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Interpretive Park Ranger Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Interpretive Park Ranger information

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$10

$18

$36

How much do interpretive park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpretive park ranger in Utah is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interpretive park ranger?

An Interpretive Park Ranger is responsible for educating visitors about the natural and cultural resources of a park or historic site. They lead guided tours, present educational programs, and develop exhibits to enhance public understanding and appreciation. Their goal is to connect people to the environment and history through engaging storytelling and hands-on experiences. They may also assist with conservation efforts and visitor services.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an interpretive park ranger?

Interpretive Park Rangers spend their days developing and leading educational programs and tours, creating interpretive exhibits, and assisting visitors at information centers. They often conduct nature walks, present talks on wildlife or local history, and answer questions about park regulations and safety. Rangers may also collaborate with other team members on special events or volunteer projects, help monitor trail conditions, and support conservation efforts. The role offers a balance of independent tasks and teamwork while being actively engaged outdoors and interacting with the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpretive park ranger?

To thrive as an Interpretive Park Ranger, you need a background in natural or cultural resource management, environmental education, or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping, interpretive program planning software, and safety certifications like CPR/First Aid are commonly required. Outstanding public speaking, storytelling ability, and strong interpersonal skills set exceptional candidates apart in engaging diverse audiences. These competencies ensure effective education of visitors, promote conservation, and foster enjoyable park experiences.

How to become an interpretive park ranger?

To become an interpretive park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a college degree in fields like environmental science, education, or natural resources. Relevant skills include communication, public speaking, and knowledge of natural or cultural resources; certifications such as CPR or first aid can be beneficial. Applicants often undergo a competitive hiring process that includes background checks and may require experience in outdoor education or related fields.

Is it hard to get a job as an interpretive park ranger?

Getting a job as an interpretive park ranger can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education in environmental science, forestry, or related fields, along with experience in public education or interpretation. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, knowledge of park resources, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or first aid. The hiring process may involve multiple steps, including interviews and background checks, depending on the agency.

What are interpretive park rangers?

Interpretive park rangers are professionals who educate the public about natural, cultural, and historical resources within parks and protected areas. They lead guided tours, develop educational programs, and use tools like exhibits and presentations to enhance visitor understanding and appreciation of the environment.

What disqualifies you from being an interpretive park ranger?

Disqualifications for an interpretive park ranger typically include a criminal record, especially for serious offenses, lack of relevant education or experience in natural sciences or education, and inability to pass background checks. Additionally, poor communication skills, physical fitness issues, or failure to obtain necessary certifications such as CPR or first aid may also disqualify candidates.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interpretive Park Ranger jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Interpretive Park Ranger jobs in Utah are:

What are popular job titles related to Interpretive Park Ranger jobs in Utah?

For Interpretive Park Ranger jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interpretive Park Ranger jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Interpretive Park Ranger jobs in Utah are:

Interpretive Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Park Ranger job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,125 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Lead Park Ranger Aide-Seasonal

