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National Park Ranger Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

National Park Ranger information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$21

$41

How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in Reston, VA is $21.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.26 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to National Park Ranger jobs in Reston, VA? For National Park Ranger jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching National Park Ranger jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Ranger jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for National Park Ranger jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most National Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,711 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

$27.66/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

This position is located in Rock Creek Park for a non-supervisory Park Ranger (Seasonal) who performs a variety of tasks associated ith the use and management of park resources. This position description is generic in nature and is not intended to include every duty found at every park throughout the system.

Open to the first 50 applicants or until 06/17/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-06/17/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes experience that equipped the applicant with the particular compentencies needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; develop and deliver structured and informal presentations using various communication techniques to a variety of audiences; archeological or historical preservation research work involving presentations. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate study in one of the following fields: natural resource management, natural sciences, marine biology/sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, wetlands ecology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. (One year of graduate education is 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours). You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Must possess an equivalent combination of such education and experience. For example, 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and one-half year (9 semester hours or 14 quarter hours) of directly related graduate level college study in an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week.

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