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Performs park ranger work including visitor services, resource protection, law enforcement, and interpretive programs.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0025
Education:
OR
Experience:
Special Requirements: Some positions require law enforcement credentials, medical fitness standards, and firearms qualification.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal park ranger position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0025
Park ranger law enforcement option. Outdoor skills, patrol experience, and protection mindset transfer well.
Outdoor reconnaissance, patrol, and observation skills align well with park ranger duties.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to protect and manage natural and cultural resources.
Skill in providing information and assistance to park visitors.
Knowledge of law enforcement procedures and authority (for LE rangers).
Ability to develop and deliver interpretive programs about park resources.
Skill in responding to medical, fire, and search and rescue emergencies.
Knowledge of backcountry operations and wilderness management.
Ability to present programs to diverse audiences.
Skill in preparing incident reports and resource documentation.
Knowledge of visitor safety management and hazard mitigation.
Ability to educate the public about conservation and stewardship.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0025 Park Ranger protects and manages federal park lands while providing visitor services and interpretive programs. Park Rangers work at national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas, handling duties ranging from visitor education to resource protection and emergency response.
Park Rangers earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $82,108 (GS-11 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most rangers work at GS-5/7/9 levels, earning $34,454-$67,865 annually. Senior rangers and supervisors can reach GS-11/12. Law enforcement rangers receive additional compensation through LEAP pay.
GS-0025 positions require education and/or experience in park management, natural resource management, history, or related fields. Entry-level GS-5 positions accept a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Law enforcement rangers have additional requirements including training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and meeting physical standards.
Yes, military experience is valued for Park Ranger positions. Infantry, Military Police, environmental specialists, and those with outdoor leadership experience have transferable skills. Search and rescue, emergency response, and public interaction skills from military service apply directly. Veterans with honorable discharge receive hiring preference for these competitive positions.
Park Rangers typically enter at GS-5 and progress through GS-7/9/11 as they gain experience. Career paths include interpretation, resource management, law enforcement, or administration. Senior positions lead to Chief Ranger, District Ranger, or Park Superintendent roles. Seasonal positions often serve as stepping stones to permanent career appointments.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Park Ranger' or '0025' series. The National Park Service, Forest Service, and BLM hire rangers. Competition is high, so seasonal experience is valuable. Your federal resume should highlight public speaking, outdoor skills, emergency response training, and relevant education. Veterans preference provides a significant advantage.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.