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Park Ranger Interpretation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$82K - $104K/yr

Learn methods and materials used in preparing and interpreting historical and natural science ... Wear and maintain a designated Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment ...

... interpreting historical and natural science displays and exhibits Lead the work of others Carry out ... Park Ranger uniform; including department issued safety equipment such as a duty/gun belt ...

Park Ranger Interpretation information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$39

How much do park ranger interpretation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger interpretation in California is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Park Ranger Interpretation roles collaborate with educators and local communities?

Park Ranger Interpreters frequently work alongside educators, community groups, and local organizations to develop and deliver educational programs that foster appreciation for natural and cultural resources. Collaboration often includes hosting school field trips, organizing community events, and tailoring interpretive talks or tours to specific audiences. By building these partnerships, Park Rangers help ensure that conservation messages are accessible and engaging, while also strengthening ties between the park and surrounding communities.

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

To thrive as a Park Ranger in Interpretation, you need a background in natural resources, environmental education, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with interpretive planning tools, educational program development, and sometimes GIS or presentation software is typically required. Exceptional communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help engage diverse audiences and foster conservation awareness. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively educating the public, promoting stewardship, and enhancing visitor experiences in parks.

What are Park Ranger Interpretation roles?

Park Ranger Interpretation roles focus on educating and engaging visitors about the natural, historical, and cultural resources within parks. These rangers create and lead interpretive programs, such as guided hikes, talks, and exhibits, to help visitors understand and appreciate the area. They also answer questions, provide information, and promote stewardship of the environment. Their work is essential in fostering a connection between the public and protected natural spaces.
What are popular job titles related to Park Ranger Interpretation jobs in California? For Park Ranger Interpretation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Park Ranger Interpretation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Park Ranger Interpretation jobs in California are:

$47K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

This position is located in Joshua Tree National Park, in the Division of Interpretation, Resource Education and Volunteers.
The purpose of interpeetation is to enrich peoples lives through meaningful experiences and enjoyable recreation.Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/20/2026-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 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 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.
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-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience must include: 1) park guide or tour leader, 2) law enforcement or investigative work, 3) archaeological or historical preservation research work, 4) forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area, 5) 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 6) other similar work. -OR-
EDUCATION: A 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major that includes 24 semester hours of related coursework, which may include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other subjects related to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. -OR-
COMBINATION: A combination of specialized experience and education, as described above, that together equal at least 100% of the qualification requirements for the GS-05 level. Only progressive education beyond the first two years (more than 60 semester hours or equivalent) is creditable when combining, and transcripts must be submitted as proof of any claimed education.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 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-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience must include: (1) developing and presenting independently researched programs, (2) developing material for nonpersonal services and interpretive media, (3) coordinating the operation of a visitor facility and/or information desk, and (4) assisting in coordinating special projects. -OR-
EDUCATION: One full academic year of graduate education related to the occupation in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, or sociology. -OR-
Superior Academic Achievement: (See OPM's General Policies, Application of Qualification Standards Section 4.f.) S.A.A. must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. -OR-
COMBINATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
To qualify for this position at the GS-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-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience must include (1) coordinating, evaluating, or directing interpretive programs, (2) assisting with developing long-range program plans, (3) developing interpretative and educational programs, and (4) coaching or mentoring interpretive or similar staff. -OR-
EDUCATION: two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education, a master's degree, or an equivalent graduate degree in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, or sociology. -OR-
COMBINATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Calculate your education and experience percentages by determining what percentage of the required amounts you possess. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". Experience listed as full-time will be credited at 40 hours per week.
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