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National Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

$61K/yr

The Park Ranger will be responsible for day-to-day management and operational responsibilities of a ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

Internships | Texas A&M University Kingsville

$61K/yr

The Park Ranger will be responsible for day-to-day management and operational responsibilities of a ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

$61K - $80K/yr

The Park Ranger will be responsible for day-to-day management and operational responsibilities of a ... S. Citizen or National. * Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable ...

All JobsNational Park Ranger JobsNational Park Ranger Jobs in Virginia

National Park Ranger information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in Virginia is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.20 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 the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,608 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Park Ranger

Northgate Resorts Jellystone Park

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Enforce park rules and regulations to ensure guest safety and park standards.

  • Respond to guest concerns, resolve conflicts, and document issues within the reservation system.

  • Assist with emergency situations, simple maintenance issues, and manage guest check-ins and late arrivals.

Job description

Northgate Resorts owns and manages the most awarded Camp-Resort portfolio in the nation. Our passion is creating family camping memories for our guests – memories that will last a lifetime! We don’t do this as individuals, but as a passionate team that cares about making a difference in our guests’ lives. We endeavor to be a highly effective, lean, and fast-moving organization.
The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcing park rules to ensure the highest quality stay for our guests. This is a SEASONAL, full-time or part-time position and reports to the Park Services Supervisor.

DUTIES amp; RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Guest Interactions
    • Strictly enforce quiet hours
    • Assist in emergencies
    • Promptly respond to guest concerns, resolve/de-escalate conflicts, and document issues within our reservations management system; escalating issues as needed:
      • Drunk or disorderly guests, Noise complaints, Animal complaints, and verification of reservation to ensure all parties allowed on the premises
    • Assist with simple maintenance issues and late arrivals and check-ins
  • Other Essential Duties
    • Complete incident reports as required
    • Ensuring buildings, equipment, and amenities are locked around the park
    • Understand reservations system to view occupancy and openings
    • Document any guest issues in reservation systems and record for the next shift
    • Participate in other projects and activities as assigned
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE
  • Previous security experience required
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
  • Basic computer skills
  • Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong attention to detail, speed, and accuracy
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong work ethic and a positive attitude
  • Required to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Work with minimal supervision
  • Maintain a positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, vendors, coworkers, and management
  • Valid Driver’s License required
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position
  • Regularly move throughout the park
  • Continuously climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and crawl
  • Able to manipulate fingers, hands, and arms to reach, carry, lift, etc.
  • Constant exposure to outside weather conditions
Northgate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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