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Park Ranger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Seminole, FL

$16.25 - $20/hr

Come work as a Park Ranger in one of the Pinellas County parks, providing a safe, clean and enjoyable experience for patrons using Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR) facilities ...

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The Park Ranger enforces park regulations and policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience; provides information to visitors about the park's recreational resources, cultural and ...

VOLUNTEER: PARK RANGER

San Marcos, CA

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

As a Reserve Ranger, you will support the Park Ranger program by patrolling the City's parks and trails, and provide special event assistance at many of the City's biggest events. QUALIFICATIONS How ...

Park Ranger (Full-Time)

Parkland, FL · On-site

$21.55 - $28.20/hr

As a Park Ranger, you'll have the opportunity to work outside with diverse groups in our beautiful Parks. The Park Ranger is an excellent position to begin your career in Parks & Recreation ...

Park Ranger/Naturalist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$78K - $94K/yr

Park Ranger/Naturalist VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE The Department The Community Services Department plays a key role in enhancing the community and ensuring the citizens of Fremont receive ...

VOLUNTEER: PARK RANGER

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

As a Reserve Ranger, you will support the Park Ranger program by patrolling the City's parks and trails, and provide special event assistance at many of the City's biggest events. QUALIFICATIONS How ...

Park Ranger 1

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

This Park Ranger 1 position is located at: Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715 Work Schedule: Late Ranger: Wednesday - Saturday; 2:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Due to the hours ...

Park Ranger

Seminole, FL · On-site

$19.50/hr

Come work as a Park Ranger in one of the Pinellas County parks, providing a safe, clean and enjoyable experience for patrons using Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR) facilities ...

The park ranger responds to calls for service which include parking enforcement, lock-outs, animal complaints, motorist assists, lost persons and article reports, and other non-criminal calls for ...

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PARK Ranger information

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$12

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How much do park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for park 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.

What Do Park Rangers Do?

Park rangers often work for federal or state governments and are responsible for caring for and protecting woodlands, forests and conservatories. Most of their days are spent outdoors patrolling campgrounds, trails, and various park areas. Park rangers sometimes give tours and answer questions from guests and visitors in the park. They also play a key role in search and rescue missions when needed.

What are park rangers?

Park rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing national, state, or local parks and natural resources. Their duties include enforcing park rules, ensuring visitor safety, conducting educational programs, maintaining trails and facilities, and monitoring wildlife and ecosystems. Park rangers also play a vital role in conservation efforts and may assist in search and rescue operations. They work in a variety of environments, from forests to historical sites, to ensure that these areas are preserved for future generations.

How to become a California park ranger?

To become a California park ranger, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in law enforcement, natural resource management, or customer service, and must pass a background check and physical fitness test. Some positions require completion of a law enforcement academy or certification, and candidates should have good communication skills and knowledge of environmental conservation. Applying through the California State Parks employment portal and meeting specific job requirements are essential steps in the process.

What are some common challenges Park Rangers face during peak visitor seasons, and how are they managed?

During peak visitor seasons, Park Rangers often experience increased workloads due to higher numbers of visitors, which can lead to challenges such as crowd management, ensuring visitor safety, and protecting natural resources from overuse. Effective communication, teamwork, and proactive planning are essential to manage these challenges. Rangers may coordinate with volunteers and other staff, implement visitor education programs, and enforce regulations more strictly to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are key to successfully navigating the busy season.

How to be a park ranger?

To become a park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a college degree in fields like environmental science or natural resource management. Relevant skills include outdoor survival, communication, and law enforcement abilities, and certification in first aid or CPR is often preferred. Applying through state or federal park agencies and gaining experience through internships or seasonal work can improve chances of employment.

What is the difference between Park Ranger vs Forest Technician?

