Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Position Summary 

Share this stunning red rock wilderness with visitors from around the world. Help visitors plan their visit and discover more about this unique high desert landscape. Energetic, dependable people with a love for national parks are required. This position will serve Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky district by: 1) Increasing visitor service and satisfaction. 2) Providing resource presence and protection. 3) Increasing visitor appreciation of and knowledge about park resources. Guides will: 1) Become knowledgeable about park resources and proficient at explaining them. 2) Impart accurate, compelling reasons for existing park regulations. 3) Develop a short interpretive program that effectively imparts resource, park and safety information to visitors.

Schedule 

September 7, 2026 - November 28, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Staff the visitor center desk to provide orientation, answer questions, and help visitors plan backcountry trips, 65%
• Rove scenic overlooks and park trails, 10%
• Research and present informal or formal talks or programs, 10%
• Attend training 10%
• Assist park staff with various projects, 5%.

Marginal Duties 

• Provide general safety messaging to visitors encountered during roves, including hydration reminders, weather awareness, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Assist with backcountry permit education by helping visitors understand regulations, required equipment, and route considerations (without issuing permits that require payment).
• Help maintain interpretive materials such as updating bulletin boards, replacing worn signage, or preparing materials for programs.

Required Qualifications 

Successful applicants will have:

• Ability to work independently on assigned projects while being an engaged, collaborative member of a team
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and consistently be courteous and polite to visitors
• Skill at oral communication and tactful discussion of controversial subject matter
• A valid state-issued driver's license and be at least eighteen years of age

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Public Speaking (some experience)
• Earth Sciences (some experience)
• History (some experience)
• Resource Management (some experience)

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is a shared park apartment or house with private bedroom. Household might be coed. Pets are not allowed. Basic kitchen dishware/cookware and utensils are provided. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries and other needed personal items. Washer/dryer and workout facilities are available. Housing is located in the park, which is a 45-minute drive from Moab, UT

Compensation  

• $1,100 - one-time RT travel allowance
• $600 - weekly living allowance
• Free Housing

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

• Required

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Drive Training
• Interpretive Skills
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.