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National Park Ranger Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Tennessee National is the premiere gated lakefront community in Loudon, TN. Only minutes from ... Valet parking. * Supplies carts to the parking lot area and transports carts with bag to staging ...

National Park Ranger information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$18

$35

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in Tennessee is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.42 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to National Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee? For National Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching National Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Ranger jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for National Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most National Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,007 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

$40K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoW Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as Park Ranger responsible for planning and implementation of a variety of program areas involving administration, resource management, and visitor services.Qualifications:Management may select at the GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 grade level. Full performance level of this position is GS-09.
Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Education Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger): Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above to qualify for this position, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
To qualify at the GS-05 grade level, you must have: Applicants who have a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position are fully qualified for the GS-05 grade level.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience applying basic knowledge of biological practices, principles and techniques in a natural resource management environment, or additional education.
Specialized Experience at the GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience which includes experience utilizing basic biological practices, principles and techniques sufficient to assist in the recommendations of planning and implanting environmental, recreational and natural resources management activities at a water resources project. Typical experience could include assisting higher level employees in the planning and/or implementation of environmental, recreational and/or natural resource management activities. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above.
Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses;OR
(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either; (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum;OR
(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Specialized Experience at the GS-09 grade level: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in natural resource management and related laws, policies and regulations as it pertains to biodiversity, threatened and endangered species, wetland protection, and/or cultural resources. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US