Park Rangers

Nearly all rangers start in entry-level positions, which means that nearly all higher level openings are filled by the promotion of current government employees. Many of these entry-level positions are seasonal with no benefits (vacation time, sick leave, medical benefits). Entry-level rangers may move into positions such as district ranger, park manager, or chief ranger, or they may become specialists in resource management. Rangers who show management skills and become park managers may move into administrative positions in the district, regional, or national headquarters.

The orientation and training a ranger receives on the job may be supplemented with formal training courses. Training for job skills unique to the National Park Service is available at the Horace M. Albright Training Center at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and the Stephen T. Mather Training Center at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. In addition, training is available at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.

The National Park Service tends to offer more opportunities for advancement, particularly when compared to rangers for county and city lands.