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Federal Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ranger Sergeant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

The Urban Park Rangers' (UPR) mission is to link New Yorkers to the natural world through ... Work closely with other city, state and federal agencies to enforce parks rules and regulations.

The Urban Park Rangers' (UPR) mission is to link New Yorkers to the natural world through ... Work closely with other city, state and federal agencies to enforce parks rules and regulations.

Ranger Sergeant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40 - $101/hr

The Urban Park Rangers' (UPR) mission is to link New Yorkers to the natural world through ... Work closely with other city, state and federal agencies to enforce parks rules and regulations.

Park Ranger (I)

Monroe, MI · On-site +1

$44K - $88K/yr

Summary You will serve as a Park Ranger (I) in River Raisin National Battlefield Park. The primary ... of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a ...

Park Ranger (I)

Monroe, MI · On-site

$44K/yr

You will serve as a Park Ranger (I) in River Raisin National Battlefield Park. The primary purpose ... the Federal service. Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work ...

... federal service (GS-04). OR Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree ... park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences ...

Showing results 41-60

Federal Park Ranger information

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$12

$20

$39

How much do federal park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal park ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 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.
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What states have the most Federal Park Ranger jobs?

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

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Infographic showing various Federal Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Baker, NV • On-site

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

$40K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead different interpretive programs within the Division of Interpretation at Great Basin National Park.

  • Research, develop, and present interpretive talks, guided walks, educational programs, or demonstrations for visitors.

  • Provide visitor orientation and information about park resources, regulations, and recreational opportunities.


Job description

You will serve as a Park Ranger (Interpretation) with the National Park Service at Great Basin National Park: Each of three positions will lead a different program within the Division of Interpretation.
Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work for approximately 11.5 months, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.
Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/09/2026-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-05 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least 1 full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: Park Guide or tour leader, law enforcement or investigative work, archaeological or historical preservation research work, forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area, management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations, or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours 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 may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described in A above (50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education) which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the related coursework required). PLEASE NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of courses with credit hours and grades listed if you are using education to qualify. Official transcripts will be required upon selection.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least 1 full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: Independently planned and presented interpretive talks, guided walks, educational programs, or demonstrations for diverse audiences; Researched and developed interpretive or educational program content, presentations, exhibits, or informational materials using established resource information; Provided visitor orientation and information while explaining park resources, regulations, recreational opportunities, and safety practices; Assisted in evaluating visitor programs by gathering participant feedback, maintaining program statistics, or recommending improvements; Worked collaboratively with coworkers, volunteers, interns, teachers, or partner organizations to support interpretive or educational You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
Education: 1 full academic year of graduate education in subjects listed above OR superior academic achievement.* You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience as listed above. 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. You must include transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least 1 full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: Supervising volunteers, interns, and youth work groups and assisting with oversight of seasonal staff, implementing a visitor services program, providing visitor services and develops guidelines and operating methods that reflect a thorough understanding of agency policies and objectives, developing and conducting interpretive presentations, and training staff and volunteers; presenting to a wide variety of audiences using a variety of fully developed interpretive skills, techniques, and tools delivered in person and through interpretive media and technology. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree in in 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. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience as listed above. 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 24. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. You must include transcripts.
Superior Academic Achievement: Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in a directly related field AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper 3rd of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on 4 years of education, or 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 completed during the final two years. Note: GPA will be rounded to the one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society.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