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National Park Service

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Not as perfect a job as everyone thinks - Park Ranger National Park Service Employee Review

2.0
Aug 10, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Quite simply, your work is in places that others go to vacation. Job security is pretty strong as its a government job. Health benefits and retirement benefits are average, but not as great as people may think. Salary is hit or miss based on where you live. Low cost of living areas, Fed salaries oftentimes are great compared to similar jobs in private sector. High cost of living areas, you will scrape by as cost of living salary adjustments are ridiculously undervalued for these high cost areas.

Cons

As a government bureaucracy, competency and efficiency are not a part of the work culture. Salaries oftentimes do not match the responsibilities. Very little effective communication occurs although its severity is affected at a local level as there are over 360+ parks not including support offices, DC headquarters, and regional offices. Very little uniformity in operations as much of the NPS is decentralized. What is a fun place to work in place, could not be so much in an another. Hiring is inefficient and localized to a certain extent. Your mileage regarding training, career development, leadership, respect, and feedback may vary depending where you work and who you work for in this agency. You will work with some dedicated people as well as some people who you wonder why they even applied for the job. This job can have as much stress, angst, and frustration as any other job out there. Don't be fooled into thinking its all about going hiking for a living.

Explore other reviews about National Park Service

5.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very interesting job in great place

Cons

Pay was low for the area

4.0
Jun 28, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great to be with so many mission driven folks

Cons

The current state of funding has serious effects

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