Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by the ...
Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by the ...
Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) (Chief Ranger)
King Salmon, AK · On-site
$104K/yr
Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by the ...
Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) (Chief Ranger)
King Salmon, AK · On-site
$104K/yr
Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by the ...
... and NPS app content using BrightAuthor and BrightSign applications under the guidance of Ranger ... Support the development of new audiovisual content for park exhibits, collaborating with park staff ...
... and NPS app content using BrightAuthor and BrightSign applications under the guidance of Ranger ... Support the development of new audiovisual content for park exhibits, collaborating with park staff ...
Audio Visual Internship - ONSITE - New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park
New Orleans, LA · On-site
$688/wk
... and NPS app content using BrightAuthor and BrightSign applications under the guidance of Ranger ... Support the development of new audiovisual content for park exhibits, collaborating with park staff ...
Audio Visual Internship - ONSITE - New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park
New Orleans, LA · On-site
$688/wk
... and NPS app content using BrightAuthor and BrightSign applications under the guidance of Ranger ... Support the development of new audiovisual content for park exhibits, collaborating with park staff ...
Unarmed Security Guard
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$18.75 - $22/hr
Only leave the site if a qualified replacement (another contractor security officer or an on-duty park ranger) provides relief. Radio Operation: Carry and operate an NPS-supplied two-way radio for ...
Unarmed Security Guard
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$18.75 - $22/hr
Only leave the site if a qualified replacement (another contractor security officer or an on-duty park ranger) provides relief. Radio Operation: Carry and operate an NPS-supplied two-way radio for ...
Unarmed Security Guard
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$18.75 - $22/hr
Only leave the site if a qualified replacement (another contractor security officer or an on-duty park ranger) provides relief. Radio Operation: Carry and operate an NPS-supplied two-way radio for ...
Quick apply
Unarmed Security Guard
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$18.75 - $22/hr
Only leave the site if a qualified replacement (another contractor security officer or an on-duty park ranger) provides relief. Radio Operation: Carry and operate an NPS-supplied two-way radio for ...
The Instructional Technologist will work closely with North Carolina - Basic Law Enforcement Training (NC-BLET) sessions, National Park Service - Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (NPS-PRLEA ...
The Instructional Technologist will work closely with North Carolina - Basic Law Enforcement Training (NC-BLET) sessions, National Park Service - Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (NPS-PRLEA ...
Instructional Technologist
Franklin, NC · Hybrid
$50K/yr
The Instructional Technologist will work closely with North Carolina - Basic Law Enforcement Training (NC-BLET) sessions, National Park Service - Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (NPS-PRLEA ...
Quick apply
Instructional Technologist
Franklin, NC · Hybrid
$50K/yr
The Instructional Technologist will work closely with North Carolina - Basic Law Enforcement Training (NC-BLET) sessions, National Park Service - Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (NPS-PRLEA ...
Instructional Technologist
Franklin, NC · On-site
$35K - $43K/yr
The Instructional Technologist will work closely with North Carolina - Basic Law Enforcement Training (NC-BLET) sessions, National Park Service - Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (NPS-PRLEA ...
Instructional Technologist
Franklin, NC · On-site
$35K - $43K/yr
The Instructional Technologist will work closely with North Carolina - Basic Law Enforcement Training (NC-BLET) sessions, National Park Service - Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (NPS-PRLEA ...
... Attend NPS Ranger tours and GCC training programs when possible • Explain the Grand Canyon National Park Junior Ranger program to visitors and swear in Junior Rangers who have completed the ...
... Attend NPS Ranger tours and GCC training programs when possible • Explain the Grand Canyon National Park Junior Ranger program to visitors and swear in Junior Rangers who have completed the ...
... with the park's Spanish-language Education Technician, the Resiliency Ranger, and partner ... NPS Director's Visitor Safety Award. The intern will collaborate with local Latino groups and ...
... with the park's Spanish-language Education Technician, the Resiliency Ranger, and partner ... NPS Director's Visitor Safety Award. The intern will collaborate with local Latino groups and ...
... with the park's Spanish-language Education Technician, the Resiliency Ranger, and partner ... NPS Director's Visitor Safety Award. The intern will collaborate with local Latino groups and ...
... with the park's Spanish-language Education Technician, the Resiliency Ranger, and partner ... NPS Director's Visitor Safety Award. The intern will collaborate with local Latino groups and ...
... ranger activity book, and work with the park's Tribal partners. Additionally, the position will assist the larger NPS team by performing certain essential maintenance duties, including tasks like ...
... ranger activity book, and work with the park's Tribal partners. Additionally, the position will assist the larger NPS team by performing certain essential maintenance duties, including tasks like ...
Interpretation and Visitor Services Team Member - AmeriCorps
Walla Walla, WA · On-site
$14 - $16.25/hr
... ranger activity book, and work with the park's Tribal partners. Additionally, the position will assist the larger NPS team by performing certain essential maintenance duties, including tasks like ...
Interpretation and Visitor Services Team Member - AmeriCorps
Walla Walla, WA · On-site
$14 - $16.25/hr
... ranger activity book, and work with the park's Tribal partners. Additionally, the position will assist the larger NPS team by performing certain essential maintenance duties, including tasks like ...
