Become a Mountaineering Park Ranger at North Cascades National Park

Are you an experienced climber with a passion for public service? The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a unique opportunity for outdoor professionals to serve as a Mountaineering Park Ranger in the rugged, breathtaking North Cascades of Washington state. This is more than just a job; it is a chance to preserve the American wilderness while keeping visitors safe in some of the country’s most challenging high-alpine terrain.

Job Responsibilities

As a seasonal Mountaineering Park Ranger, your duties will be diverse and highly technical. Depending on your grade level (GS-05 or GS-07), responsibilities include:

Patrols: Conducting patrols on technical climbing routes, glaciated terrain, and rugged off-trail areas.
Emergency Response: Serving as a key member of Search and Rescue (SAR) and all-risk emergency response teams.
Visitor Education: Engaging with climbing parties and hikers to promote safety, Leave No Trace ethics, and wilderness regulations.
Maintenance: Assisting with gear cache upkeep, campsite maintenance, and the management of composting toilets in backcountry areas.
Leadership (GS-07 only): Mentoring volunteers and interns, leading climbing patrols, and coordinating team operations in the field.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-05	GS-07
Focus	Patrol & SAR execution	Team Leadership & Mentoring
Responsibility	Independent field work	Coordination of crews & volunteers
Requirement	Foundational specialized exp	Advanced specialized experience

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet stringent safety and qualification standards.

Certification: You must hold a current NREMT (or higher) certification by your first day.
Mountaineering Proficiency: You must demonstrate documented experience in technical climbing, including navigation on glaciers and Grade IV/Class 5.6 routes.
Documentation: Your resume must explicitly detail your mountaineering experience and your work history in hours per week.

Salary Overview

This position is compensated at an hourly rate ranging from $21.94 to $35.33, depending on grade level and experience.

Benefits

While this is a seasonal appointment, employees enjoy the benefits of working within the federal system, including a uniform allowance, potential for government housing, and access to unique professional training environments.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Ensure your resume clearly outlines hours worked per week for every position.
Follow Format: Keep your resume to exactly two pages or fewer.
Submit Early: Do not wait until the November 2, 2026, deadline.

What if I don't have my NREMT yet?

You must be certified by your first day of work to remain eligible for consideration.

If you have the technical skills, the physical endurance, and the dedication to public service, a career with the National Park Service is the ultimate challenge. Prepare your application thoroughly and take the first step toward working in the magnificent North Cascades.

Why This Park Ranger (Mountaineering)(Seasonal) Job Matters

Take your career to new heights as a Mountaineering Park Ranger at North Cascades National Park—where elite technical climbing meets vital wilderness preservation.

Park Ranger (Mountaineering)(Seasonal) Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the stunning wilderness of North Cascades National Park. As a Mountaineering Park Ranger, you will serve on the front lines of visitor safety, wilderness management, and emergency response. This seasonal role (not to exceed 1039 hours) is perfect for experienced climbers and outdoor professionals who thrive in technical terrain and are committed to protecting our nation’s most rugged landscapes.

Requirements for Park Ranger (Mountaineering)(Seasonal)

U.S. Citizenship.
Current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) or higher certification.
Documented mountaineering experience, including Grade IV, Class 5.6 routes and glacier navigation.
Ability to lead climbs on glaciered terrain up to 9,000 feet.
Must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with specific educational/vocational conditions).
Valid state driver's license and submission of certified driving records.
Participation in the Direct Deposit/EFT program.
Successful completion of a pre-appointment drug test and ongoing random drug testing.
Ability to pass a background investigation.
Selective Service registration for males born after 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Park Ranger (Mountaineering)(Seasonal)

Prior experience in federal land management, resource protection, or wilderness operations.
Professional leadership experience in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
Strong interpersonal skills for public education and visitor orientation.
Ability to manage and mentor volunteers, interns, or youth crews.
Advanced technical rescue and incident response proficiency.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Potential for government housing.
✓Gain specialized experience in a premier federal land management agency.
✓Support from federal HR systems and career development opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Park Ranger (Mountaineering)(Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Park Ranger (Mountaineering)(Seasonal) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure you meet all requirements.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages, including specific hours worked per week.
Complete the occupational questionnaire within the application portal.
Upload required documents, such as transcripts, NREMT certification, and proof of veteran preference if applicable.
Review your application package for accuracy before submission.
Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date of 11/02/2026.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to specifically mention the required mountaineering routes and your NREMT status.
Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Keep your resume to the 2-page limit; extra pages will not be considered.
Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues at the last minute.
Do not include personal photos or social media links in your application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The primary mission is to patrol technical climbing routes, educate visitors, manage wilderness areas, and lead Search and Rescue operations.

Is government housing available?

Government housing may be available, though it is not guaranteed. Please inquire with the hiring manager during the selection process.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The application guidelines state that resumes exceeding two single-sided pages will not be accepted or reviewed.

Is this position full-time?

It is a seasonal, temporary position not to exceed 1039 hours in a service year.

Job from National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS), a bureau of the Department of the Interior, is the steward of our nation's most precious natural and cultural resources. Working for the NPS means joining a dedicated team of professionals focused on the preservation and protection of public lands for future generations.