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Park Ranger Jobs in Geneva, IL (NOW HIRING)

Park Guide

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$45K - $59K/yr

Summary This position is located at Pullman National Historic Park in the Interpretation and Education Division. Learn more about this agency Duties Help Major duties include, but are not limited to ...

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Facility Attendant

Palatine, IL · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Facility Attendant At Palatine Park District, we are all about our Community. Entertaining recreation programs, beautiful parks, and facility fun creates the Park and Rec Life. A career with the ...

Facility Attendant At Palatine Park District, we are all about our Community. Entertaining recreation programs, beautiful parks, and facility fun creates the Park and Rec Life. A career with the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Park Ranger information

See Geneva, IL salary details

$11

$20

$38

How much do park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for park ranger in Geneva, IL is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do park rangers do?

Park rangers often work for federal or state governments and are responsible for caring for and protecting woodlands, forests and conservatories. Most of their days are spent outdoors patrolling campgrounds, trails, and various park areas. Park rangers sometimes give tours and answer questions from guests and visitors in the park. They also play a key role in search and rescue missions when needed.

What is a park ranger?

Park rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing national, state, or local parks and natural resources. Their duties include enforcing park rules, ensuring visitor safety, conducting educational programs, maintaining trails and facilities, and monitoring wildlife and ecosystems. Park rangers also play a vital role in conservation efforts and may assist in search and rescue operations. They work in a variety of environments, from forests to historical sites, to ensure that these areas are preserved for future generations.

What are some common challenges park rangers face during peak visitor seasons, and how are they managed?

During peak visitor seasons, Park Rangers often experience increased workloads due to higher numbers of visitors, which can lead to challenges such as crowd management, ensuring visitor safety, and protecting natural resources from overuse. Effective communication, teamwork, and proactive planning are essential to manage these challenges. Rangers may coordinate with volunteers and other staff, implement visitor education programs, and enforce regulations more strictly to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are key to successfully navigating the busy season.

What is the difference between Park Ranger vs Forest Technician?

AspectPark RangerForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in first aid or law enforcementAssociate's degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, recreation areas, visitor centersForests, conservation areas, fieldwork sites
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies managing parks and recreationForestry services, conservation agencies, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Park Rangers and Forest Technicians both work in outdoor environments related to natural resource management. While Park Rangers focus on visitor safety, education, and park preservation, Forest Technicians assist with forest management, data collection, and conservation projects. Both roles often require knowledge of environmental policies and outdoor skills, but Park Rangers typically have more public interaction, whereas Forest Technicians are more involved in fieldwork and technical tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a park ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Park Ranger, you need knowledge of environmental science, resource management, and law enforcement procedures, usually supported by a degree in a related field or relevant certifications. Familiarity with GPS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and first aid certifications is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and a passion for conservation help you engage with visitors and handle emergencies effectively. These skills ensure the safety of park resources and visitors while fostering educational and enjoyable park experiences.
What cities near Geneva, IL are hiring for Park Ranger jobs? Cities near Geneva, IL with the most Park Ranger job openings:
Infographic showing various Park Ranger job openings in Geneva, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,944 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$83K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 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

124th of 289 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation) of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Pullman National Historical Park located in Chicago, Illinois. The incumbent reports directly to the Superintendent and is responsible for assisting with coordination, execution, management, and planning of the park's interpretive programming and visitor services, conducted both in the park and through outreach activities.
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:
  • Assigns, directs, and reviews work of subordinate employees and/or volunteers. Provides feedback on work performance.
  • Manages operation of an urban park visitor center through delegation of work.
  • Provides training to employees and volunteers on conducting interpretive programs.
  • Leads interpretive planning efforts for the park, including planning for visitor use management, annual staffing, budget, and visitor center operations.
  • Plans, implements, and reviews a volunteer program in an urban park.

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/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

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.
*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
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 - 08/19/2026-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.
To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: coordinating, managing, or directing interpretive programs; developing long range program plans; developing educational programs; managing interpretive staff or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least three full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a directly-related field such as 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 closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Course work in fields other than those specified above may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in this position. You must include transcripts. -OR-
Combination of education and experience as listed above. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and (45 semester hours or 68 quarter hours) of directly related graduate level college study in an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
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
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.
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/Work Environment: Physical Demands/Work Environment: Work is mostly sedentary and office oriented but occasionally requires work under difficult and stressful conditions demanding physical stamina, emotional stability, and knowledgeable responses. Representing the park at outdoor festivals/events may require work in varying weather conditions and require periods of standing and walking and ability to lift and carry equipment/materials weighing up to 45 pounds for short distances. Environmental factors vary often with conditions of high heat, humidity, bright sunlight, intense lightning, thunder, snowstorms and rainstorms are encountered. Some evening, weekend and holiday work will be required. The work is an urban setting with high density residential populations, multimode of transportation, and industry. Work is largely performed at the Park in an office setting with occasional visits to other locations in the Chicago metropolitan area. Park is located in a densely populated urban area. While work is predominantly during normal business hours, may need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to attend meetings, perform community outreach activities, or to attend or manage special events.
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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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