Recent Listing

Posted: January 5, 2026 (10 days ago)

This job has been posted for 1-2 weeks. Still a good time to apply.

Park Ranger

Bureau of Land Management

Department of the Interior

Recent

Location

Salary

$50,460 - $80,243

per year

Closes

January 20, 2026

GS-7 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $41,966 - $54,557

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-6. Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This Park Ranger position with the Bureau of Land Management in Las Cruces, New Mexico, involves patrolling public lands, educating visitors on safe and responsible recreation, responding to emergencies, and maintaining facilities to protect natural and cultural resources.

A good fit would be someone with a passion for the outdoors, experience in public education or emergency response, and a background in natural sciences or resource management.

It's an entry-to-mid-level role ideal for those who enjoy working in remote areas and collaborating with communities.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GS-05 level, including emergency response, first aid, public education on resources, and patrols/inspections
  • OR one year of graduate education in fields like natural resource management, earth sciences, history, archaeology, or related areas
  • OR a combination of specialized experience and graduate education equaling 100% of the requirement
  • For GS-09: One year of specialized experience at GS-07 level, including supervising staff/volunteers, developing educational programs, budget monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration
  • OR two years of graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
  • Superior Academic Achievement in a qualifying curriculum as an alternative pathway
  • Submission of unofficial transcripts if qualifying based on education

Full Job Description

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.

This position is located with the New Mexico Bureau of Land Manaegment, Las Cruces District in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Information about Las Cruces, New Mexico and the surrounding area can be found at https://lascruces.gov/.

We expect to fill 2 vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying: Specialized Experience GS-07: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing duties such as: (1) responding to emergency situations, administering first aid, and coordinating with other first responders; (2) providing education and outreach related to natural and cultural resources and responsible recreation on public lands; (3) conducting permit compliance, safety inspections, and patrols in both front country and backcountry settings.

OR, Education GS-07: Successful completion of at least one year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to the work of the position to include: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in this position.

(NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.) OR, Combination GS-07: Successful completion of an equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described above, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement.

(NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.) OR, Superior Academic Achievement: (See OPM's General Policies, Application of Qualification Standards Section 4.f.) S.A.A.

must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.

Specialized Experience GS-09: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing activities such as: (1) directing, planning, and scheduling the work of subordinate park rangers and volunteers to include the operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and improvement of recreation facilities to ensure safety of the visiting public; (2) developing, implementing interpretive educational programs for a variety of audiences, and coaching others in researching, developing, and delivering interpretive programs; (3) monitoring segments of an operating budget; (4) developing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify visitor needs for specific programs and services; (5) ensuring consistency with all existing regulations, policies, and directives.

OR, Education GS-09: Successful completion of at least two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to the work of the position to include: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in this position.

(NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.) OR, Combination GS-09: Successful completion of an equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described above, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement.

Please note only graduate education in excess of one year (18 semester hours) may be used to qualify under this option. (You must submit copies of your transcripts).

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-05 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level. One year at the GS-07 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level.

(Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted).

Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service).

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: The work ranges from sedentary office work to field work.

Field work may occur in rugged terrain; to include very steep, wet, muddy, snow covered, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.

The work of the position requires physical exertion such as, but not limited to, driving over unpaved roads; walking over rough terrain or inclines; paddling, rowing, or otherwise operating watercraft; standing for long periods of time, bending, crouching, and stooping, digging, hiking, lifting, biking, backpacking, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.

Work requires safe operation of 4x4 vehicles on unimproved roads and the physical stamina and ability to maintain and/or repair trails, trailheads, fencing, and other facilities in the field.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in both an office and field environment. Field work may occur in all types of weather conditions, terrain, and elevations.

Work may take place in an extremely remote environment and may require primitive camping and living skills for up to two weeks in duration.

During the summer months, temperatures can be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, work may be required in temperatures at or below freezing. Major Duties:

  • Protect natural environment, cultural resources, historical buildings and trails.
  • Patrol back country areas.
  • Deliver interpretive talks in parks, community centers, schools, and similar establishments.
  • Other various duties due to changing operational requirements.
  • Oversee daily operations of visitor services at recreation sites.
  • Evaluate and address issues related to safety of visitors, and appropriate use of the site resources.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 1/5/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/5/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: NM-MP-25-12776281-DB