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Park Guide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

Park Guide

West Branch, IA · On-site

$40K/yr

These permanent GS-0090-05 Park Guide positions are located at the parks listed below: * Herbert Hoover National Historic Site * 1 vacancy in West Branch, IA * Career-Seasonal * Timucuan Ecological ...

State of Iowa

State Park Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$41K - $61K/yr

Hike along the western portion of Gull Point State Park on a 1.3-mile self-guided interpretative trail. Visitors can identify diverse natural features along the trail This area of the park is an ...

Exec 1 Aviation

Line Service Technician II

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Guide, tow, park, greet and organize aircraft that are arriving or departing from the ramp. Help assist in snow removal and lawn maintenance. Help with upkeep of the hangars and grounds. Perform ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Davenport, IA · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors ... Rainier, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park * Alaska National Parks ...

H&M

Department Manager - North Park Mall

Davenport, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

We pride ourselves on being a values-driven organization, guided by our 7 unique values that have been part of our success story for over 75 years * You'll have access to our Colleague Resource ...

Walmart

Cart Attendant

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$14 - $27/hr

They gather carts from the parking lot, operate equipment to move carts from the parking lot to ... For information about PTO, see Smart Guide page Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit ...

Walmart

Cart Attendant

Indianola, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $28.50/hr

They gather carts from the parking lot, operate equipment to move carts from the parking lot to ... For information about PTO, see Smart Guide page Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit ...

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All JobsPark Guide JobsPark Guide Jobs in Iowa

Park Guide information

See Iowa salary details

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$15

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How much do park guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for park guide in Iowa is $15.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $14.66 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.
More about Park Guide jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Park Guide jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Park Guide jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Park Guide jobs in Iowa? For Park Guide jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Park Guide jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Park Guide jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Park Guide jobs in IA? For Park Guide jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Park Guide jobs near you

Park Guide

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

West Branch, IA • On-site

$40K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

These permanent GS-0090-05 Park Guide positions are located at the parks listed below:

  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
    • 1 vacancy in West Branch, IA
    • Career-Seasonal
  • Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve and Fort Caroline National Memorial
    • 1 vacancy in Jacksonville, FL
  • Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
    • 1 vacancy in Tuskegee, AL
Please see "Duties" section for more information about Career-Seasonal appointments.Qualifications:
Requirements Continued...
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.
______________________________________________________________________
Open to the first 100 applicants or until 07/30/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
QUALIFICATIONS:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/30/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized Experience is experience that involved oral presentation of historical, scientific, or program information to groups; or developing and/or revising technical, historical, or scientific information for oral presentation to groups. Your resume must show hours per week worked AND the to/from dates in month/year format for each position.
Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: Park Guide or tour leader; naturalist; environmental educator or teacher; or other similar work.
-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. If using education to qualify, you must upload a legible copy of your college transcripts that includes your name, credit hours, and degree awarded.
-OR-
COMBINATION: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 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 (75% of the qualifying education) as specified in B above, equals greater than 100% of the total requirement. If using education to qualify, you must upload a legible copy of your college transcripts that includes your name, courses, and credit hours completed.
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.Employment Type: OTHER

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