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Interpretive Park Ranger Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Interpretive Park Ranger information

See Washington salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do interpretive park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpretive park ranger in Washington is $23.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $24.23 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Interpretive Park Ranger jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Interpretive Park Ranger job openings:

Interpretive Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Park Ranger job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,676 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Arlington, VA • On-site

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)
See more jobs at Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)external

$102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation), District Ranger with National Park Service. You will be responsible for visitor services for a wide geographic district within the park, directing and leading interpretive staff within the district. The unique demography of this site is in an urban setting, significantly increasing the demands and complexity of this position.Qualifications:Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/18/2026-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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1. Managing, planning, developing, and directing interpretive and visitor services programs for a park or similar public land management organization.
2. Performing the full range of supervisory responsibilities for staff, including workforce and position management, recruitment and hiring, performance management, employee development, retention planning and implementation, and addressing employee relations matters, including disciplinary and
corrective actions.
3. Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with a diverse range of park, local, regional, and national stakeholders to support organizational goals, programs, and initiatives.
You must include hours per week worked. Please also include GS-level for federal positions listed on your resume.


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:This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Employment Type: OTHER

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