Park Ranger Interpretation (Seasonal)-FUL

National Park Service; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service seeks a Park Ranger Interpretation (Seasonal) to design and deliver engaging programs that connect visitors with the natural and cultural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. You will coordinate visitor services, mentor staff, and support special projects while upholding safety and regulatory requirements.

Anticipated season: March to September 2027. This role emphasizes interpretation, education, and community partnerships to foster public stewardship of park

Qualifications

• Transcript(s) required to support claimed education if substituting education for experience.
• Unofficial transcripts accepted, but official transcripts needed before start of work if education was used to qualify.
• Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalence by a recognized credentialing organization.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and deliver engaging programs (talks, tours, demonstrations, digital media) connecting visitors to park resources.
• Coordinate visitor services and information desks; manage schedules and ensure facilities and materials are maintained.
• Mentor, coach, and train staff, volunteers, and interns; develop lesson plans aligned with standards and diverse learning needs.
• Observe and report on park resource conditions; promote visitor safety; ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Build relationships with local communities and partners; represent the park at events and collaborate on initiatives.

Skills

Interpretation & Communication

Job description

Park Ranger Interpretation (Seasonal)-FUL

The Park Ranger (Interpretation) provide a variety of park ranger duties across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Anticipated Season Entry on Duty: March - September 2027. For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:

Key Responsibilities

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Interpretation & Communication: Research, design, and deliver engaging programs (talks, tours, demonstrations, digital media) that connect visitors to the natural, cultural, and historical significance of park resources.

Visitor Services & Facility Operations: Coordinate visitor centers or information desks, manage schedules, monitor services, and ensure facilities and materials are maintained. Training & Education: Mentor, coach, and train staff, volunteers, and interns; develop lesson plans and educational programs aligned with standards and diverse learning needs.

Resource Monitoring & Compliance: Observe and report on park resource conditions, promote visitor safety, and ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Community & Partner Engagement: Build relationships with local communities, partners, and organizations; represent the park at events and collaborate on shared initiatives.

Planning & Project Coordination: Contribute to interpretive and resource planning, manage special projects/events, analyze visitor data, and recommend improvements for programs and operations. The employees of the National Park Service care for special places that are the heritage of all Americans.

Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Park ranger - interpreters connect people to parks. They play a key role in ensuring that visitors have a meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experience, help visitors decide how to spend their time in the park, and inform them about the wonders that await their discovery.

Park ranger - interpreters are specially trained to engage the public so that each park visitor can find a personal connection with the meanings and values found in the places and stories of that park. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for those visitors to care for park resources.

National parks are among the most remarkable places in America for recreation, learning, and inspiration. The work done by park ranger-interpreters through effective interpretive and educational programs encourages the development of a personal stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations.

Requirements & Education

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.

https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $33.84 - $43.99/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-23.

How many openings are available?

There are 2 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Special Authorities' hiring path.