1

Federal Park Ranger Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

KY

$40K/yr

Serves as Park Ranger responsible for planning and implementation of a variety of program areas ... the federal service (GS-05). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field ...

KY

$40K/yr

Serves as Park Ranger responsible for planning and implementation of a variety of program areas ... the federal service (GS-05). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field ...

KY · On-site

$40K/yr

Serves as Park Ranger responsible for planning and implementation of a variety of program areas ... the federal service (GS-05). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field ...

Federal Park Ranger information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$17

$34

How much do federal park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal park ranger in Kentucky is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.56 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 are popular job titles related to Federal Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky? For Federal Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Park Ranger jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Federal Park Ranger job openings in Kentucky 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 $37,327 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoW Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as Park Ranger responsible for planning and implementation of a variety of program areas involving administration, resource management, and visitor services.Qualifications:Management may select at the GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 grade level. Full performance level of this position is GS-09.
Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Education Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger): Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above to qualify for this position, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
To qualify at the GS-05 grade level, you must have: Applicants who have a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position are fully qualified for the GS-05 grade level.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience applying basic knowledge of biological practices, principles and techniques in a natural resource management environment, or additional education.
Specialized Experience at the GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience which includes experience utilizing basic biological practices, principles and techniques sufficient to assist in the recommendations of planning and implanting environmental, recreational and natural resources management activities at a water resources project. Typical experience could include assisting higher level employees in the planning and/or implementation of environmental, recreational and/or natural resource management activities. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. OR
Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above.
Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either; (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum;O R(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Specialized Experience at the GS-09 grade level: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in natural resource management and related laws, policies and regulations as it pertains to biodiversity, threatened and endangered species, wetland protection, and/or cultural resources. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom