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National Park Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Guide

National Park, NJ · On-site +1

$40K - $52K/yr

Summary This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service ... Guiding small groups and providing services to visitors. * Present limited and repetitive pre ...

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Park Guide Seasonal

Natchez, MS · On-site +1

$19.52 - $25.37/hr

Summary Park Guides greet visitors to educate and inform them in our National Parks. Work can include providing information on natural, cultural, or historical resources. Likely entry on duty: April ...

Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

$27.66 - $35.97/hr

Create, facilitate, and support opportunities for audiences to understand national significance and ... Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader ...

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National Park Guide information

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$7

$17

$29

How much do national park guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by National Park Guides, and how do they overcome them?

National Park Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, managing diverse groups of visitors with varying interests and abilities, and ensuring safety in remote or rugged environments. Guides overcome these challenges by staying well-prepared, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of park regulations and conditions, and developing strong communication and problem-solving skills. They also receive training in first aid and emergency response, which helps them handle unexpected situations effectively while providing a memorable and safe experience for all guests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Park Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Park Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of natural and cultural history, interpretive skills, and often a background in environmental science, biology, or education. Familiarity with GPS devices, first aid certification, and visitor management systems is typically required. Strong communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage diverse groups are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure visitor safety, foster appreciation for the park, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

What Does a National Park Guide Do?

A national park guide provides information and tours to guests in national parks and other visitor or recreation areas cared for by the federal government. Your specific job duties vary, depending on your assigned location and the season. Those who work in a national park describe the various plants and animals that live within the park to visitors. You explain park rules and safety protocols, as well as provide tips on how to enjoy the park without damaging any part of the landscaping. Some park guides lead tour groups down specific paths through the park while recounting the history of different events that occurred there. Spring and summer seasons are usually busy with campers and hikers; in the winter, you assist with maintenance and inspect areas that may need repair. National park guides at other visitor centers have similar roles, except their primary focus is a monument or other recreation area.

What is the difference between National Park Guide vs Park Ranger?

AspectNational Park GuidePark Ranger
CredentialsMay require guides' certifications, interpretive trainingTypically requires law enforcement or conservation certifications
Work EnvironmentTourist-focused, guiding visitors on trails and attractionsEnforcement, conservation, and visitor safety in parks
Employer & IndustryTour companies, national parks, private guidesNational parks, government agencies, conservation organizations
Search & Comparison IntentVisitors seeking guided tours, educational experiencesIndividuals interested in park management, enforcement, conservation

While both roles work within national parks, a National Park Guide primarily focuses on leading tours and educating visitors, often requiring interpretive certifications. In contrast, a Park Ranger has broader responsibilities including enforcement, conservation, and ensuring park safety. Both roles are essential for park operations but serve different visitor and management needs.

What does a National Park Guide do?

A National Park Guide leads visitors through national parks, providing information about the park's natural features, wildlife, history, and regulations. They conduct educational tours, answer questions, and help ensure the safety and enjoyment of guests. National Park Guides often tailor their presentations to different audiences and may lead hikes, nature walks, or interpretive programs. Their role is to enhance the visitor experience while promoting conservation and responsible behavior in the park.
What cities are hiring for National Park Guide jobs? Cities with the most National Park Guide job openings:
What states have the most National Park Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for National Park Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Park Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Guide jobs are:
Infographic showing various National Park Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Park Guide

Park Guide

National Park Service

National Park, NJ • On-site, Remote

$40K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


National Park Service rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 274 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Intermountain Region, Division of Interpretation and Visitor Services.
Open to the first 100 applicants or until 06/24/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The major duties of the Park Guide include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Answering questions on a variety of subjects.
  • Guiding small groups and providing services to visitors.
  • Present limited and repetitive pre-established talks including introductions to films, map talks, and static exhibit interpretation.
  • Orient hikers to conditions and equipment needs.
  • Performs duties including programs that require application of broad subject-matter knowledge of the park. Guide large groups (up to 50 people) on longer walks or programs. Provide a wide range of services to park visitors.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year, as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments. Time-in-grade does not apply to new excepted service appointments. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
  • Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Condition of Employment (Requirement):
  1. Driver's License: The incumbent of this position must have and maintain a valid Driver's License. Those that do not possess this requirement by entrance on duty will be terminated effective immediately.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-06/24/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. 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 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.
For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
- AND -
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one 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: experience that involved oral presentation of historical, scientific, or program information to groups; or developing and/or revising technical, historical, or scientific information for oral presentation to groups. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader; naturalist; environmental educator; or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
COMBINATION: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. You must include transcripts.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week.

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
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.
Additional information
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
May offer government housing.
Physical Demands: The work requires standing for long periods of time, walking for long distances, climbing and descending steep inclines, bending, and lifting moderately heavy items. Mental stress and physical fatigue occur due to high volume of personal contacts, occasional emergency responses, and repetitive nature of interpretive programs.
Working Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors resulting in exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information
Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, submission of ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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