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National Park Ranger Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Kilauea, HI · On-site

$42K/yr

Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex located in Kilauea ... Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader ...

National Park Ranger information

See Hawaii salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in Hawaii is $21.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a national park ranger?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a national park ranger?

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 collaborate with other agencies and departments?

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 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.

How hard is it to get a job as a national park ranger?

Becoming a national park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, law enforcement, or hospitality, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests. Competition can be high due to the desirable nature of the job, and candidates often need to demonstrate strong communication skills and a passion for conservation. Certification in first aid or CPR may also be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to National Park Ranger jobs in Hawaii?

For National Park Ranger jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Park Ranger jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for National Park Ranger jobs in Hawaii are:

Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,651 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

$20.38/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This position will serve as a Park Ranger (Eruption Crew Member) at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This is a temporary position expected to last one (1) year but may be extended up to a maximum of two years based on agency needs and potential funding.
Open to the first 100 applicants
Likely EOD September 2026
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm (EST) on the 08/24/2026to be considered.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-0025-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
SPECIALIZED 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; environmental educator or teacher; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/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; or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 4 years of education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or 24 semester hours of 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. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. NOTE: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described in A above(50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education) which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the related coursework required).
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.

Employment Type: OTHER