Park Ranger (Interpretation) (Wilderness Education) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 27,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

National Park Service in Yosemite National Park, California, seeks a Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) to develop and present educational programs, conduct guided walks, and engage diverse audiences in park settings.

The role includes wilderness permit processing, respond to inquiries, and deliver interpretive content on wilderness philosophy, safety and history while maintaining high fitness for field duties.

Responsibilities

• Issue wilderness use permits in accordance with the park's management plan using a computerized reservation system.
• Inform visitors of fire restrictions, camping limits, Leave No Trace and park regulations.
• Develop and present interpretive programs on Wilderness philosophy, safety and history.
• Perform wilderness patrols and monitor compliance with park conditions.
• Provide emergency medical treatment and maintain Wilderness First Responder qualifications.
• Serve as station lead providing guidance on office protocols and program policies.

Job description

Park Ranger (Interpretation) (Wilderness Education) (Seasonal)

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California

Interpretive Rangers develop and present educational programs including guided walks and presentations, and working with audiences in a variety of park settings. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is Seasonal Staffing Office-Pacific West Region is March to April, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Key Responsibilities

GS-05 level: You will work in locations ranging from high visitor use front-country areas to remote wilderness locations.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Issue wilderness use permits in accordance with the park's management plan using a computerized reservation system; ensure that all use limitations are observed; and inform visitors of special concerns such as fire restrictions, areas closed to camping, party size limitations, Leave No Trace, park regulations, special equipment needs and special resource sensitivities.

You respond by telephone, email, or in person daily with the general public, commercial outfitters and other agencies answering questions and providing information about the permit systems and the area's natural resources. You may develop and present original interpretive programs on Wilderness philosophy, safety and history to the general public, special groups or park staff.

Perform resource protection foot patrols in wilderness areas which entail special skill to safely work and live in primitive, solitary conditions. Patrol work includes visitor contacts and education, light trail maintenance, cabin repair and campsite rehabilitation. Monitor commercial use permits for compliance with park-established conditions and service-wide policy.

Provide emergency medical treatment to visitors and employees, must maintain Wilderness First Responder qualifications. You are responsible for reporting visitor contacts and field conditions for all patrols. You must maintain a high degree of physical fitness. GS-07 level: You will work in locations ranging from high visitor use front-country areas to remote wilderness locations.

In addition to the duties listed above, you serve as a station lead providing guidance on office protocols and program policies to lower-level staff when station supervisor is unavailable. You ensure staff and public safety, answer complex visitor and employee questions, resolve disagreements with visitors and assist with staff training.

Requirements & Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and that (1) deemed your education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or (2) given full credit for courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

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 $19.52 – $31.43/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.