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Park Ranger 1 Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger 1 information

See Washington salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do park ranger 1 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger 1 in Washington is $23.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Park Ranger 1 vs Park Ranger 2?

AspectPark Ranger 1Park Ranger 2
Required CertificationsBasic park service certifications, CPR, First AidAdvanced certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, visitor centers, outdoor terrainsMore complex sites, law enforcement duties
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, and local parksSame as Park Ranger 1, often with added responsibilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Park Ranger 1 and Park Ranger 2 roles are similar but differ mainly in experience, certifications, and responsibilities. Park Ranger 2 typically requires more advanced skills and handles more complex tasks, often with additional certifications. Both roles work in outdoor environments within parks and natural reserves, serving public and conservation needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Park Ranger 1s when balancing visitor engagement with conservation responsibilities?

Park Ranger 1s often navigate the challenge of educating and engaging park visitors while also ensuring the protection of natural resources and wildlife. Balancing public access and enjoyment with conservation efforts can require clear communication, conflict resolution, and quick decision-making, especially during busy seasons or special events. Rangers must frequently monitor visitor activities, enforce park regulations, and respond to emergencies, all while maintaining a welcoming presence. This dynamic work environment requires adaptability and a strong commitment to both public service and environmental stewardship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Park Ranger 1, and why are they important?

To excel as a Park Ranger 1, you generally need knowledge of environmental science, natural resource management, and a relevant degree or equivalent work experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and public communication make a candidate stand out in this role. These skills are essential for protecting park resources, ensuring visitor safety, and effectively educating the public about conservation.

What is a Park Ranger 1?

Park Ranger 1 positions are entry-level roles within the park ranger profession, typically responsible for protecting and preserving natural resources, providing visitor assistance, and enforcing park rules. Individuals in these roles often conduct patrols, educate the public on conservation efforts, and help maintain park facilities. Park Ranger 1s may also assist with emergency response and support more senior rangers in carrying out day-to-day operations. These positions are ideal for those starting a career in park services or natural resource management.
What job categories do people searching Park Ranger 1 jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Park Ranger 1 jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Park Ranger 1 jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Park Ranger 1 job openings:
Infographic showing various Park Ranger 1 job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,676 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$147K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection), Regional Chief Ranger for the National Capital Area - Region 1.
Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will be paid if the selectee lives outside of the local commuting area and is otherwise eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation.
Announcement extended to August 17, 2026.Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
  • You must be at least 21 years old. You must be free of any domestic violence convictions.
  • Prior to appointment, you 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.

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:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/17/2026-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.
Selective Placement Factors: This position requires special qualifications that have been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s), you will be rated not qualified. Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify:
  • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a valid Type I NPS Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 08/17/2026. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.
  • 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). In addition to the qualifying experience and/or education described above, applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent.

-AND-
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Experience: To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, 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 experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position.
Examples of specialized experience may include:

  • Managing resource and visitor protection programs including law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and backcountry management.
  • Serving as a senior advisor to management.
  • Supervising a workforce engaged in resource and visitor protection.
  • Representing parks at interagency meetings and with special interest groups.
  • Performing program management duties including developing and executing single and multi-year financial plans.
  • Position management, and long and short range planning.

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:Type I Law Enforcement Commission: Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years), a FLETC issued Land Management Police Training, full Type I Law Enforcement Commission or equivalent; or be qualified to receive a Type I Commission upon appointment.
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Employment Type: OTHER