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Park Service Ranger Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Park Service Ranger information

See Washington salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do park service ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for park service ranger in Washington is $23.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Park Service Ranger, you need a solid background in environmental science, public safety, and resource management, often supported by a relevant degree or prior experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, radio communication systems, and certifications in first aid or law enforcement are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and public speaking abilities help rangers educate visitors and handle emergencies. These skills ensure the protection of natural resources, the safety of park visitors, and the delivery of effective public outreach.

What are some typical challenges Park Service Rangers face in balancing conservation efforts with visitor engagement?

Park Service Rangers often navigate the challenge of protecting natural and cultural resources while ensuring a positive and educational experience for visitors. This balance requires clear communication, creative problem-solving, and the ability to enforce regulations tactfully. Rangers must frequently adapt to unpredictable conditions, such as sudden weather changes or high visitor volumes, while maintaining a welcoming presence. Collaboration with colleagues, volunteers, and partner organizations is also vital to achieving both conservation and public service goals.

What are Park Service Rangers?

Park Service Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing national, state, or local parks and natural resources. They enforce park rules and regulations, provide educational programs to visitors, conduct search and rescue operations, and help preserve wildlife and cultural sites. Rangers may also perform maintenance tasks, respond to emergencies, and assist with conservation efforts to ensure that parks remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

What is the difference between Park Service Ranger vs Park Maintenance Worker?

AspectPark Service RangerPark Maintenance Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, park-specific training, sometimes certifications in first aid or law enforcementHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, safety training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, visitor centers, natural and historic sitesPark grounds, maintenance facilities, outdoor and indoor work areas
Employer & Industry UsageNational, state, or local parks; federal agenciesPark agencies, municipalities, conservation organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesMaintenance tasks, job requirements, work conditions

While both roles work within park environments, Park Service Rangers focus on visitor safety, law enforcement, and educational programs, requiring specialized training. Park Maintenance Workers primarily handle upkeep, repairs, and groundskeeping. Both positions are essential for park operations but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Park Service Ranger jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Park Service Ranger jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Park Service Ranger jobs in Washington? For Park Service Ranger jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Park Service Ranger jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Park Service Ranger jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Park Service Ranger job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,676 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$17.15/hr

Full-time

Dental, Life

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Introduction

Salary $17.15+/hour\r\n\r\n\r\nEmployment type - Full-time and Part-Time\r\n

GRADE

HRLY 0008\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis MD 21409 (Anne Arundel County)\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

The Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service is currently recruiting for multiple seasonal contractual positions for the upcoming 2026 season at Sandy Point State Park. Contract duration will be approximately between the dates of Memorial Day and Labor Day, depending on specific need.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe working titles that the Maryland Park Service is currently recruiting for are noted below. You must indicate on the Supplemental Questionnaire the position(s) of interest in order to be considered for this recruitment. Please review the duties of each job closely before applying.\r\n\r\n\r\nYou can review the position duties of each series HERE.\r\n\r\n\r\nMaintenance Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Housekeeping/Custodial Worker\r\n Maintenance Worker\r\n Maintenance Worker Lead\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAdministrative/Customer Service Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Contact Station/Concession Attendant\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRanger Series\r\n\r\n\r\n Park Ranger\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: None\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience: 40 hours of Customer Service or Maintenance Experience. This includes but is not limited to professional or volunteer experience in retail, service industry, administrative, or similar fields as indicated on application. * Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that you fail to indicate.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least six (6) months of experience working in a park location performing park operations.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle, UTV or golf cart. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland and five points or fewer on their current driving record. Please note, a provisional driver's license will not be accepted as the restrictions may interfere with the job requirements.\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants selected for employment may undergo an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to: employment reference check, education verification, driving record check (if the position requires employees to drive a vehicle) and a criminal history check including fingerprinting. Should the position you are in consideration for require an employment, driving or criminal history check, continued employment will be contingent on the results.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions of this position.\r\n\r\n\r\nFor education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.\r\n

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.\r\nLeave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.\r\n\r\n*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.\r\n\r\n\r\nFaxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management atApplication.Help@maryland.gov; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you need to make adjustments to a submitted application or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Emilee Knott atEmilee.Knott@maryland.gov.\r\n\r\n\r\nSupplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.\r\n\r\n\r\nPlease provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.\r\n\r\n\r\nTTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time