Serve in the parks, on the water, or both
Join one department with two services, one rank structure and one callsign. Start as a Ranger and grow into the role that suits you.
National Park Service
Protect national parks, wilderness and wildlife.
- Park and wilderness patrols
- Wildlife enforcement
- Environmental protection
- Search and rescue, public safety
Coast Guard
Keep the coast, harbours and waterways safe.
- Maritime law enforcement
- Vessel inspections and coastal patrols
- Maritime search and rescue
- Port and harbour security
How joining works
Join the U.S. National Park Service & Coast Guard and discover a career beyond traditional law enforcement. From wildlife protection and maritime patrols to specialist investigations and search-and-rescue operations, there's an opportunity for everyone to serve, develop and make a difference. There is no separate form on this site.
Apply
Submit your application on the EOTS Discord using the link below.
Get employed
If accepted, command records your employment and assigns your PARKS callsign.
Complete probation
Work through a 14-day probationary period with the department.
Confirmed by command
Command reviews your probation and confirms completion. It never happens automatically.
Specialist divisions
Once you're a member, you can work toward a specialist role.
Emergency Task Force (ETF)
First into the hardest incidents, and the last to leave. A specialist operational division responsible for high-risk incidents, specialist response and rescue support.
Investigative Services Branch (ISB)
Careful, thorough investigation across the parks and the coast. Responsible for complex investigations involving wildlife offences, environmental crime and relevant maritime investigations.
Administration (ADMIN)
The people and paperwork that keep the department running. Responsible for departmental administration, personnel management and internal records.
Internal Affairs (IA)
Keeping the department fair, accountable and trusted. Responsible for professional standards, misconduct investigations and internal accountability.
Career progression
One rank structure for both services. Everyone starts as a Ranger.
Park Rangers and Coast Guard personnel.
Requirements: Join the department through the official application system and complete the standard 14-day probationary period.
Junior members - assisting supervisory staff on patrol
Requirements: Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, initiative and readiness to undertake supervisory responsibilities.
Supervisory staff
Requirements: Demonstrate consistent activity, sound judgement and the ability to supervise and mentor junior personnel.
Command of divisional units (STRIKE, ETF, ISB)
Requirements: Demonstrate proven leadership, operational knowledge and the ability to coordinate personnel and departmental activities.
Chief of their respective division (ETF, ISB, ADMIN)
Requirements: Demonstrate specialist expertise, strong leadership and the ability to manage a departmental division.
Deputy Chief of Rangers and Deputy Chief of Coast Guard.
Requirements: Demonstrate extensive supervisory experience, operational competence and the ability to oversee either service.
Assistant Director of PARKS & CG.
Requirements: Appointed through senior command selection, demonstrating exceptional leadership, experience and departmental knowledge.
Director of the PARKS & CG.
Requirements: Appointed by NIA to lead the department, oversee all operations and maintain departmental standards.
Certifications
Qualifications members can earn to take on specialist duties.
Emergency Task Force
Qualifies a member for Emergency Task Force duties.
Investigative Services Branch
Qualifies a member for Investigative Services Branch duties.
Administration
Appointment to departmental Administration.
What we expect
- Professional conductMaintain professionalism, respect others and represent the department positively at all times.
- ActivityRemain reasonably active, contribute to departmental operations and communicate any extended absences.
- Following the SOPsFamiliarise yourself with and adhere to all departmental SOPs while on duty.
- Chain of commandFollow lawful orders, respect supervisory authority and raise concerns through the appropriate chain of command.
Common questions
Where do I apply?
On the EOTS Discord through the application system. Use the buttons on this page.
Can I work as both Ranger and Coast Guard?
Yes. You can switch between services when you're not committed to an incident, following departmental procedures. Your callsign doesn't change.
How long is probation?
14 days. Command has to confirm you've completed it. It doesn't end by itself.
Do I need experience?
No prior experience is required to join the National Park Service & Coast Guard! All necessary training and guidance will be provided to help you develop your skills and confidence. Previous law enforcement or roleplay experience is always welcomed, but it's certainly not essential.
How do I get into a specialist division?
SOG and ISB have their own applications on Discord. Administration and Internal Affairs are by appointment, approved by the Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel.
Ready to join?
Applications are handled on the EOTS Discord. Choose the one that fits where you are.