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National Park Service is seeking a seasonal River Ranger (GS-7) responsible for performing river patrols, permit checks, safety education, and routine maintenance of river gear along extensive river corridors. You will work in backcountry environments and camping along the river will be required.
The role includes potential field housing, with responsibilities spanning safety checks, rescue support, and collaboration with other divisions.
Open: October 5, 2026 — Closes: October 12, 2026
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is March-May but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2027. For more park(s) information, please visit find a park.
River rangers perform both solo and multi-boat patrols on white water rivers. They are responsible for checking rafting permits; evaluating concession-run raft trips; safety checks on private raft permit holders; river campground monitoring and maintenance; rescue and communications; river and rafting safety education and information; cooperation with other divisions, including Resource Management; transportation of staff along river corridors for orientation and job-related functions; maintenance of park rafts and the river cache; and other duties as assigned. Drives a truck/trailer to the put-ins to drop off river rangers and gear, gear repair. Assists in search and rescue operations. The GS-07 position also oversees the river cache and boat house including inventory and performs more training and mentoring roles. Limited park housing is available. The employee will spend the majority of the time camping along the river corridors and must be prepared to camp and row/and or operate motorized craft up to class V rapids in inclement weather. Physical Demands: This position can be physically demanding. You must be capable of Class III-IV rowing, hiking and working in rough terrain, safely lifting heavy loads and handling strenuous emergency situations, camping in the back country and strenuous physical labor in hot, dry weather. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors on the river in undeveloped back country sites, or in developed campgrounds or other disturbed habitats, during extreme variations in weather including snowstorms in the early season and temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-summer. Working in the field entails living, sleeping and eating outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Camping, boating and kitchen gear are provided for field work.