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National Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Marysville, WA · On-site

$22/hr

Previous experience in enforcement such as park ranger or law enforcement desirable. * High School ... national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or the presence of a non-job-related ...

LTE Park Ranger (Brule)

Brule, WI · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

The park ranger is primarily responsible for facilitating customer service, facility and grounds ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender ...

Park Ranger

Pembroke Pines, FL · On-site

$21.63/hr

Preferred one (1) to two (2) years of experience in park operations and maintenance work. KNOWLEDGE ... national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or any other ...

Preferred one (1) to two (2) years of experience in park operations and maintenance work. KNOWLEDGE ... national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or any other ...

Temp Seasonal - Park Ranger

Spokane, WA · On-site

$20.13 - $20.88/hr

CLASS SUMMARY JOIN THE SPOKANE PARKS AND RECREATION TEAM TODAY AS A TEMPORARY SEASONAL PARK RANGER ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity ...

Temp Seasonal - Park Ranger

Spokane, WA · On-site

$20.13 - $20.88/hr

... SEASONAL PARK RANGER! NATURE OF WORK: Performs general duty security and parking lot operations ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity ...

$104K - $135K/yr

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster. Occupancy: Government housing is available Katmai ...

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National Park Ranger information

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$12

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How much do national park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park ranger in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 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.
More about National Park Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for National Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most National Park Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most National Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for National Park Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Park Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Ranger jobs are:
Infographic showing various National Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 3% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Supervisory Park Ranger

Supervisory Park Ranger

US Department of the Interior

Homestead, FL • On-site

$133K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in Everglades National Park, in the Resource Education & Interpretation Division.
Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
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 probation your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-06/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying 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 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. 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.
To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, you must possess 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-13 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: 1) Managing public affairs, interpretive and/or educational programs at a park; 2) Developing short- and long-term policy direction for a major park program; 3) Performing long-range management planning to determine budget requirements; or 4) Collaborating with external groups to improve program visibility or partner on joint projects. . 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:There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement.
The employees of the National Park Service care for special places that are the heritage of all Americans. Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Park ranger - interpreters connect people to parks. They play a key role in ensuring that visitors have a meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experience, help visitors decide how to spend their time in the park, and inform them about the wonders that await their discovery. Park ranger - interpreters are specially trained to engage the public so that each park visitor can find a personal connection with the meanings and values found in the places and stories of that park. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for those visitors to care for park resources. National parks are among the most remarkable places in America for recreation, learning, and inspiration. The work done by park ranger-interpreters through effective interpretive and educational programs encourages the development of a personal stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations.
Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).Employment Type: OTHER

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