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Frequently Asked Questions | Hiring Process | Law Enforcement Ranger-Job, Pay, and Benefits

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Specific Duties at Big Bend
Because Big Bend National Park is isolated and has Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction, rangers respond to a variety of emergency incidents with little or no assistance from outside resources.The rangers are the “police force” for the permanent residents of the park as well as for over 400,000 annual visitors, performing all types of law enforcement functions and investigations. While law enforcement is the primary duty of rangers, they are called upon for many other jobs. Within the 1250 square mile park, rangers provide emergency medical services and operate the ambulance service. Rangers respond to both Structural and Wildland Fires, and perform Search and Rescue duties in desert, mountain and river environments. Big Bend shares 245 miles of international border with Mexico and is a full partner with the U.S. Border Patrol working to secure the border and protect the park. Rangers also work in close proximity with other law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and other local law enforcement agencies.

Rangers patrol over 300 miles of roads and trails in the park by vehicle, on horseback or on foot. Patrol of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River is done by jet boat, raft and canoe, sometimes for up to a week at a time in the wild sections of the Lower Canyons. Rangers periodically perform a variety of resource management, interpretive, and maintenance duties as needed.  

Number of positions available
Five positions at this time, however the park will fill a total of eight positions in the next year.

Housing and availability of government quarters
Due to lack of homes for purchase within a reasonable commuting distance, occupancy of government quarters is REQUIRED. The park has apartments, duplex housing and a number of two and three bedroom homes available at all duty stations within the park. Rents range between $260 and $500 per/month plus utilities. Duty stations for these positions are located at Castolon, Rio Grande Village and Panther Junction. New additional housing is planned or under construction in the park.

Schools
The State of Texas operates the San Vicente Independent School District, an excellent K-8 grade school, within the park near Headquarters at Panther Junction. The Big Bend High School is located in Study Butte, Texas approximately 35 miles west of Panther Junction.

Closest town and local amenities
Study Butte/Terlingua near the west entrance  of the park has basic services, a bank, grade school and high school. The city of Alpine, population (100 miles) has 2 grocery stores along with a hospital, doctors, dentists and other professional services. Sul Ross University is located there along with parks, a golf course, movie theater, and small downtown area with and all types of basic retail stores and specialty shops.

Airports
Midland International Airport- 230 miles/3.5 hours. El Paso International Airport – 365 miles/5.5 hrs.

Climate (year round averages)
Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet in the Chisos mountains. Temperatures are hot in the summer with periods of highs over 100 degrees at lower and middle elevations to the 90’s in the mountains. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from the 30’s to the 70’s although snow is not uncommon once or twice a year at higher elevations.

Recreational opportunities
The Big Bend region has many opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, mountain biking, river running and camping. The park has unparalleled opportunities for bird watching, photography and night sky viewing.  Explore the park's website for further information at http://www.nps.gov/bibe/