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Park Ranger Supervisor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Park Ranger Supervisor information

See Washington salary details

$40.2K

$86K

$132.5K

How much do park ranger supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for park ranger supervisor in Washington is $86,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a park ranger supervisor?

Park Ranger Supervisors are professionals who oversee a team of park rangers and coordinate park operations to ensure the safety, conservation, and enjoyment of public parks. Their responsibilities include managing staff, enforcing park regulations, assisting with resource management, and providing visitor services. They also play a key role in training new rangers, organizing educational programs, and responding to emergencies within the park. Park Ranger Supervisors are essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of park environments while supporting public engagement.

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

To thrive as a Park Ranger Supervisor, you need expertise in natural resource management, law enforcement, and supervisory experience, often supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, incident reporting systems, and CPR/first aid certifications is typically required. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and public communication skills help in managing staff and interacting with visitors. These skills and qualifications ensure effective park operations, safety, and conservation of natural resources.

What are some common challenges park ranger supervisors face when managing both staff and park operations?

Park Ranger Supervisors often balance overseeing daily park operations with managing a diverse team of rangers. Challenges can include addressing staffing shortages, resolving conflicts among team members, and ensuring consistent enforcement of park policies. Additionally, they must coordinate responses to emergencies, such as weather events or visitor incidents, and adapt to changing priorities based on park needs. Effective communication and flexibility are essential to maintain both team morale and park safety.

What is the difference between Park Ranger Supervisor vs Park Ranger?

AspectPark Ranger SupervisorPark Ranger
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, forestry, or related field; certifications in first aid and law enforcementHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in first aid or law enforcement
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff in parks, reserves, or protected areas; involved in administrative tasks and staff managementWorks directly in parks or natural areas, engaging with visitors and maintaining natural resources
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, national/state parks, conservation organizationsSimilar employers, often working under the same agencies or organizations

The main difference between a Park Ranger Supervisor and a Park Ranger is that the supervisor oversees staff and administrative functions, while the ranger focuses on visitor engagement and resource management. Both roles require related credentials and work within the same industry environment, but the supervisor holds leadership responsibilities.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Park Ranger Supervisor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,009 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)

Washington, DC

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)

$147K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 2 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 28, 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 - 08/28/2026-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 08/28/2026. 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