Park Ranger Interpretation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Build your career at Icelandic State Park, one of North Dakota's most scenic and historically significant destinations. Set within 912 acres of natural beauty, the park offers a unique workplace where outdoor recreation, conservation, and cultural heritage come together.
Employees enjoy an inspiring setting that includes Lake Renwick's swimming beach, fishing, and water recreation opportunities; the scenic trails and diverse wildlife of the Gunlogson Nature Preserve; the Pioneer Heritage Center, which celebrates the stories of settlers from 22 countries; and one of North Dakota's premier camping destinations with 150 campsites welcoming visitors from across the region.
Located in the heart of North Dakota's Rendezvous Region, the park is surrounded by the fertile Red River Valley and the dramatic Pembina Escarpment, offering breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor recreation. With the Canadian border nearby, residents also enjoy convenient access to additional cultural experiences, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
If you're looking for meaningful work, a strong sense of community, and the opportunity to make a difference while surrounded by nature, Icelandic State Park is an exceptional place to live, work, and grow.
Duties and Tasks
Leadership & Operations:
• Partner with the Park Manager to oversee daily operations, manage budgets and support strategic planning.
• Hire, train, schedule, and guide seasonal staff and volunteers to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and environmental standards while maintaining visitor satisfaction.
Resource Stewardship:
• Collaborate with the maintenance supervisor to care for trails, facilities, and campgrounds.
• Support conservation initiatives and sustainable use of natural resources.
• Help manage park fees, reservations, and special use permits with integrity and accuracy.
Community & Conservation:
• Build meaningful partnerships with community organizations, volunteers, and local stakeholders.
• Lead educational and interpretive programs that celebrate the park's natural, cultural, and historical significance.
• Be a visible and welcoming presence for park guests, promoting safety and inclusivity.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in park management, natural resources, recreation, hospitality, or a related field.
• 2+ years of proven leadership and team management experience ideally in park operations, hospitality, retail, or other service-oriented settings.
• 2+ years' customer service experience in parks, conservation, or recreation.
• Valid driver's license
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to public service.
• Experience with environmental education, facilities upkeep, and community engagement.
• North Dakota Peace Officer License or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire; full training is provided and funded.
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous Park or related field experience
• Experience interpreting and applying state, federal and park policies, rules and regulations.
• Current Pesticide Applicator's License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team memberswith a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.
Application Procedures
Apply online via the North Dakota Job Seekers website. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.
Your application must include:
• Resume
• Cover letter describing your background, interest in the role, and relevant experience
• Three professional references
Need assistance with your application? Contact recruiter@nd.gov or 701-328-3290 for all technical issues.
For reasonable accommodations or questions about recruitment/selection, contact La Tonya Stocks, PHR at lastocks@nd.gov or 701-328-7807.
TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1-800-366-6888.
Please note:
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. North Dakota Parks and Recreation do not provide sponsorship of any kind.
• A background check and criminal investigation are required for this position.
Comments
Work Environment:
• On-site housing is provided as part of this role, and the Park Ranger is expected to reside within the park while on call/duty to support operational needs.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Salary: $4,500 - $4,900 monthly.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your family is fully funded by the state.
• New Hire Leave - eligible new team members are granted up to 40 hours of new hire leave upon hire to use within the first year of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.