1

National Park Service Ranger Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Customer service experience working with teens and the general public. Ability to resolve and ... national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, economic status, age, marital status, sexual ...

Customer service experience working with teens and the general public.Ability to resolve and ... national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, economic status, age, marital status, sexual ...

Starter/Ranger

Huntington Woods, MI · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and be highly focused in providing superior service. Key Responsibilities of the Starter/Ranger: * Starts players on the first tee ...

Starter/Ranger

Huntington Woods, MI · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and be highly focused in providing superior service. Key Responsibilities of the Starter/Ranger: * Starts players on the first tee ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

National Park Service Ranger information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$18

$34

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park service ranger in Michigan is $18.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 education, such as a degree in natural resources or related fields, and experience in outdoor or law enforcement roles. Candidates typically need strong communication skills, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications like CPR or first aid; hiring processes may include interviews and background checks.

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.

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.

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 regulations. Certifications such as CPR or first aid can also be beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to National Park Service Ranger jobs in Michigan? For National Park Service Ranger jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching National Park Service Ranger jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Service Ranger jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for National Park Service Ranger jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most National Park Service Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various National Park Service Ranger job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,458 per year, or $18 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service

Munising, MI • On-site, Remote

$61K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


National Park Service rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 289 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position serves as a full-performance Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation) at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The purpose of interpretation is to enrich people's lives through meaningful experiences and enjoyable recreation; preserve and protect natural and Cultural resources through broad collaboration and shared stewardship; and inspire social and environmental consciousness to build community and sustain the health of the planet.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
  • Develop and present a wide variety of formal and informal audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using a variety of fully developed interpretive skills, techniques, and tools delivered in-person and through interpretive media and technology. Conduct site or topic-based research on different scientific and/or historical subjects and critically evaluate many different sources for their relevance, validity, and bias.
  • Supervise and train seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers by establishing priorities and preparing schedules for the performance of assigned work, managing performance, addressing personnel issues, and supporting employee development and training.
  • Connect with all types of audiences through digital content (e.g., the web, social media, mobile technology, live broadcast or distance programming, podcasts, virtual tours) to introduce, inform, engage, and strengthen relationships between the public and their national parks.
  • Plan, design, develop, and improve interpretive materials such as signs, waysides, publications, exhibits, audio, video, and other digital content.
  • Actively communicates and collaborates with the designated public affairs officer on all activities. Applies accepted industry styles and forms to draft responses for media inquiries, press releases, and other forms of informational writing.

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work approximately 115 months in pay status, and you will be in a non-pay status .5 month/1 pay period (ranging from late-December to early January) depending on weather and workload priorities.
Physical Demands: The work requires standing, walking over uneven terrain, conducting outdoor programs, carrying equipment and interpretive materials, and occasionally moderate physical exertion.
Working Environment: work occurs indoors and outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, insects, rough terrain, and occasional hazards associated with visitor activities or emergency incidents. PPE may be required.
Area Information: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior between the communities of Munising (population 2,500). The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior between the communities of Munising (population 2,500). The duty station for this position is Munising. Amenities in Munising include basic shopping, medical facilities, and K-12 schools. Basic shopping and medical facilities are available in Munising. Summers are generally warm and pleasant. The winter season may extend from October to May and is often characterized by cold temperatures and seasonal snowfall in excess of 140 inches. The area is rich in outdoor sporting activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, biking, camping, and skiing.
Additional information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/PIRO
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
  • The position to which you will be appointed is subject to a financial disclosure reporting requirement and you will be required to complete a new entrant Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of your appointment.

Additional Requirements located under Qualifications -
Qualifications
Requirements Continued -
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one (1) year supervisory 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 probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/11/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal General Schedule Qualification Standards.
To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, the following: 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.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two (2) full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education OR master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the occupation. Examples of related education include but are not limited to; park and recreation management, 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, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the specialized experience) and 18 graduate level semester hours (50% of the education), would qualify an applicant for this position. You must include transcripts.
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.
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
Additional information
This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application. For this announcement, the local commuting area is the area from which individuals can reasonably commute to the duty station under normal conditions. The defined vicinity for this position is the following counties: Alger, Marquette, Delta, Schoolcraft, Luce in Michigan. You must provide proof of residency within the defined vicinity (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy, etc.). See the Required Documents section for information on how to verify current residence.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates sh

What National Park Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom