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Scientists In Parks Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

$17.45/hr

Park Guides greet visitors to educate and inform them in our National Parks. Work can include ... Specialized experience is experience that involved oral presentation of historical, scientific, or ...

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Scientists In Parks information

See Alaska salary details

$35.1K

$79.7K

$123.5K

How much do scientists in parks jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientists in parks in Alaska is $79,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Scientists in Parks?

Scientists in Parks (SIP) is a program that places early career professionals, students, and recent graduates in temporary positions within the National Park Service. Participants work on natural resource management, research, and science-based projects in national parks across the United States. The program provides hands-on experience and training in fields such as ecology, geology, environmental science, and cultural resource management. SIP positions are designed to support park needs while offering valuable career development opportunities for aspiring scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, you typically need a background in natural sciences or environmental studies, with relevant coursework or a degree in biology, ecology, geology, or a similar field. Familiarity with field research tools, GIS mapping software, data collection methods, and sometimes certifications like Wilderness First Aid are important. Strong observational skills, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in diverse outdoor settings and collaborative projects. These skills ensure accurate scientific contributions, safety, and meaningful engagement with park resource management and public outreach.

How do Scientists in Parks typically collaborate with National Park Service staff and other stakeholders during their projects?

Scientists in Parks usually work closely with National Park Service (NPS) staff, including park rangers, resource managers, and interpretive teams, to ensure their research aligns with park management goals. They may also coordinate with external partners such as universities, community organizations, and volunteers. Regular meetings, fieldwork, and presentations are common ways these collaborations happen, fostering a team-oriented environment and promoting knowledge sharing. This collaborative structure not only enhances research outcomes but also provides valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

What is the difference between Scientists In Parks vs Environmental Scientists?

AspectScientists In ParksEnvironmental Scientists
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in ecology, biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in environmental science, ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, outdoor settings, fieldworkResearch labs, government agencies, fieldwork in various environments
Employer & IndustryPark services, conservation agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Scientists In Parks and Environmental Scientists both focus on studying ecosystems and conservation. However, Scientists In Parks typically work directly within park environments, emphasizing fieldwork and conservation efforts in outdoor settings. Environmental Scientists often work in labs or offices, conducting research that supports environmental policies and solutions across various industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital for environmental protection, but their work settings and specific focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Scientists In Parks jobs in Alaska? For Scientists In Parks jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scientists In Parks jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Scientists In Parks jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Scientists In Parks jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Scientists In Parks job openings:
Infographic showing various Scientists In Parks job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,726 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Job description

Park Guides greet visitors to educate and inform them in our National Parks. Work can include providing information on natural, cultural, or historical resources.
Likely entry on duty: October- December 2025.
Open to the first 100 applicants.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on 07/24/2026 to be considered.
For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/24/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2-page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
To qualify for this position at the GS-04 level, you must possess one of the following:
A. Six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience for a total of one year of experience. General experience is any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of general experience include, but are not limited to: selling merchandise, collecting and accounting for fees or other monies, greeting visitors, disseminating information, providing directions, or other work which required dealing with people on a recurring basis and that indicates the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience is experience that involved oral presentation of historical, scientific, or program information to groups; or developing and/or revising technical, historical, or scientific information for oral presentation to groups. Examples of specialized experience could include park guide or tour leader, naturalist, environmental educator or teacher, or other similar work.
-OR-
B
. Successfully completed two years of study above high school (60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours) which included at least 12 semester hours in subjects such as American History, science and/or public speaking.
-OR-
C.
Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 level, you must possess one of the following:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level. Specialized Experience is experience that involved oral presentation of historical, scientific, or program information to groups; or developing and/or revising technical, historical, or scientific information for oral presentation to groups. Examples of specialized experience could include park guide or tour leader, naturalist, environmental educator or teacher, or other similar work.
-OR-
B.
Successfully completed four years of study above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, such as American History, science, public speaking, parks and recreation, education or communications.
-OR -
C.
Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined.
Note: This position includes money handling preference for optional consideration. Money handling requires a higher background check.
Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.
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.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.Education:To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and that (1) deemed your education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or (2) given full credit for courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.Employment Type: OTHER