Is National Park Service a good company to work for?

National Park Service has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5, based on over 1,142 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months. 42% of employees would recommend working at National Park Service to a friend and 21% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about National Park Service have been left by employees working as Intern , Biological Science Technician and Seasonal Park Ranger .

Does National Park Service pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, National Park Service employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.1 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at National Park Service. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at National Park Service?

42% of National Park Service employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated National Park Service 3.4 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.4 for culture and values and 2.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at National Park Service?

Park Ranger (79) , Biological Science Technician (54) , Intern (32) , Park Guide (30) , Seasonal Park Ranger (27) , Interpretive Park Ranger (22) , Visitor Use Assistant (18) , Maintenance Worker (12) , Maintenance (10) , Lifeguard (9) , Project Manager (9) , Administrative Assistant (8) , Archaeologist (8) , Park Guide: GS-5 (8) , Park Ranger - Law Enforcement (8)

What are the pros of working at National Park Service according to real employee reviews?

"The people you'll work with are great and the work you'll do is rewarding." ((in 76 reviews)); "The coworkers are great and truly want to protect the cultural and natural wonders of this country." ((in 59 reviews)); "Good benefits (especially health insurance) even as a seasonal employee" ((in 49 reviews)); "Great work environment." ((in 31 reviews)); "Great opportunities for job diversity and protecting invaluable resources" ((in 18 reviews))

What are the cons of working at National Park Service according to real employee reviews?

"The pay is low and you'll often be told you get paid in sunsets." ((in 97 reviews)); "Poor management training and diversity awareness" ((in 38 reviews)); "People that are in the agency have been traumatized by the poor management and leadership practices." ((in 13 reviews)); "Upper management is extremely disfunctional" ((in 12 reviews)); "Long hours and can be hard labor." ((in 12 reviews))

What are the top reviewed National Park Service locations?

Washington , San Francisco , New York , Denver , Boston , Yellowstone National Park , Fort Collins , Yosemite National Park , Estes Park , Lakewood , Grand Canyon , Tucson , West Glacier , Bar Harbor , Gatlinburg , Marblemount , Lowell , Anchorage , Empire , Three Rivers , Port Angeles , Atlanta , Porter , Moab , Moose , Big Bend National Park , Rapid City , Thousand Oaks , Las Vegas , Philadelphia

National Park Service reviews

3.5

42% would recommend to a friend

(839 total reviews)

Michael T. Reynolds

28% approve of CEO

21% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

National Park Service has an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 839 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The National Park Service employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government & Public Administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

839 reviews

4.0

Oct 9, 2025

Support your local Parks

Gardener

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Being a federal employee is one of the greatest joys of my life. I have pride in my work every day. It is a very comfortable enjoyable working experience. Excellent work life balance with good benefits

Cons

Working for an administration that hates the federal government. Haven’t gotten a raise in two years. No bonuses, threats of being fired. Getting furloughed is a potential. No jobs are open outside of law enforcement so no promotions.

3.0

Oct 7, 2025

Special Year to Work for NPS

Recreation fee technician

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

- Passionate coworkers - Access to the park

Cons

- Pay is not a living wage - instability in all aspects - lack of diversity

5.0

Oct 1, 2025

Great

Park ranger

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great environment on a beautiful island

Cons

No cons, low pay but that is to be expected

Viewing 25 - 27 of 839 Reviews

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Jobs at National Park Service

Office Support Clerk (OA) (Seasonal)

Maintenance Worker (Seasonal)

Maintenance Worker (Trails) - Seasonal

Administrative Support Assistant (Seasonal)

Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL) - Administrative Support Assistant (OA)