Individual Placement-Alaska- Individual Placement-Alaska- Interpretation and Education Placement
Anchorage, AK · On-site
$700/wk
... junior ranger programming, writing social media posts, and creating and presenting original ... Park and NPS processes. Career shadow opportunities are available in the following areas ...
Individual Placement-Alaska- Individual Placement-Alaska- Interpretation and Education Placement
Anchorage, AK · On-site
$700/wk
... junior ranger programming, writing social media posts, and creating and presenting original ... Park and NPS processes. Career shadow opportunities are available in the following areas ...
Individual Placement-Alaska- Individual Placement-Alaska- Interpretation and Education Placement
$700/wk
... junior ranger programming, writing social media posts, and creating and presenting original ... Park and NPS processes. Career shadow opportunities are available in the following areas ...
Individual Placement-Alaska- Individual Placement-Alaska- Interpretation and Education Placement
$700/wk
... junior ranger programming, writing social media posts, and creating and presenting original ... Park and NPS processes. Career shadow opportunities are available in the following areas ...
Regional Manager -Washington, DC
Quantico, VA · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Quick apply
Regional Manager -Washington, DC
Quantico, VA · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Regional Manager - New York City
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Quick apply
Regional Manager - New York City
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Regional Manager -Washington, DC
Quantico, VA · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Quick apply
Regional Manager -Washington, DC
Quantico, VA · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Regional Manager - New York City
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Quick apply
Regional Manager - New York City
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$105K/yr
Today we operate America's National Park stores within 172 national park units and other public ... But just as important is the spirit of cooperation that defines our relationship with NPS and other ...
Nps Park Ranger information
See salary details
$12.02 - $14.53
3% of jobs
$14.53 - $17.05
20% of jobs
$17.13 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.05 - $19.56
48% of jobs
$20.29 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.56 - $22.07
13% of jobs
$22.07 - $24.58
6% of jobs
$24.58 - $27.10
2% of jobs
$27.10 - $29.61
2% of jobs
$29.61 - $32.12
1% of jobs
$32.12 - $34.64
3% of jobs
$34.64 - $37.15
1% of jobs
$37.15 - $39.66
0% of jobs
$12
$20
$39
How much do nps park ranger jobs pay per hour?
How much do US National Park Rangers get paid?
Can you be a park ranger without being a cop?
Do NPS rangers carry guns?
What is the difference between Nps Park Ranger vs Park Naturalist?
| Aspect | Nps Park Ranger | Park Naturalist |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or GED; some roles require certifications in first aid, CPR, or law enforcement | Degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; often requires interpretive certification |
| Work Environment | National parks, outdoor settings, enforcement, visitor assistance | Educational programs, visitor centers, outdoor settings, interpretive activities |
| Employer & Industry Usage | U.S. National Park Service, federal government | National parks, nature centers, environmental organizations |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Yes | Yes |
While Nps Park Rangers focus on enforcement, safety, and visitor assistance within national parks, Park Naturalists primarily engage in educational and interpretive activities to inform visitors about natural and cultural resources. Both roles often require knowledge of environmental topics, but their daily duties and certifications differ.
How hard is it to get a job as a national park ranger?

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) (Chief Ranger)
King Salmon, AK
$104K/yr
Other
Retirement
Re-posted 8 days ago
Job description
This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm (est), April 28th, 2026.Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/06/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying 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 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. 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. Selective Factors: Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify:
- Law Enforcement Commission: Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
- Secondary Law Enforcement Position: 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). Applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position.
- EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS/GL-11 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. (1) Managing or leading law enforcement and resource protection program; (2) Evaluating law enforcement program activities based on funding to determining objectives, amount and location of work, as well as type of resources needed for the program; (3) Interpreting regulations and policy directives related to law enforcement and natural resource protection; (4) Reviewing law enforcement case reports to ensure compliance with policy, mutual aid agreements, cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding; AND/OR (5) Investigating criminal activity, conducting investigations of applicable Federal or state laws, and performing training / instructor responsibilities. You must include hours per week worked. Examples of specialized experience could include: 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 other similar work. You must include hours per worked per week.
Continuation of Requirements:
- Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
- Selectee(s) must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
- Firearm Proficiency: Selectee(s) will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.
- Physical Fitness: Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to undergo periodic medical examinations throughout employment.
- Physical Efficiency Battery: If applicable, prior to appointment, the people selected for these positions must be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The PEB is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measures body fat. Prior to appointment, selectees will be tested in all five components, and must pass the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run in the 25th percentile.
- Probationary/Trial Period: If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year 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.
Education:There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement.Law Enforcement Commission: This position requires applicants to possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to possess by closing date of this announcement a valid Type I or higher level National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission (or equivalent), which requires completing training from an accredited institution, which currently consists of over 650 class hours and lasts on average 17 weeks. Please visit the Association of National Park Rangers' Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) for additional information on approved training courses and equivalency for commissioning.
Secondary Positions: This is a secondary-administrative law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under CSRS, an employee must transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions). You must let this office know if you are in a Primary position.
Employment Type: OTHER