I’ve been looking into getting into a Law Enforcement role as a Park Ranger. I’m not afraid of going back to school, but would prefer to proceed without it. I’m 30 with small kids and an established career in blue collar supervision, so school on the side seems like a nightmare.

Here’s a little background info:

• Currently a Foreman in blue collar work

• 8 years Active Duty Marine Corps w/ deployment in a “rescue/combat” role

• No college but I do have transferable credits from in-military schools

• Aiming for employment in Tennessee

There are a few positions open on the state website but during the pre-qualification step it asks if you have a degree, so I didn’t continue with the application process. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I love the outdoors and I’ve always dreamt of having a role in protecting and preserving nature. Just thought I’d seek the advice of folks in the career field on how to best move forward.

Hi everyone, I'm from Russia and I don't know the US law enforcement system very well, and I have a question, what kind of weapons do park rangers have on them and in their cars, what ranks do they have and are they a law enforcement agency?

TLDR; I (26F) have a background in environmental sciences and am willing to drop out of my PhD program to get a job with the NPS. Due to health issues, this is the only time I'll physically be able to work with the NPS. With the new presidential term coming up, I do not know if working for the NPS is the safest decision to drop out of school for.

---

Since January, I have been enrolled in an Exposure Science PhD program (similar to toxicology, but with an emphasis on environmental exposures). My research is based on air pollution exposures both during wildfire events and in EJ communities. I had just gotten my BS and MS in Environmental Science and have done a lot of ecological and environmental GIS research over the years. I love the research component but I cannot see myself working in a private industry or consulting--I would rather focus on conservation or public health.

I was excited for this academic journey but the past year has been horrible. As a concept, I love the research I do. But, I actively worry about job availability when I graduate and whether I would be happy with the jobs I could get. Something seems so unappealing to me about enforcing regulations and sitting behind a computer all day. There have been a lot of instances where I questioned dropping out of my program and working instead. I am not happy in this program but I don't want to withdraw until I have a solid back-up plan.

For the last decade, I have been dealing with undiagnosed health issues that has finally (as of last week) been diagnosed as a rare mitochondrial disorder (and potentially a brain tumor, too). Right now, I am experiencing a lot of visual and balance issues that will further progress into widespread weakness and degeneration of my muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. I've been so depressed over what is to come.

I've been talking with people who have this same disorder and they have all said to take advantage of my physical strength while I still have it. All year I have been debating leaving school and working for the NPS--and I feel like now it is the time to do it. I would love to do something I am passionate about and enjoy my life before my body disables me to do so. I am only 26, but my progression has been so fast over the last year and a half where I fear I won't have much time before things get worse. I just want to have a career that would make me happy at this point.

In the past, I have met rangers at National Parks who have encouraged me to apply for jobs with the NPS. Now, I think this is my only chance before things get harder for me. My fear is that I don't know the fate of the NPS and career availability in this next presidential term (and I don't think anyone else really knows, either). I don't want to make this a political conversation, but I just want to know if others think its advisable to apply for a job with the NPS at this time? I would essentially be dropping out of school to pursue this option, unless there are other jobs I should instead consider?

Sorry for the lore, I just feel so directionless at the moment!

I have been working as an EMT for the past 4 years. Last summer I worked as a sesonal EMT for the NPS. I want to become an LE ranger but I am worried I will be rejected because I take the anti axirty medication citalopram and have spoken to a theripist in the past.

I know rule #1 states don’t make these post but it’s more questions for people who have experienced similar things as me. As the title suggests I just finished my 4 years active duty and am now back at my old job since it pays well but I always wanted to try becoming a park ranger, I’m aware the steps are posted online but I just had a few questions

1. If I’m only hired seasonal am I protected from losing my current job like how I was during my military service?

2. Am I allowed to use my GI bill to pay for the academy/is it worth it? If so how much of your GI bill do they take and will I be receiving any sort of BAH

3. If I’m receiving any form of VA disability compensation will that disqualify me?

4. Does my hiring preference go away in a year from my EAS like other certain gov jobs?

I’m sorry for posting so much, but I’ve committed to SEKI at the Lodgepole location. I was deciding between Grant Grove and Lodgepole, and the hiring manager recommended Lodgepole over Grant Grove when it came to housing. I’ve been doing a deep dive into online park ranger communities to get a sense of what the situation is really like, and now I’m starting to wonder if I made the right choice. It seems like housing at both locations is pretty subpar, but I’ve heard Lodgepole has tent cabins, which might be a bit too rugged for me. I spent last season at Rocky, where the seasonal housing was fantastic—huge bedroom, private bathroom, temperature control, full cell service, and Wi-Fi. I know I won’t get housing like that again, but I’m not sure I can handle living in a tent with a hike to the bathroom. Does anyone have more details on the housing options at Lodgepole? Pictures would be super helpful. Thanks!

