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Federal Park Ranger Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 is looking for maintenance to join the team at our Loves Park, IL location located near ... federal, state or local law. Powered by JazzHR rzRjladHBl

We're hiring part-time seasonal Guest Service Attendants at Jackson Park GC! We're looking for ... and ranger staff to ensure smooth tee sheet flow • Address guest questions about course rules ...

Golf Shop Attendant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

We're currently hiring seasonal part-time Golf Shop Attendants at Jackson Park GC! We're on the ... ranger staff to ensure smooth flow of play • Answer phone and in-person inquiries about rates ...

Federal Park Ranger information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$20

$38

How much do federal park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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.

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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Federal Park Ranger job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% 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.

$83K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation) of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Pullman National Historical Park located in Chicago, Illinois. The incumbent reports directly to the Superintendent and is responsible for assisting with coordination, execution, management, and planning of the park's interpretive programming and visitor services, conducted both in the park and through outreach activities.Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.
Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/19/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:

Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: coordinating, managing, or directing interpretive programs; developing long range program plans; developing educational programs; managing interpretive staff or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least three full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a directly-related field such as natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Course work in fields other than those specified above may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in this position. You must include transcripts. -OR-
Combination of education and experience as listed above. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and (45 semester hours or 68 quarter hours) of directly related graduate level college study in an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER