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National Park Service Ranger Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

South Suburban

Lead Park Ranger

Littleton, CO · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of park ranger services. Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and ...

State of Colorado

CPW PARK RANGER TRAINEE

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$59K/yr

Park Ranger Trainees work within the Field Services Unit and are trained in CPW park operations ... to a State, County or National park) or outdoor recreation setting. Applying the principles ...

State of Colorado

CPW PARK RANGER TRAINEE

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$59K/yr

Park Ranger Trainees work within the Field Services Unit and are trained in CPW park operations ... to a State, County or National park) or outdoor recreation setting. Applying the principles ...

State of Colorado

CO

$18/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to ...

State of Colorado

CO

$18/hr

Limited Commission Park Ranger positions involve extensive customer service and public contact ... national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to ...

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National Park Service Ranger information

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$41

How much do national park service ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park service ranger in Colorado is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Park Service ranger?

National Park Service Rangers are professionals who work for the National Park Service (NPS) to protect and manage the natural and cultural resources within national parks. They perform a variety of roles, including law enforcement, education, emergency response, and resource management. Rangers help ensure the safety of visitors, maintain park facilities, and provide guided tours and educational programs. Their work is essential to preserving the integrity and enjoyment of national parks for present and future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Park Service ranger?

To thrive as a National Park Service Ranger, you need a solid understanding of natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, and public education, often supported by a degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, first aid certification, and federal law enforcement systems like NPS LE are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service help rangers effectively engage with visitors and manage challenging situations. These skills ensure the protection of park resources, visitor safety, and a positive visitor experience.

What are some common challenges National Park Service rangers face when balancing conservation efforts with visitor engagement?

National Park Service Rangers often encounter the challenge of protecting natural and cultural resources while ensuring visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. This balance can be demanding, as rangers must enforce regulations to minimize environmental impact, educate the public about conservation, and respond to emergencies or violations. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential, since rangers frequently interact with visitors who may be unaware of park rules or the importance of preservation. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as it allows rangers to foster stewardship and appreciation for the parks.

Can I be a national park service ranger with no experience?

Becoming a National Park Service ranger typically requires some relevant experience or education in areas such as law enforcement, natural sciences, or hospitality. Entry-level positions may be available for those with minimal experience, but candidates often need to demonstrate skills like communication, physical fitness, and a knowledge of park operations, and may need to obtain certifications such as CPR or first aid.

Is it hard to get a job as a National Park Service ranger?

Becoming a National Park Service ranger can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, education in fields like environmental science or law enforcement, and passing background checks. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or first aid. The hiring process can be lengthy and involves multiple steps, including interviews and assessments.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Colorado are hiring for National Park Service Ranger jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most National Park Service Ranger job openings:

National Park Service Ranger jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Park Service Ranger job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,191 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger Interpretation

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

Estes Park, CO • On-site

$83K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger Interpretation with National Park Service.

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
Open to the first 100 applicants or until close date listed, whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Qualifications:Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/06/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized 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 periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENT:
To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience MUST include the following: 1) coordinating, managing or directing interpretive programs; 2) developing long range program plans; 3) developing educational programs; 4) managing interpretive staff or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the occupation. You must include transcripts. -OR-
Combination: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience, as described above, that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement for the GS-11 level. You must include transcripts.
For more information qualifying education or on combining education and experience see OPM Qualification Standards linked below:
Individual Occupational Requirements for Park Ranger Series, 0025

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. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER

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