I’m graduating in two weeks, and I’m genuinely asking if I should still pursue a career being a Federal Park Ranger (and a minor rant).

I decided I wanted to be a Park Ranger in high school, and I’ve never considered doing anything else since. In the beginning, I wanted to do Law Enforcement, so I got a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Biological Sciences. I’m stuck with the major now, but through internships and volunteer work I’ve realized how much I love the education and interpretation side of things.

I’ve applied to over 50 gs-4 and gs-5 positions on USAJobs alone so far, and I’ve only interviewed for two. One was a pathways internship that I didn’t actually qualify for because I’d be graduating too soon, and gs-4 career seasonal Visitor Service Assistant that I didn’t get. I understand that these jobs are competitive, and I’ll have to do seasonal for a long time before I even have a hope of getting a full time gig, but is it really worth it for less than $40,000 a year? Not to mention I see posts on this sub almost daily about how the job sucks, and now things are probably gonna get tighter with the upcoming administration? I do really enjoy the outdoor education work that I’ve done in the past, and I’d hate to go be a cop as a back up, but I don’t want to be unemployed and living with my parents in 5 years because I couldn’t get a seasonal position. My sister works for the Navy as a civilian. She started straight out of college as a gs-7, and she was a gs-9 within a year. She’s been promoted a few more times now in the few years since then. Starting as a gs-4/5 seasonally and working for years before you can move up seems laughable in comparison.

Should I set my sights on a state job? At least that seems a lot more attainable in a reasonable amount of time. I do still really want to work in outdoor education and/or interpretation, but what good is doing what you love if you can’t afford rent.

Any park ranger that work here what are the conditions and are there often openings? Thank you.

Im looking to work in the parks. Specifically with invasive species. What degree would be better for this? I was intending to get a forestry degree. But environmental science seems more flexible with occupations but harder to get a job with. Which would you suggest?

$18.96 an hour, EMT cert required that you've gotta pay for yourself, years of grinding AmeriCorps or whatever to even qualify. Four seasons before you can even apply for the still low paying perm positions. Meanwhile the grocery store down the street from the park is starting all positions at $23/hour and McDonald's is starting all positions at $21/hour.

At what point do we stop debasing ourselves? I'm a seasonal ranger who loves the park service but year after year I see friends and coworkers abandoning their dream because it's just not financially viable.

Not to mention that WG-5s are starting at $22.18 to clean toilets and paint fences. Not saying they should get paid less, but it's a much easier job to get and honestly much easier most of the time. Also they actually get raises as seasonals. I've done both, currently in the WG side of things but was planning to go back to GS this year.

I'm going to get my RN like several rangers I know have done. This is my last season, I'm over it.

I'm about to join the USMC as an MP in the hopes of attaining a bachelor's degree, and having a background in Law Enforcemen. (I've recently realized they're not exactly handing out scholarships to 28yr olds, and I can't afford college.)

Marine Corps was a personal choice because that's what my grandfather was. I do understand I'd have an easier/better time if I applied for the national guard, air force, or even reserves... But call me stubborn, I'll accept it, thank you, and we can move on.

My dream job is being a park ranger in Washington/Oregon State. I want to work the backcountry, provide people with safety, conduct search and rescue, and provide emergency first aid. I want to help people in the most natural, beautiful, and quiet environment...

Is park ranger 1-2 the goal then? Will I get paid more as a law enforcement officer? (I have a family to support.)

I've been doing all this research, and it seems like there's 5 different organizations that oversee everything, dozens of positions that SEEM to be the same, but aren't...

Any helpful guidance would be appreciated. Tips. Resources. Life stories.

Thank you for your patience and time.

Edit: My plan is to utilize the free college and get myself a bachelor's degree in a related field (environmental science, forestry, resource management), and utilize my law enforcement background. I have thought about making a lateral move and trying for CID and/or SRT after a few years just for the life experience.

