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National Park Service Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Career Service Position Number: 37020269 Salary: $2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual Posting Closing Date: 07/21/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool Park Ranger 37020269 State of Florida Department ...

Career Service Position Number: 37001869 Salary: $2,896.67 month/$34,760.00 annual Posting Closing Date: 08/01/2026 Total Compensation Estimator Tool PARK RANGER (37001869) State of Florida ...

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National Park Service Ranger information

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

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for national park service 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.

Do NPS rangers carry guns?

National Park Service rangers are typically authorized to carry firearms and are trained in their use to enforce laws, protect visitors, and ensure safety within national parks. Not all rangers carry guns, as responsibilities vary by position, but law enforcement rangers usually do. Certification and ongoing training are required for those authorized to carry firearms.

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.

How hard is it to get a job as a national park ranger?

Becoming a national park ranger typically requires relevant education or experience in natural resources, law enforcement, or hospitality, along with passing background checks and physical fitness tests. Competition can be high due to the desirable nature of the job, and applicants often need to demonstrate strong communication skills and knowledge of park regulations.

How much do US National Park Rangers get paid?

U.S. National Park Service Rangers typically earn a salary that ranges from approximately $30,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level rangers often start at the lower end of this range, while experienced or specialized rangers can earn higher salaries, with opportunities for overtime and benefits.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs that can pay around $4,000 a week without requiring a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial truck driving, certain construction roles, or specialized technical work like HVAC or electrical installation. These positions typically require vocational training, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than a college degree, and often involve physically demanding work or irregular hours.

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.
More about National Park Service Ranger jobs
What cities are hiring for National Park Service Ranger jobs? Cities with the most National Park Service Ranger job openings:
What states have the most National Park Service Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for National Park Service Ranger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Park Service Ranger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Park Service Ranger jobs are:
Infographic showing various National Park Service Ranger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$91K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) - Chief Park Ranger, in the Division of Visitor Resource Protection.

This position is responsible for administering all phases of the law enforcement and visitor protection programs for park visitors and resources. Program responsibilities include law enforcement, boat safety, off-road vehicle management, park Dive Program, park collateral duty safety officer, Park special uses, and commercial use duties.

Qualifications:Requirements Continued...

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.

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.
This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.

Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 07/28/2026-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.
Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s), you will be rated not qualified.
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a valid Type I National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 07/28/2026. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.
  • This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). In addition to the qualifying experience and/or education described above, applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent.
  • Must have a current, valid State Driver's License by 07/28/2026.

-AND-

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Specialized Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to: (1) Law enforcement or investigative work involving the protection, conservation, or management of park areas; (2) 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; (3) Leading or supervising a law enforcement program, or other similar work. 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:Type I Law Enforcement Commission: Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years), a FLETC issued Land Management Police Training, full Type I Law Enforcement Commission or equivalent; or be qualified to receive a Type I Commission upon appointment.
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.Employment Type: OTHER