1

Park Ranger Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PARK RANGER PAY PLAN: 116 - $ 45,798.00 minimum salary SECTION I- This is a responsible non ... Duties are to protect life and property. This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses ...

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX

$13 - $16/hr

PARK RANGER PAY PLAN: 116 - $ 45,798.00 minimum salary SECTION I- This is a responsible non ... Duties are to protect life and property. This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses ...

Employee is responsible to the Chief Park Ranger and must follow the chain of command and all ... Duties are to protect life and property. This is a law enforcement position with a special focuses ...

PARK RANGER

Safford, AZ · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas ... PARK RANGER ROPER LAKE STATE PARK *must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays* Job ...

$104K - $135K/yr

Summary This position is located in Katmai National Park and Preserve, in the Protection Division. This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout ...

PARK RANGER

Parker, AZ · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas ... PARK RANGER BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN / RIVER ISLAND *must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays*

PARK RANGER ASSISTANT

Tombstone, AZ · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Arizona State Parks and Trails protect and preserves more than 30 state parks and natural areas ... PARK RANGER ASSISTANT TOMBSTONE COURTHOUSE STATE PARK "This is a Temporary / Seasonal Position" May ...

Park Ranger

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$88K - $107K/yr

The Park Ranger plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing Fairfield's parks, open space, and ... safety, resource protection, facility and trail maintenance, emergency response, or park ...

Showing results 21-40

Park Ranger Protection information

See salary details

$12

$20

$39

How much do park ranger protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger protection in the United States is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a park ranger protection?

Park Ranger Protection officers are specialized park rangers responsible for protecting natural resources, visitors, and property within parks and other public lands. Their duties include law enforcement, emergency response, patrolling park areas, and ensuring the safety and security of both visitors and wildlife. They may also investigate crimes, enforce park regulations, and provide educational information to the public. This role requires a strong knowledge of conservation, law enforcement procedures, and effective communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Park Ranger Protection, you need a strong knowledge of law enforcement, environmental science, and park regulations, typically supported by a degree in natural resources or criminal justice and relevant certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid/CPR certifications is often required. Excellent observation skills, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies help ensure the safety of park visitors, effective protection of natural resources, and proper enforcement of park laws.

What are some common challenges park ranger protection officers face when balancing public safety and natural resource preservation?

Park Ranger Protection officers often encounter the challenge of simultaneously safeguarding visitors and preserving natural resources. This may involve enforcing regulations, responding to emergencies, and educating the public about responsible park usage. Balancing these tasks requires strong communication skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions, especially during peak visitation periods or in remote areas. Additionally, rangers must regularly collaborate with law enforcement, firefighters, and environmental specialists to effectively manage risks and ensure both people and the environment remain safe.

What is the difference between Park Ranger Protection vs Park Ranger Law Enforcement?

AspectPark Ranger ProtectionPark Ranger Law Enforcement
CredentialsBasic park ranger certifications, CPR, first aidAdditional law enforcement certifications, police training
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, nature reserves, visitor centersWildlife areas, enforcing laws, patrolling
Employer & IndustryNational parks, state parks, conservation agenciesLaw enforcement agencies within parks, federal agencies

Park Ranger Protection focuses on visitor assistance, conservation, and education, while Park Ranger Law Enforcement involves enforcing laws, issuing citations, and ensuring safety. Both roles require park-related certifications, but law enforcement rangers have additional police training. The main difference lies in law enforcement authority and responsibilities within the park environment.

More about Park Ranger Protection jobs

What states have the most Park Ranger Protection jobs?

States with the most job openings for Park Ranger Protection jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Park Ranger Protection jobs?

For Park Ranger Protection jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Park Ranger Protection job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,977 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)

Boston, MA • On-site

US Department of the Interior
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$123K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division at Boston National Historical Park

  • supervise law enforcement and resource protection activities and provide input on regulations and policy directives

  • perform duties that may require working on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shift work, and occasional overnight travel


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection), in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division at Boston National Historical Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
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 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 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 - 09/14/2026-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 a special qualification that has 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 be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a valid Type I National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 09/14/2026. 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. 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.
  • Must have a current, valid State Driver's License by 09/14/2026.-AND-

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:.

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated 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 qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) leading and/or supervising a law enforcement and resources protection program; 2) interpreting and providing input on regulations and policy directives related to law enforcement and natural resource protection; 3) provide input to and/or evaluate law enforcement program activities based on funding to determine objectives, amount and location of work, as well as, the type of resources needed for the program; 4) draft or write mutual aid agreements, cooperative agreements, and memoranda of understanding related to law enforcement programs/activities AND/OR 5) similar/related law enforcement experience. 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 National Park Service 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 National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by Commission upon appointment.
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of The Interior employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom