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National Park Ranger Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

National Park Service

Park Ranger (PSAR)

Bayfield, WI · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

Summary This position is located in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, in the Division of Visitor ... As a Park Ranger, law enforcement; EMT or paramedic; forestry and/or fire management work in a park ...

Wisconsin

Community Service Officer

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$11/hr

This position requires a valid driver's license and the ability to complete parking enforcement ... You will then be directed to login into Workday, please use your Ranger email and password. Please ...

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National Park Ranger information

See Wisconsin salary details

$12

$20

$40

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in Wisconsin is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $21.59 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 much do US National Park Rangers get paid?

U.S. National Park Rangers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level rangers may start at lower salaries, while those with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can earn higher wages. Salaries are often complemented by benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Which president set aside Yellowstone?

President Ulysses S. Grant set aside Yellowstone as the first national park in 1872. As a park ranger, understanding the history of national parks can help in managing and protecting these natural resources effectively.

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, along with experience in outdoor or law enforcement roles. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications like CPR or first aid. The hiring process may involve multiple steps, including interviews and background checks, making it a challenging but attainable career path for those with the right qualifications.

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.

Do NPS Rangers carry guns?

National Park Service (NPS) Rangers are law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry firearms while on duty. They are trained in firearm use, law enforcement procedures, and safety protocols to enforce park regulations and ensure visitor safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to National Park Ranger jobs in Wisconsin? For National Park Ranger jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching National Park Ranger jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Ranger jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for National Park Ranger jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most National Park Ranger job openings:
National Park Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,379 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Park Ranger (PSAR)

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

Bayfield, WI

$40K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is located in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection.

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as permanent appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will be guaranteed 6 months of work, the remainder of the year will be subject to availability of non-base funding.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/06/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.

To receive credit for experience, 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. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience park guide or tour leader; 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. You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

  • Education: Successful completion of at least 4 years college education with at least 24 semester hours of related course work. Related fields of study include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, 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. One year of education above high school is equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

  • Combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take the percentage of education completed, 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 transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: As a Park Ranger, law enforcement; EMT or paramedic; 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, 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 one year of graduate level study in directly related fields such as 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, emergency management, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

  • Combination of education and experience. A combination of education and experience as described above.

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in a directly related field AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper 3rd of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grad-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on 4 years of education, or 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 completed during the final two years. Note: GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society.

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Working in Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue, or Law Enforcement or investigative work, Park Ranger or providing education and outreach, Forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area, and 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 such as volunteer administrative support.. You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

  • Education: Successful completion of at least a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or successfully completed at least two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree such as 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, emergency management, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources, OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

  • Combination of education and experience. A combination of experience as described above.
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:

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER

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