I saw the average salary for a park ranger in select areas of Oregon and Washington was 50-60k/year. How accurate is this? (At time of posting, I saw a park ranger 2 position in washington on usajobs averaging 50k.) I'm making roughly 48k where I'm at now, and completely unsatisfied with my job, and current location.

I am anticipating my final offer for a ranger position in USACE soon. I have already lived on my own in an apartment and I will be moving to another apartment, so I really don’t need home stuff. I’ve seen some people ask about gifts for people that seem to be more seasonal and in the NPS and a lot of it was like portable cooking stuff, so I was wondering what kind of stuff would be nice to have while I’m on the job to ask for from my family. Some ideas I’ve already had were a hand lens and a camp snap camera. Any help would be great because I’m at a loss for what to ask for.

Um, hi so I am currently looking at becoming a park ranger and had a few questions. My main question is would I need to get into law enforcement as a park ranger? Because I don't think I could handle that side of things but the ecology and helping run the park side sounds rather nice.

First of all, condolences on having to deal with a purchase card when all we want to do is be outside.

But for vendors, looking for anything from first aid to interpretive to wildlife and environment. Just trying to find some different options. Forestry Suppliers is one of our big ones.

Hello, this will be my 1st season working for NPS and navigating USA jobs. A few weeks ago I got an offer to work at a park that I accepted. Another park wants to do an interview. Do I tell them I already accepted a tenative offer from a different park? I'd like to keep my options open considering I have nothing concrete in writing. Any advice would be great thanks.

Yosemite PSAR positions posted.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/817755500

I am a senior in college (graduate Dec 2025) and I recently applied to a pathways position with the NPS and plan on applying to more as they are posted. The ones I have seen seem very very field-based so I am wondering how it all works with my school schedule, especially if my university is a good distance away from the park. To anyone who has participated in the program, what does the 'off-season' look like for the intern and what should I keep in mind in regards to my school schedule when applying to these positions?

  Hope everyone is having a Great day. I'm Currently Enlisted in the Marine corps age (20) and have about a year and 8 months left till I get out I've been camping and hiking a couple of times with my fellow brother's here in California's Gorgeous national parks. It's been a great time doing something away from the massive cities and crowds of people since I've grown up in Los Angeles and never have been surrounded by nature.

  The reason why I've said all this is that I wanna work at a park here in California and not behind a desk. I know the pay isn't good but am use to the shity pay. So please give me some steps and advice on how the process works and do give me criticism or if am stupid and reality check me . I appreciate the time all of you have to read this post.

Thank you and have a wonderful day everyone.

Hello, I’ve been looking into becoming a park ranger recently and realized I want to go back to school. I have my undergrad in anthropological science and I have a year of professional experience as an archaeologist. I want to go back for forestry or wildlife conservation/management something along those lines. My question is does anyone know if online masters are taken seriously in the hiring process for park rangers? Or does anyone know of any in person programs that wouldn’t require me to start all over and get another bachelors. Thanks :)

I am currently trying to take my first steps in becoming a park ranger. I’m reading everywhere that a minimum of an associates degree is required most places. Asking advice from people who have already completed school and are now in the work force, what degree would you recommend I go to school for to become a park ranger?

Hey all! I landed an interview for an ACE EPIC position in historic preservation, and I’m so excited! I wanted to come here and ask if anyone has any experience/tips/advice on this position or similar ones? I noticed it mentions PLC hiring authority and the duration of the position would qualify for it. I’m curious, though, because my ultimate goal is to be a historic preservation architect with the NPS. I feel like this is a very good first step in that direction, being as the NPS does hire with PLC authority. I was wondering about everyone’s experience with landing a fed job afterwards?

Any good tips on how to decrease the Illinois agility test time? I need to get it in 17.7 seconds, which feels impossible to me rn lol. I’m getting it at about 18.7 seconds now.

Applying for a 025 Ranger Protection; there’s a 3 part test. Is it hard? What should I study? Ive never had to take a test for a federal position before and I’m a current 0083.

Open to public

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/819499400

Hiring Authorities

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/819498200

Any questions on the process feel free to DM me.

Good luck all and stay safe.

Across the states, many park Rangers wear what look to be the same pants. I was curious who makes them (brand or style), what are they made of (cotton, wool, something else)? Are they issued or do you furnish them?

I looked around via Google and what not and I got nothin'.

Thank you for any insight....