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State Park Ranger Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements:

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements:

Ranger/Starter

Rising Sun, IN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Previous experience as a golf ranger/starter preferred; knowledge of the game required. * Education ... Valid state driver's license. * Other Specialized Requirements: Equal Opportunity Employer This ...

State Park Ranger information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$19

$37

How much do state park ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for state park ranger in Indiana is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state park ranger?

State Park Rangers are professionals responsible for protecting and managing state parks and natural resources. Their duties often include enforcing park rules, educating visitors, ensuring public safety, conducting search and rescue operations, maintaining park facilities, and protecting wildlife and habitats. They may also lead tours, provide information about the park's history and ecology, and respond to emergencies. State Park Rangers play a vital role in preserving natural and cultural resources while making parks enjoyable and safe for visitors.

Can I be a state park ranger with no experience?

State park ranger positions typically require some level of training or experience in areas such as law enforcement, conservation, or customer service. While prior experience is beneficial, many agencies offer training programs and may consider candidates with relevant skills or a willingness to learn. Certifications like CPR or first aid can also improve eligibility.

Is it easy to get a job as a State Park Ranger?

Becoming a State Park Ranger typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in natural resources or environmental science, and experience in outdoor or law enforcement roles. Competition can be moderate to high, and candidates often need to pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and sometimes obtain certifications like CPR or first aid. Strong communication skills and knowledge of park regulations are also important for success in the hiring process.

How much are US park rangers paid?

U.S. park rangers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced rangers or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for training and advancement.

What is the difference between State Park Ranger vs Forest Ranger?

AspectState Park RangerForest Ranger
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, sometimes required certificationsHigh school diploma or GED, often with forestry or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentState parks, recreational areas, visitor centersForests, national forests, wilderness areas
Employer & IndustryState government agencies managing parksFederal or state agencies managing forests and public lands
Job FocusVisitor safety, park maintenance, educational programsForest conservation, fire prevention, resource management

While both roles involve outdoor work and public interaction, State Park Rangers primarily focus on managing state parks and ensuring visitor safety, whereas Forest Rangers concentrate on forest conservation and resource management in forested areas. The credentials and work environments overlap, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the setting.

What are some common challenges faced by state park rangers during peak visitor seasons?

During peak visitor seasons, State Park Rangers often manage increased foot traffic, ensuring visitor safety while protecting natural resources. This can involve crowd control, educating the public about park rules, responding to emergencies, and enforcing regulations. Rangers must balance hospitality with enforcement, all while working long hours outdoors and sometimes dealing with unpredictable weather. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to handle conflicts and maintain a positive park experience for everyone.

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

To thrive as a State Park Ranger, you need knowledge of natural resource management, law enforcement, and emergency response, usually supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, two-way radios, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and public relations skills set outstanding rangers apart. These skills ensure visitor safety, resource protection, and positive public engagement within the park environment.

What are popular job titles related to State Park Ranger jobs in Indiana?

For State Park Ranger jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various State Park Ranger job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,895 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Supervisory Park Ranger (I)

National Park Service

Porter, IN • On-site, Remote

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


National Park Service rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (I) with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Park, in the Division of Interpretation and Education.
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:
  • Determines staffing needs, recruits and selects seasonal staff, makes recommendation to Division Chief regarding permanent appointments and promotions, and provides training.
  • Develops program goals, sets priorities, plans and assigns work, prepares schedules, and sets deadlines.
  • Establishes performance standards, coaches and evaluates employees, develops Individual Development Plans, rewards, or disciplines as appropriate. Hears and resolves employee complaints, referring more serious issues to higher levels. Prepares position descriptions, approves leave and personnel actions.
  • Coordinates with park divisions, specialists, and the Great Lakes Research and Education Center to stay abreast of important research findings related to parks' cultural, natural, and recreational resources. Applies in-depth knowledge of the park's complex resources and ensures subordinates apply this information in daily programming.
  • Writes and edits texts for brochures, exhibits, and informational literature to be used to interpret the park's natural and cultural resources and promote environmental education to the surrounding communities.

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.

*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*
Qualifications
Requirements Continued...
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 - 08/13/2026-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-12 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Providing a wide variety of Interpretative services to enable efficient operation of an Interpretive Education program or office; analyzing work functions and processes and identifying process improvements; planning and coordinating. Plans, implements, manages, and coordinates a comprehensive interpretive, education, volunteer, and visitor services program. Responsible for short- and long-range planning. Writes and updates interpretive planning documents. Prepares division standards and goals. Responsible for workplace health and safety of employees. 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
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
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.
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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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