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Park Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Guide

Camp Verde, AZ · On-site +1

$42K - $55K/yr

Summary You will serve as a Park Guide with National Park Service . Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This ...

Park Guide

Interior, SD · On-site

$40K/yr

Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader; naturalist; environmental educator or teacher; or other similar work. You must include hours per week ...

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PARK Guide information

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$14

$16

$18

How much do park guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for park guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the key challenges Park Guides face when interacting with diverse visitor groups?

Park Guides often encounter visitors from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and interests, which can present challenges in effectively communicating park rules, safety guidelines, and historical or environmental information. Adapting presentations to engage different audiences—such as school groups, international tourists, or families—requires flexibility and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, Park Guides must be prepared to handle unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or weather changes, while maintaining a welcoming and informative atmosphere. These challenges make every day unique and help Guides develop valuable communication and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Park Guide vs Park Ranger?

AspectPark GuidePark Ranger
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require guides certification or trainingHigh school diploma; often requires law enforcement or conservation certifications
Work EnvironmentTourist areas, visitor centers, outdoor trailsNatural parks, conservation areas, enforcement zones
Employer & Industry UsageTourism companies, national parks, private parksGovernment agencies, national and state parks
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding visitor services and guiding rolesConservation, enforcement, and park management

While both roles involve outdoor work and interaction with visitors, a Park Guide primarily focuses on leading tours and providing information to tourists, whereas a Park Ranger has broader responsibilities including conservation, enforcement, and park management. The roles often overlap in outdoor settings but differ in scope and required credentials.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A park guide typically does not earn $4,000 per week without a degree; such high weekly earnings are uncommon in this role. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include sales, real estate, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, especially with experience or commissions. These roles may require certifications, licenses, or specialized skills but not necessarily a college degree.

How much do national park guides get paid?

National park guides typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Many guides work seasonally and may need certifications such as first aid or park-specific training.

What are Park Guides?

Park Guides are professionals who provide information and interpretive services to visitors at parks, historic sites, and nature reserves. They lead tours, answer questions, help protect park resources, and ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Park Guides may also assist with educational programs, enforce park regulations, and promote conservation efforts. Their work helps connect the public with natural and cultural heritage.

How much do park aides get paid?

Park aides typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the specific park or agency. Some positions may offer additional benefits such as training, uniforms, or seasonal work schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Park Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Guide, you generally need knowledge of natural and cultural resources, strong public speaking skills, and a background in environmental science, history, or related fields. Familiarity with interpretive tools, reservation systems, and first aid certification is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help Park Guides engage diverse visitors and create memorable experiences. These skills ensure effective education, visitor safety, and positive representation of the park's mission.

What Does a Park Guide Do?

A park guide provides a range of informational services to park visitors. As a park guide, your duties and responsibilities range from leading educational programs, taking visitors on tours or guided walks, maintaining the information material at a park visitor center, and distributing and updating maps of trails or other features at the park. Your work may be seasonal, or you may work at parks that are open year round. You may have some retail or administrative responsibilities and occasionally help perform park maintenance as well.

How do I become a park ranger with no experience?

To become a park ranger with no experience, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should gain knowledge of natural resources and park operations. Volunteering, completing relevant training or certifications, and demonstrating good communication and physical fitness can improve chances of hiring, as entry-level positions often require on-the-job training.
What cities are hiring for Park Guide jobs? Cities with the most Park Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Guide jobs? The most popular types of Park Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Park Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Park Guide jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Park Guide jobs? For Park Guide jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Park Guide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,605 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Park Guide

National Park Service

Camp Verde, AZ • On-site, Remote

$42K - $55K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 4 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 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Park Guide with National Park Service .
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
  • Answering questions on a variety of subjects.
  • Staff Information counter in a visitor center.
  • Guiding small groups and providing services to visitors.
  • Performs duties including programs that contain live demonstrations and/or audio-visual devices. Guide small parties (up to 20 people) on short walks. Some park locations issue backcountry camping permits and provide backcountry camping Information.
  • Orient hikers to conditions and equipment needs.

Requirements
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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 https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • 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.
  • Ability to lift 30 pounds.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a one 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.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/11/2026-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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Park Guide or tour leader; naturalist; environmental educator or teacher; or other similar work. Park Guide or tour leader; naturalist; environmental educator or teacher; or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as American history, science, public speaking, parks and recreation, education, or communications. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience as listed above. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described in A above (50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education) which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the related coursework required).
You must include hours per week and transcripts.
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. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.
Related Non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630).
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.
Physical Demands: The work requires standing for long periods of time, walking for long distances, climbing and descending steep inclines, bending, and lifting moderately heavy items. Mental stress and physical fatigue occur due to high volume of personal contacts, occasional emergency responses, and repetitive nature of interpretive programs.
Work Environment: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors resulting in exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
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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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