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

Tree Worker (MVO)

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$32.85 - $38.41/hr

You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you ...

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National Park Service Ranger information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$21

$41

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park service 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 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 are National Park Service Rangers?

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, and why are they important?

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 job categories do people searching National Park Service Ranger jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Service Ranger jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for National Park Service Ranger jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most National Park Service Ranger job openings:

$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