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Interpretation & resources
Park Ranger
An office with no ceiling.
Typical pay
$35k-$70k
How you get in
Degree in natural resources or similar
Outlook
Competitive; many seasonal roles
Rangers protect public lands and educate visitors. Roles split between law enforcement, interpretation and resource management.
A day in the life
- 6:30aTrail patrol and condition report
- 9:00aVisitor center shift
- 11:00aLead an interpretive walk
- 1:00pCampground compliance checks
- 3:00pWildlife survey data entry
- 5:00pRadio in, close the gate
How to get in
Degree plus seasonal work
Duration
4 years plus 1-3 seasons
Cost
$30,000-$120,000
Credential
Bachelor's in natural resources, biology, forestry or similar
- Complete a degree in a natural resources field
- Work seasonal positions each summer — this is how nearly everyone gets in
- Learn the federal hiring system (USAJOBS) and how to write to it
- Convert to a permanent position, which often takes several seasons
Seasonal to permanent (Pathways)
Duration
2-4 years
Cost
$0 — paid seasonal work
Credential
None required to start seasonally
- Take a seasonal interpretation or maintenance job with no degree required
- Get into a Pathways internship while enrolled in school
- Accumulate federal service time and references
- Apply for permanent positions with insider knowledge of the process
Law enforcement ranger
Duration
18-24 months
Cost
$5,000-$15,000 for the academy
Credential
Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program certificate
- Complete a SLETP academy at an approved school
- Work a seasonal law enforcement season
- Compete for a permanent commissioned ranger position
- Higher pay and more openings than interpretation, with a very different job
What people love
- · Outdoors every day
- · Mission-driven work
- · Housing sometimes provided
What wears people down
- · Seasonal contracts are common
- · Low pay for the education
- · Remote postings