AspectPark RangerForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in first aid or law enforcementAssociate's degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, recreation areas, visitor centersForests, conservation areas, fieldwork sites
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies managing parks and recreationForestry services, conservation agencies, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Park Rangers and Forest Technicians both work in outdoor environments related to natural resource management. While Park Rangers focus on visitor safety, education, and park preservation, Forest Technicians assist with forest management, data collection, and conservation projects. Both roles often require knowledge of environmental policies and outdoor skills, but Park Rangers typically have more public interaction, whereas Forest Technicians are more involved in fieldwork and technical tasks.

How to become NYS park ranger?

To become a park ranger, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in parks or law enforcement, and often must pass a background check and physical fitness test. Some positions require specialized training or certifications, such as CPR or first aid, and applicants should review specific state requirements for park ranger roles.

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

To thrive as a Park Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental science, resource management, and law enforcement procedures, usually supported by a degree in a related field or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid certifications is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and a passion for conservation help you engage with visitors and handle emergencies effectively. These skills ensure the safety of park resources and visitors while fostering educational and enjoyable park experiences.

Is it hard to get a job as a park ranger?

Getting a job as a park ranger can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in environmental science, forestry, or a related field, along with experience in outdoor or conservation work. Certification in first aid, CPR, or law enforcement may also be beneficial, and candidates should be prepared for physical fitness tests and background checks.
What cities are hiring for Park Ranger jobs? Cities with the most Park Ranger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs? The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs are:
What states have the most Park Ranger jobs? States with the most job openings for Park Ranger jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Park Ranger jobs? For Park Ranger jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Park Ranger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service

Anniston, AL • On-site, Remote

$61K - $80K/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

122nd of 279 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position located at Freedom Riders National Monument, in the Interpretation Division and may occasionally serve Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, which is under the same administrative leadership.
Open to the first 100 applicants or until 07/06/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Interpretation & Education, Anniston, AL.
At the full performance level (GS-09) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Designs interpretive experiences with purposeful focus and cohesion that address the strategic goals and objectives of park interpretation.
  • Use a variety of fully developed interpretive techniques based on audience, medium, resource, and setting to guide interactive experiences and provide opportunities for in person and virtual connections.
  • Applies facilitation skills and collaborate with others to guide interactive experiences and explore sensitive, complex, and/or controversial topics.
  • Creates, facilitates, and supports opportunities for audiences to understand national significance and personal relevance through intellectual and emotional connections to resource meanings and their current context.
  • Develops and present formal and informal audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using interpretive skills, techniques, and tools delivered in-person and through interpretive media and technology.

Salary Range Information (Per Annum):
$61,722 - $80,243 per annum
*First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.
The employees of the National Park Service care for special places that are the heritage of all Americans. Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Park Ranger - Interpreters connect people to parks. They play a key role in ensuring that visitors have a meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experience, help visitors decide how to spend their time in the park, and inform them about the wonders that await their discovery. Park Ranger - Interpreters are specially trained to engage the public so that each park visitor can find a personal connection with the meanings and values found in the places and stories of that park. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for those visitors to care for park resources. National parks are among the most remarkable places in America for recreation, learning, and inspiration. The work done by Park Ranger - Interpreters through effective interpretive and educational programs encourages the development of a personal stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year, as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments. Time-in-grade does not apply to new excepted service appointments and must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties in order to travel between Freedom Riders National Monument and Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to3-5nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may 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.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 07/06/2026, 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.
To qualify for this position at the GS-0025-09 grade level, you must possess at least one 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-0025-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park related work. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; 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 week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the occupation. (Related fields of study include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources.). You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion a combination of graduate level education beyond the first year of progressive graduate study and appropriate experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position. You must include 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
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.
Additional information
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion and can involve extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or in caves, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Some employees may engage in firefighting, search and rescue, and other strenuous activities; these employees may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances. Employees who participate in all-risk operations will be required to meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis.
Working Conditions: The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, climates, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc. Some employees may be engaged in all-risk operations and be exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions.
The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility:
You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals, ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance consistent with your SF-50s.
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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.

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