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Park Ranger Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

Senior Ranger

Sterling, VA · On-site

$17/hr

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

Senior Ranger

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$17/hr

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

Senior Ranger

Lorton, VA · On-site

$17/hr

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

Senior Ranger

Occoquan, VA · On-site

$17/hr

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

Senior Ranger

Lorton, VA · On-site

$17/hr

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

The Senior Ranger assists with the operation and maintenance of the park and facilities and may ... May assist with routine maintenance/repair of equipment. * Assists with public relations by ...

Park Ranger Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do park ranger assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger assistant 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 a park ranger assistant?

Park Ranger Assistants support park rangers in the management and protection of parks, forests, and other natural areas. Their duties often include helping with visitor services, maintaining trails and facilities, providing educational information, and assisting with conservation efforts. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of visitors and the preservation of natural resources. Park Ranger Assistants may work in national, state, or local parks, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the location and needs of the park.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a park ranger assistant?

To thrive as a Park Ranger Assistant, you need knowledge of environmental conservation, park operations, and relevant safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or coursework in natural resources or biology. Familiarity with GPS units, two-way radios, and park management software is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you effectively interact with visitors and support park staff. These abilities are essential for ensuring visitor safety, preserving natural resources, and maintaining a positive park experience.

What are some common challenges faced by park ranger assistants during peak visitor seasons?

Park Ranger Assistants often experience increased workloads during peak seasons due to higher numbers of visitors, which can lead to challenges in maintaining park safety, providing quality customer service, and ensuring facilities remain clean and accessible. Managing large groups, responding to visitor queries, and assisting with emergencies or enforcing park regulations can become more demanding. Teamwork and effective communication with senior rangers and other assistants are essential to efficiently handle these busy periods and maintain a positive visitor experience.

Can I be a park ranger assistant with no experience?

Park ranger assistant positions often do not require prior experience, but having knowledge of outdoor environments, basic safety skills, and a valid driver's license can be beneficial. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and relevant certifications such as first aid or CPR may improve your chances of hiring.

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

Getting a job as a park ranger assistant can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, knowledge of conservation, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or first aid. Entry-level positions may have fewer requirements, but higher-level roles typically demand prior experience and a background in environmental science or related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Ranger jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Park Ranger jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Park Ranger Assistant jobs in Washington?

For Park Ranger Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Park Ranger Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Park Ranger Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Park Ranger Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Park Ranger Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Park Ranger Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,676 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 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

128th of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation), District Ranger with National Park Service. You will be responsible for visitor services for a wide geographic district within the park, directing and leading interpretive staff within the district. The unique demography of this site is in an urban setting, significantly increasing the demands and complexity of this position.
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:
  • Plan, supervise, and implement a variety innovative district programs and services for park visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Monitor programs for quality, accuracy, relevancy to the mission, and effectiveness in achieving objectives, and implementing improvements through innovative and realistic program changes.
  • Assist in establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with agencies and individuals that have associations with the district and promoting relations with park neighbors and visitors.
  • Direct staff in the development of interpretive programs and advises them on ways to improve quality through the use of various media such as music, arts/crafts, theater, and living history presentations as well as interpretive media using technology such as digital and social media.
  • Oversee special events in the district, including First Amendment Rights demonstrations, that in some instances are extremely high profile and complex.

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/.

  • Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • Uniform: You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
  • Government Charge Card: You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • Ability to lift: You must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Probationary Period: 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.
Supervisory Probationary Period: This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/18/2026-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-12 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1. Managing, planning, developing, and directing interpretive and visitor services programs for a park or similar public land management organization.
2. Performing the full range of supervisory responsibilities for staff, including workforce and position management, recruitment and hiring, performance management, employee development, retention planning and implementation, and addressing employee relations matters, including disciplinary and
corrective actions.
3. Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with a diverse range of park, local, regional, and national stakeholders to support organizational goals, programs, and initiatives.
You must include hours per week worked. Please also include GS-level for federal positions listed on your resume.
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
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
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 is frequently sedentary but does require some physical exertion such as walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, standing, and bending to implement onsite inspections and program operations. The incumbent is required to operate a government owned or leased motorized vehicle.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting and outdoors. Remainder of work involves trips to community meetings, meetings with interested organizations, and regional and park meetings. Incumbent is required to wear NPS uniform and to maintain a valid driver's license.
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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.
Review our benefits
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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