1

Interpretive Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

CO

$17.75/hr

... interpretive programs. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations ... some ranger positions Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural ...

CO

$17.75/hr

... interpretive programs. This position will also assist with all areas of daily park operations ... some ranger positions Preference may be given to applicants with or working towards a Natural ...

CO

$19/hr

Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry ...

CO

$19/hr

Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry ...

CO

$20 - $21/hr

Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry ...

CO ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry ...

CO ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

INTERPRETIVE NATURALIST: A customer service based position that involves facilitating park ... Specific Duties may include: - Schedule, plan and present Junior Ranger programs - Schedule, plan ...

CO ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

INTERPRETIVE NATURALIST: A customer service based position that involves facilitating park ... Specific Duties may include: - Schedule, plan and present Junior Ranger programs - Schedule, plan ...

CO

$19/hr

Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry ...

CO ยท On-site

$19/hr

Positions may also assist with revenue collection and verification, visitor services operations, education and interpretive programs. Certain parks may have specific lake, river and backcountry ...

CO

$18/hr

Maintenance, Park Ranger, Visitor Services, and Interpretive/Education Programs. Internship positions will also assist in revenue collection and verification, accounting and deposits, visitor ...

CO ยท On-site

$18/hr

Maintenance, Park Ranger, Visitor Services, and Interpretive/Education Programs. Internship positions will also assist in revenue collection and verification, accounting and deposits, visitor ...

Showing results 21-35

Interpretive Ranger information

See Colorado salary details

$25.8K

$42.4K

$55.2K

How much do interpretive ranger jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for interpretive ranger in Colorado is $42,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $47,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpretive ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interpretive Ranger, you need a background in natural sciences, history, or education, often with a relevant degree or experience in park services. Familiarity with interpretive techniques, educational programming tools, and reservation or visitor management systems is important. Outstanding communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help engage diverse audiences and foster stewardship. These abilities are essential for effectively educating visitors, enhancing their experience, and supporting conservation goals.

What is an interpretive ranger?

Interpretive rangers are National Park Service employees who educate visitors about the natural, cultural, and historical significance of parks and public lands. They lead guided tours, present educational programs, create informative displays, and answer questions to help enhance visitor understanding and appreciation. Their work aims to foster a connection between visitors and the resources being protected, encouraging stewardship and responsible enjoyment of public spaces.

What are some common challenges interpretive rangers face when engaging diverse visitor groups?

Interpretive Rangers often encounter the challenge of connecting with visitors from varied backgrounds, ages, and interests. Tailoring programs and communication styles to ensure information is accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyone can require creativity and adaptability. Additionally, managing large groups or addressing language barriers may arise, making flexibility and strong interpersonal skills essential. Many rangers find that ongoing training and collaboration with colleagues help them to continually improve their outreach and educational efforts.

What is the difference between Interpretive Ranger vs Park Guide?

AspectInterpretive RangerPark Guide
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental education, biology, or related field; certifications in interpretive techniques are common.Often requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications may include CPR or first aid, but less formal education needed.
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, national and state parks, visitor centers, often involved in educational programs and conservation efforts.Tourist sites, parks, outdoor attractions; focuses on guiding visitors and providing information.
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, and local parks; government agencies; educational institutions.Private tour companies, parks, outdoor recreation businesses.

While both roles involve outdoor work and visitor interaction, Interpretive Rangers focus on education, conservation, and interpretive programs, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Park Guides primarily focus on guiding tours and providing visitor information, with less emphasis on formal education credentials.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Interpretive Ranger job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,428 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Interpretation and Education Intern - ONSITE- Colorado National Monument

Environment for the Americas

Fruita, CO โ€ข On-site

$688/wk

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Latino Heritage Internship Program

Start/End Dates: May 25th, 2026 โ€“ October 5th, 2026 (20 weeks)Compensation: $688 per weekMedical Insurance: Not ProvidedApplication Due: March 14th, 2026

The Latino Heritage Internship Program seeks to engage young professionals in natural resource and cultural heritage careers. Applicants must meet the following additional requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Be between the ages of 18โ€“30, or up to 35 if a veteran
  • Be willing to undergo a background check upon hiring
  • Have a valid driverโ€™s license and a good driving record

Note: A personal vehicle is required for this position.

Position Description

This internship supports the Interpretation and Education Division at Colorado National Monument (COLM), a park with nearly 500,000 annual visitors and a rapidly growing Spanish-language educational program. The intern will gain experience across all aspects of interpretive operations, including visitor center support, educational programming, guided walks, field trips, and bilingual (Spanish/English) public engagement.

The intern will work closely with the parkโ€™s Spanish-language Education Technician, the Resiliency Ranger, and partner organizations to expand Spanish-language educational offerings and community-based programming. They will utilize the new Spanish-language Resiliency Ranger booklet (to be printed in January 2026), building from successful mental health curriculum that earned COLM the 2025 NPS Directorโ€™s Visitor Safety Award.

The intern will collaborate with local Latino groups and community partnersโ€”such as Clifton Community Leaders and the Dual Immersion Academyโ€”to develop culturally responsive, community-centered educational content. Products created during the internship will be provided in Spanish, including videos, outlines, educational resources, and field trip materials. The intern may serve up to 1,000 local students and tens of thousands of park visitors throughout the internship.

Responsibilities
  • Provide customer service and support at a high-visitation visitor center, offering information, trip planning assistance, and informal interpretation.
  • Deliver educational programs, field trips, walks, and talks in both Spanish and English for diverse audiences.
  • Use the parkโ€™s established mental-health curriculum to engage youth and families from minority communities in the Grand Valley.
  • Work with and learn from the Resiliency Ranger, incorporating Spanish-language Resiliency Ranger materials into youth and family programs.
  • Collaborate with Latino community groups, Title I schools, and partner organizations to create new educational opportunities.
  • Develop Spanish-language educational products such as videos, lesson plans, communication materials, and program outlines.
  • Create culturally responsive programming for after-school events, community gatherings, or family-oriented learning environments.
  • Support delivery of bilingual public programs and assist park educators with outreach across Mesa County.
  • Help strengthen cross-cultural engagement and encourage marginalized communities to participate in public lands experiences.
Qualifications
  • Spanish language fluency (required).
  • Passion for environmental education, public service, working with students, and connecting communities to public lands.
  • Interest in science, history, culture, or related fields (coursework in science, history, or the arts is welcome).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences in bilingual settings.
  • Comfort delivering educational programs or willingness to grow in public-speaking and interpretive skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with educators, partner groups, and community organizations.
  • Professionalism, reliability, and enthusiasm for working in dynamic, visitor-facing environments.
  • Creativity and cultural awareness when developing educational content for Spanish-speaking communities.

Interns in this program will receive 640 hours towards Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority. See below on information about:

Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority (PLC)

The Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority is a special hiring authority available to qualifying interns. The intern must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or a veteran up to age 35 and complete 640 hours of work on an appropriate conservation project to be eligible for this hiring authority. Upon successful completion of the PLC project(s), the intern is eligible for two years to be hired non-competitively into a federal seasonal, term, or permanent position. The applicant must apply to a PLC-eligible position advertised on USAJobs.gov and selected off a non-competitive certificate of eligibility. For more information, see DOI Personnel Bulletins 11-02, 12-13, and 17-03.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employmentand prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.