Park Ranger (River) Seasonal

National Park Service; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,933,000 - 90,059,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Limited park housing

Job summary

National Park Service is seeking a River Ranger to patrol river corridors and oversee safety for raft operations. The role involves camping in backcountry, operating boats up to class V rapids, and supporting field crew during emergencies.

The position requires physical fitness, outdoor endurance, and the ability to work variable shifts across parks. A strong climbing of river safety and mentoring is expected.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform physically demanding field work.
• Capable of Class III-IV rowing and camping in backcountry.
• Submit official transcripts if using education to qualify.

Responsibilities

• Perform solo and multi-boat patrols on white water rivers.
• Check rafting permits and evaluate concession trips.
• Safety checks on private raft permit holders and river campground monitoring.
• Operate vehicles, transport staff, and assist in search and rescue.

Skills

River safety

Patrol operations

Boat handling

Emergency response

Education

Transcript submission

Job description

• Schedule: Work Schedule dependent on park and position.

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

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 $19.52 – $31.43/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-12.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Work Schedule dependent on park and position. position.

Who is eligible to apply?

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

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government