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Ivins, UT • On-site

$14.11 - $18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Lead Park Ranger Aide-Seasonal
FT / PT Status - Part-Time
Salary - $14.11 - $18.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Tim Conyers tconyers@utah.gov 0
Application Deadline - 12/31/2026*
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
Seasonal Employee, Utah State Parks
Snow Canyon State Park
Location: 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
Utah State Parks is hiring seasonal employees to support park operations. Seasonal employees play an important role in providing excellent customer service, maintaining park facilities and grounds, supporting public safety, and helping visitors enjoy Utah's State Parks.
Why You Should Join Our Team:
Snow Canyon State Park is situated on the western edge of the Greater Zion area in Ivins, Utah. This desert park has a high level of biodiversity, extraordinary geological formations, and phenomenal dark skies. With its proximity to St. George and the surrounding communities, the park is a fantastic outdoor classroom for local youth. In 2025, over 2,500 elementary school children visited Snow Canyon on a ranger-guided field trip.
Working as a seasonal employee with Utah State Parks gives you the opportunity to work in some of Utah's most unique outdoor locations while gaining hands-on experience and serving the public. You will work alongside experienced park staff, develop valuable skills, and help provide safe, clean, and enjoyable experiences for millions of park visitors.
Whether you are interested in visitor services, outdoor recreation, park operations, groundskeeping, maintenance, or public safety, seasonal employment provides valuable experience and opportunities to learn more about careers with Utah State Parks.
Join a team that values teamwork, customer service, safety, and protecting Utah's natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Qualifications
Applicants may be considered for one of the following seasonal positions based on their interests, experience, qualifications, and the staffing needs of the park.
LEAD PARK RANGER AIDE:
Job Description:
The Lead Park Ranger Aide will be working directly with the Park Naturalist in Snow Canyon's education program. They will spend most of their time presenting lessons for local K-6 school groups. As a secondary responsibility, the person hired for this position will develop and guide interpretive hikes for the general public and assist at the visitor center desk. A specialty project of your choosing will also be planned and executed throughout your season.
Principal Duties:
Education:
  • Teach lessons based on Utah SEEd Standards, core-curriculum, and/or age-specific outdoor education lessons during seated and guided hikes.
  • Educate students on basic outdoor recreation concepts such as Leave No Trace principles.
  • Research and update curriculum based programs.

Interpretation:
  • Develop and deliver formal programs and guided hikes.
  • Assist with writing and creating social media posts for the park's Instagram account.
  • Rove trails to clean up trash/vandalism, survey and maintain interpretive signs, and interact with visitors.
  • Assist the Park Naturalist during other public events, including outreach.

Visitor Center:
  • Provide information at the visitor center desk for a diverse audience.
  • Process retail sales on bookstore items, day-use and annual passes, and phone-in payments.
  • Register incoming campers and provide campground specific information.

Specialty Project:
  • Design, research, and develop a specialty project during your season. This project is used to help grow your skills and knowledge, as well as improve the park/visitor experience.
  • Other projects as assigned

Requirements for Lead position:
  • Applicant must be 18-years or older.
  • Computer Skills-Familiarity with data entry including Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, and other data processing programs.
  • Strong writing, typing, research, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to interact and communicate with park visitors with diverse backgrounds including children .
  • Comfortable with public speaking and managing large groups of people.
  • Collaborate and communicate with other staff members and volunteers.
  • Applicant must pass a background check.
  • Applicant must have a valid drivers license; able to operate vehicles, off-highway vehicles, or golf carts.
  • Applicant must work 4 - 5 days per week, Tuesday through Saturday. Some evenings or holidays may be required.
  • Applicant must be willing to work in conditions that require hiking up to 3-miles roundtrip; long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, or similar activities. Conditions also include working in a remote, outdoor desert setting with exposure to variable weather conditions including heat, cold, sun, wind, and rain.
  • Applicant must complete required state and agency training within the first weeks of employment: Defensive driving, security awareness, PCI security awareness, workplace harassment, and abusive conduct prevention training, etc.
  • Applicant must provide their own computer to use for research and writing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  • Seasonal employees work in outdoor environments and must be prepared for changing and adverse weather conditions.
  • Some Utah State Parks are located in remote areas. Employees may need reliable personal transportation for shopping, errands, and other personal needs.
  • Work schedules vary based on park operations, seasonal demands, and staffing needs. Employees must be available to work assigned schedules, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency response assignments.
  • Seasonal employment provides valuable hands-on experience in State Park operations and opportunities to develop skills in customer service, groundskeeping, facility maintenance, outdoor recreation, public safety, and natural resource management.
  • If you enjoy working outdoors, serving the public, and helping maintain Utah's State Parks, we encourage you to apply.
  • Applicants must be willing to work in an outdoor setting, communicate well with others and be able to maintain professionalism while in potentially stressful situations.

About the Role
Location - 1002 Snow Canyon Dr. Ivins, UT 84738
Background Check Required - You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required -
Schedule Code - TL - Time limited
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyFor more information: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.

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