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National Park Service Jobsexternal in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Park Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

National Park Service policy, resources and facilities. * Represents the Superintendent and the National Park Service to other Federal and State government agencies, local municipalities, private and ...

Gardener Supervisor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$39.68 - $46.26/hr

Summary You will serve as a Gardener Supervisor with National Park Service. The purpose of this position is to provide gardening and landscaping supervision, planning, and direction for all the ...

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National Park Service information

See Reston, VA salary details

$30.7K

$82.3K

$134.7K

How much do national park service jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for national park service in Reston, VA is $82,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $98,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working for the National Park Service, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Employees of the National Park Service often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, adapting to changing weather conditions, and handling a diverse range of visitor interactions. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as maintaining physical fitness for outdoor tasks. It's also important to be adaptable, as daily responsibilities can shift quickly based on park needs or emergencies. Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams—including law enforcement, maintenance, and education staff—is essential for success.

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 background in natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, first aid/CPR certification, and radio communication systems is typically required. Excellent public speaking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help rangers engage visitors and handle emergencies effectively. These competencies are crucial for protecting park resources, ensuring visitor safety, and delivering quality educational experiences.

Is it hard to get a job in a national park?

Getting a job with the National Park Service can be competitive due to high demand and limited openings, especially for seasonal or entry-level positions. Applicants often need relevant experience, certifications such as CPR or first aid, and a strong understanding of park operations and conservation practices.

What are popular job titles related to National Park Service jobs in Reston, VA?

For National Park Service jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for National Park Service jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most National Park Service job openings:

Infographic showing various National Park Service job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,274 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Park Manager

National Park Service

Mclean, VA • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 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

128th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Park Manager within the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP), a cluster of park areas made up of 7,156 acres associated geographically and organizationally with the parkway and Potomac River. The parkway extends over 38 miles in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, including significant historic resources as well as a considerable portion of the Virginia shoreline of the Potomac River. The parkway has been the gateway to the Nation's Capital since 1932.
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Duties
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Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
  • Management, planning, and direction of park operations.
  • Perform advisory, coordination, and review functions in developing annual goals, objectives, and budgets/financial plans.
  • Development and review of the basic operating programs, keeping in mind the public interest vs. National Park Service policy, resources and facilities.
  • Represents the Superintendent and the National Park Service to other Federal and State government agencies, local municipalities, private and public groups, and organizations and interested individuals.
  • Directly supervises and integrates the work of the divisions of Facility Maintenance; Visitor Services; and Resource Management; and the park's Safety Officer.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • 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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • Pre-employment and random drug testing is required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
  • A financial disclosure report will be required within 30 days of appointment.

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
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/10/2026-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.
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Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience involving technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of qualifying experience include but are not limited to: 1. Supervisory oversight of employees responsible for protection, administration, facility maintenance and operations, and visitor service duties; 2. Administrative program oversight and accountability; 3. Law enforcement or investigative work; 4. Natural or cultural preservation management; 5. Community partnership facilitation; 6. Communication and public trust duties; 7. Project management and team accountability; 8. Forestry and/or fire management; and 9. Program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; or 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
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
All 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, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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