf Starter / Ranger

Zion, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be ... Federal and/or state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex ...

Road Ranger LLC

Cashier

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Road Ranger is looking to hire a cashier to join the team at our Loves Park, IL location near the I ... federal, state or local law. Powered by JazzHR 2kYH9RcizK

Road Ranger LLC

Cashier

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Road Ranger is looking to hire a cashier to join the team at our Loves Park, IL location near the I ... federal, state or local law.

Road Ranger LLC

Subway Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Road Ranger is looking for a Subway Manager to join the team at our Loves Park, IL location near ... federal, state or local law. Powered by JazzHR BjQA3C33x3

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All JobsFederal Park Ranger JobsFederal Park Ranger Jobs in Illinois

Federal Park Ranger information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$20

$38

How much do federal park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal park ranger in Illinois is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal park ranger?

Federal Park Rangers are professionals employed by agencies such as the National Park Service who protect and manage national parks, monuments, and historic sites in the United States. Their duties include law enforcement, emergency response, environmental education, resource management, and ensuring visitor safety. Park Rangers may also provide guided tours, participate in conservation efforts, and work to preserve natural and cultural resources. They often work outdoors in all types of weather and may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Federal Park Rangers play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of America's public lands.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a federal park ranger?

To thrive as a Federal Park Ranger, you need expertise in natural resource management, law enforcement, environmental education, and a relevant degree such as in biology, forestry, or criminal justice. Proficiency with tools such as GIS mapping software, radio communication devices, and completion of specialized training programs like the National Park Service Law Enforcement Academy are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service help rangers effectively engage visitors and respond to emergencies. These competencies are crucial for protecting park resources, ensuring visitor safety, and upholding federal regulations within national parks.

What are common challenges faced by federal park rangers in their daily work?

Federal Park Rangers often face unique challenges such as managing large crowds during peak seasons, responding to emergencies like lost hikers or wildfires, and balancing conservation efforts with visitor services. They must adapt to working in remote or rugged environments and handle a variety of tasks, from law enforcement to educational outreach. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as rangers frequently collaborate with other agencies and interact with diverse visitors to ensure public safety and resource protection.

What is the difference between Federal Park Ranger vs State Park Ranger?

AspectFederal Park RangerState Park Ranger
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental science, or related field; certifications like CPR and first aidSimilar educational requirements; often requires state-specific certifications or training
Work EnvironmentNational parks and federal lands across the countryState parks and state-managed lands within a specific state
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of the Interior or National Park ServiceState government agencies managing parks and recreation
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Park Rangers and State Park Rangers share similar roles in protecting natural resources, enforcing laws, and providing visitor services. The main difference lies in their jurisdiction: federal park rangers work in national parks managed by the federal government, while state park rangers serve within state parks. Both roles require comparable education and certifications, but their work environments and governing bodies differ.

Can I be a federal park ranger with no experience?

Federal park ranger positions typically require some level of experience or training in areas such as law enforcement, natural resource management, or customer service. However, entry-level roles may be available to candidates with a high school diploma and relevant skills, and completing certifications like CPR or first aid can improve chances of hiring.

How much are federal park rangers paid?

Federal park rangers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level positions often start around $30,000, with higher salaries for those with advanced certifications or supervisory roles.

Is it hard to get a job as a federal park ranger?

Becoming a federal park ranger can be competitive due to limited positions and specific requirements such as relevant experience, education, and passing background checks. Candidates often need knowledge of conservation, law enforcement, or hospitality, along with physical fitness and certification in first aid or CPR. The hiring process can be lengthy and may involve multiple interviews and assessments.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Park Ranger jobs in Illinois?

For Federal Park Ranger jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Park Ranger jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Park Ranger jobs in Illinois are:

Federal Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Park Ranger job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,646 per year, or $20 per hour.

Golf Starter / Ranger

ZION PARK DISTRICT

Zion, IL • On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor speed of play, inspect registrations and sales receipts for validity, and provide information on course rules and procedures.

  • Assist patrons with questions related to the golf operation, troubleshoot customer service issues, and communicate effectively with staff and customers.

  • Perform daily staging, rotation, fueling, and cleaning of golf carts, and maintain the clubhouse and course areas in a professional and organized manner.

Job description

Description

Status of Employment: Part-Time

Supervised By: Golf Operations Manager

General Statement of Duties: A Golf Starter/Ranger performs customer relations work to assure optimum use of the course facility through monitoring speed of play, inspecting registrations and sales receipts for validity, and providing information on course rules and procedures. Work requires initiative, independent judgment and diplomacy in order to maintain optimum golf course use and effective public relations. This position requires light janitorial duties in/around the clubhouse and the course as needed. Additionally, the Starter/Ranger is responsible for the daily staging, rotation, fueling and cleaning of golf carts.

Distinguishing Features of Position: Duties require weekend and holiday shifts that may begin as early 5am and shifts that may conclude as late as 10pm.

Qualifications of Required knowledge and Abilities: Requires any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED, and 1-3 experience involving public contact in a service or sales capacity. Basic knowledge of the game of golf is required.

Hours: This position will work on average, 12-20 hours per week Monday through Sunday, depending on the needs of the Park District. Must be able to work a variable schedule, during Park District business hours. Work schedule to be approved by the Golf Operations Manager. 

Duties and Responsibilities - Essentials Functions - not limited to the following:

  • Arrives on time, in uniform and ready to work, as scheduled.
  • Effectively communicates, both verbally and in writing with supervisor, staff and public.
  • Reconcile account of players and document speed of play.
  • Customer service related inquiries and problems for both internal and external customers
  • Troubleshoots customer service issues.
  • Assists patrons with questions related to the golf operation and the Zion Park District. 
  • Assists other staff with special projects and performs other duties as assigned. 
  • Insures that the building and work areas are maintained and organized professionally and in a positive atmosphere.
  • Responsible for understand the importance of safety issues at the Park District, for adhering to the safety manual and associated policies, toward achieving the safety goals of the Park District
  • Follow procedures for opening or closing the facility.


Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical considerations described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Seeing: To observe participants, to observe safety conditions, for written communication.
  • Hearing: For safety awareness, to effectively communicate with public and staff.
  • Speaking: To effectively communicate with public and staff.
  • Sitting: To perform office tasks at desk, etc.
  • Standing: To observe participants and staff.
  • Walking: To move from location to location to observe activities.
  • Handling: To utilize writing instruments or computer keyboard, cash register.
  • Running: Running maybe required to help a participant.
  • Lifting: Lifting maybe required to move supplies and equipment.
  • Stooping: Stooping maybe required to help a participant, clean facility or pick up supplies or equipment.
  • Pushing/Pulling: to open and close desk drawers and doors.
  • Climbing: To climb stairs in facilities.

Cognitive Considerations

  • Ability to comprehend written and verbal communications.
  • Ability to recognize and demonstrate sound safety measures.
  • Ability to reason; process information and make informed rational judgements.

Environmental Considerations

  • Work requires exposure to a wide range of weather and environmental conditions.

Safety

Employee is responsible for understanding the importance of safety issues, rules, policies, and to comply with said rules and policies.

  • Report unsafe conditions and document incidents or accidents as per Zion Park District policy.
  • Work to achieve goals and objectives of the Safety Committee of Zion Park District.


Disclaimer

  • This description is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of the employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.
  • The Zion Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the bases of their qualifications for the job in question. Federal and/or state law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other protected status. Please advise us if any accommodations are required to assist you in performing your job. 



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