Individual Placement - Park Ranger

Position Summary 

The Park Ranger (Visitor Services) will help connect visitors, youth, and community members to the diverse habitats and wildlife of McNary National Wildlife Refuge. This position supports public engagement by staffing the visitor center, working as the hunter check station attendant for the waterfowl hunting season, assisting with environmental education programs and developing outreach materials, and helping lead guided nature walks and other recreation activities. The ranger will also participate in community outreach by bringing refuge led programs to local schools, parks, and partner organizations. Through this service term, the member will build skills in environmental education, outdoor leadership, communication, and public engagement. This role is ideal for someone interested in conservation careers and passionate about helping people experience and enjoy their public lands.

Hosting Organization

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

Katie Maikis, katherine_maikis@fws.gov, (509) 210-2198)

Location 

Burbank, WA

Schedule 

June 29, 2026 - January 30, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Staff an information desk at the visitor center: welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide orientation to trails and facilities
• Serving as the hunt check station attendant during hunting season (October–January; early mornings on Wed, Sat, and Sun)
• Assist with environmental education and outdoor recreation programs delivered both on refuge and in community settings (schools, parks, community centers, etc.)
• Support visitors by providing recommendations on trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, and safe outdoor recreation opportunities
• Assist in development of education and outreach materials
• Support special event programming at the refuge

Marginal Duties 

• Prepare social media posts for the refuge complex on a wide variety of refuge or conservation topics
• Assist in trail maintenance, trash clean-up, and habitat restoration projects
• Assist in basic facilities maintenance and upkeep

Required Qualifications 

• High School Diploma
• Driver’s License (& reliable transportation)
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaboratively with diverse groups
• Ability to communicate one’s needs and expectations with supervisor or other staff
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (including high temperatures), terrain ranging from rocky hillslopes to mucky wetlands, and exposure to biting insects

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 age 35 or younger. 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 

• Experience in public speaking, research, environmental education, community outreach is desired, but not required
• Knowledge of or experience with outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, etc. is desired but not required
• Knowledge of or experience with the fields of biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, forestry, or hydrology is desired but not required
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish is desired but not required
• Experience operating kayaks and canoes

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is provided on-site in shared, dorm-style housing. Rooms may be individually occupied or shared with another person. Bunkhouse features a large kitchen and communal living space, laundry facilities, and showers.

Compensation  

• A one‑time travel allowance of $1,100
• A weekly living allowance of $620
• Reimbursement funding for $200 (receipts required)
• On‑site housing provided
• PLC eligibility

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

Personal Vehicle Information

• Required

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.