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National Park Ranger Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Supervisory Park Ranger (I)

Porter, IN · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

Summary You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (I) with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Park, in the Division of Interpretation and Education. Learn ...

National Park Ranger information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$19

$37

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in Indiana is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is it hard to get a job as a national park ranger?

Becoming a national park ranger can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, such as a degree in environmental science or related fields, and experience in outdoor or law enforcement roles. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications like CPR or first aid; hiring processes may include interviews and background checks.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Indiana are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for National Park Ranger jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most National Park Ranger job openings:

Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,895 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (I)

National Park Service

Porter, IN • On-site, Remote

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

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


National Park Service rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (I) with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Park, in the Division of Interpretation and Education.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
  • Determines staffing needs, recruits and selects seasonal staff, makes recommendation to Division Chief regarding permanent appointments and promotions, and provides training.
  • Develops program goals, sets priorities, plans and assigns work, prepares schedules, and sets deadlines.
  • Establishes performance standards, coaches and evaluates employees, develops Individual Development Plans, rewards, or disciplines as appropriate. Hears and resolves employee complaints, referring more serious issues to higher levels. Prepares position descriptions, approves leave and personnel actions.
  • Coordinates with park divisions, specialists, and the Great Lakes Research and Education Center to stay abreast of important research findings related to parks' cultural, natural, and recreational resources. Applies in-depth knowledge of the park's complex resources and ensures subordinates apply this information in daily programming.
  • Writes and edits texts for brochures, exhibits, and informational literature to be used to interpret the park's natural and cultural resources and promote environmental education to the surrounding communities.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.
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 period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/13/2026-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.
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: Providing a wide variety of Interpretative services to enable efficient operation of an Interpretive Education program or office; analyzing work functions and processes and identifying process improvements; planning and coordinating. Plans, implements, manages, and coordinates a comprehensive interpretive, education, volunteer, and visitor services program. Responsible for short- and long-range planning. Writes and updates interpretive planning documents. Prepares division standards and goals. Responsible for workplace health and safety of employees. You must include hours per week worked.
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.
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior.
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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.
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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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