1

National Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Seattle, WA · On-site

$34.36 - $41.69/hr

... national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy ... Park Rangers report to the Park Ranger Supervisor and are led by the Senior Park Ranger. Job ...

TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Interpreter)

Gonzales, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Job Classification Service Military Specialty Park Ranger I-V Army 11B, 11C, 11A Park Ranger I-V ... Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty - Marriage ...

Seasonal Park Ranger

Monroe, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Park Ranger - Seasonal The Park Ranger - Seasonal, under general supervision, provides responsible ... national criminal history record. Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the FLSA.

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual ...

New

Park Ranger PSAR

New York, NY · On-site +1

$72K - $93K/yr

... ranger duties associated with preventing search and rescue incidents from occurring in park units ... You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards.

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual ...

Park Ranger

Waco, TX · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our ... age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

National Park Ranger information

See salary details

$12

$20

$39

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for national 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Park Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Park Ranger, you typically need a background in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and specialized training. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and certifications such as EMT or law enforcement credentials are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for education and conservation help rangers connect with visitors and handle diverse situations. These skills are crucial for protecting natural resources, ensuring visitor safety, and delivering meaningful educational experiences in the park.

How do National Park Rangers typically collaborate with other agencies and departments during their daily work?

National Park Rangers often work closely with other federal, state, and local agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, local law enforcement, and wildlife conservation groups. This collaboration can involve joint patrols, emergency response coordination, resource sharing, and participation in educational outreach programs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, especially during search and rescue operations or wildfire management. Building strong relationships with other agencies not only enhances park safety and resource protection, but also provides rangers with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to broader career paths.

What are National Park Rangers?

National Park Rangers are federal or state employees responsible for protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources within national parks. They perform a variety of duties, including law enforcement, search and rescue, fire management, environmental education, and visitor services. Park Rangers ensure the safety of visitors, enforce park regulations, and help maintain the ecological integrity of parklands. Their roles can be both physically demanding and highly rewarding, giving them the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the country.

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

AspectNational Park RangerForest Ranger
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in environmental science, forestry, or related field; certifications in first aid and law enforcementSimilar credentials; often requires forestry or environmental degrees; law enforcement training may be needed
Work EnvironmentReserves, visitor centers, park patrols, educational programs in national parksForests, wilderness areas, conservation projects, forest patrols
Employer & IndustryNational Park Service, federal governmentU.S. Forest Service, state or federal agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles in conservation and public safety

Both National Park Rangers and Forest Rangers work in natural environments, focusing on conservation, safety, and public education. While their work settings differ—parks versus forests—their required credentials and responsibilities overlap significantly, making them closely related roles within the conservation field.

More about National Park Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for National Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most National Park Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most National Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for National Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Ranger jobs are:
Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Seasonal Park Ranger (General)

Seasonal Park Ranger (General)

National Park Service

Boulder City, NV • On-site, Remote

$19.94 - $25.92/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 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

130th of 273 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Seasonal Park Ranger (General), GS-0025-5 positions intended to assist permanent staff with visitor and resource protection work.
Open to the first 125 applicants or until 06/11/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY summer seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours work in a service year. Dates of summer employment will vary between sites depending on funding, weather conditions, projects, and visitation. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding.
The typical season for a Park Ranger (General) is April to October but can be variable due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding of each park. Anticipated Entry on Duty: June 2026.
Duty Location: Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Boulder City, NV $19.94-$25.92
Housing May be available

DUTIES:
  • As a GS-05 general Park Ranger (General), you will be part of the park's search and rescue cadre to the level of your training and may participate in the park's wildland fire program (if red carded).
  • You interact with visitors in the field and in an office environment, providing information on Leave No Trace ethics, park regulations, wildlife encounters, and general area information.
  • As relationships with outside agencies is critical to operational success, you will help to maintain positive work relationships with local communities, user groups, local and state law enforcement and emergency services, and other resource/cultural based land management agencies.

Physical Demands: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, driving, bending, and the incumbent must have the ability to routinely carry backpacks of up to 50 pounds in steep terrain and in adverse weather conditions.
Working Conditions: The work is performed in a setting in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness, e.g., high or low temperatures, confined spaces or adverse weather conditions. The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • 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.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 8 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility.
  • Government housing MAY be available, depending on location.
  • 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.

Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by 11:59 EST on the closing date or when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than 06/04/2026).
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
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: park guide or tour leader; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry 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. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION:
Successful completion of at least four years of progressively higher level undergraduate education leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent undergraduate degree with major study, 24 semester hours of related course work, 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: Successful completion of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a bachelor's degree, in excess of 60 semester hours, and divide by 60 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify). You must include hours per week worked and transcripts.
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.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
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.
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Expand Hide additional information
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
Help
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.

What National Park Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom