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Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Multiple parks within the Pacific West Region
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. It is anticipated that you will be in a non-pay status for at least two weeks but may be in non-pay for months depending on the position. Anticipated non-pay time during Dec.-Mar.


Open to the first 125 applicants or until 06/07/2023 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 EST on the closing day will receive consideration.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/31/2023 to 06/07/2023
This job will close when we have received 125 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$40,440 - $82,580 per year

Pay may vary based on duty location

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 9
Locations
Kimberly, OR
1 vacancy
Bainbridge Island, WA
1 vacancy
Seattle, WA
2 vacancies
Vancouver, WA
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expense MAY be paid based on duty location. Bainbridge Island/Seattle: You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Kimberly and Vancouver: Relocation expenses will NOT be paid
Appointment type
Permanent - Career-Seasonal, subject to non-pay status
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
9
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
PW-1547-CMBO-23-11946432-MP
Control number
726869900

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Duties

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Special provisions by duty location/park:

  • Bainbridge Island: Perform First Aid/CPR/AED. Only hiring at the GS-09 level. This is a Low-risk position. Anticipated non-pay will be 3 months in Dec/Feb.
  • Kimberly, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Only hiring at the GS-09 level. This is a Low-risk position. Relocation will NOT be paid. Anticipated non-pay will be 1 month in Jan/Feb.
  • Seattle, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: One position will perform fee collection and one position will be non-fee collection position. Position risk will vary based on if a fee collection position or not. Non-fee collection positions will be Low-risk while fee collection will be Moderate Risk. Anticipated non-pay will be 1 month in Jan/Feb.
  • Vancouver, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: Perform fee collection duties and participate in historic weapons training. Relocation will NOT be paid. This is a Moderate Risk position due to fee collection. Anticipated non-pay will be 2 weeks in Jan
Some of the duties you will perform include, but are not limited to:
  • Develop and present a wide variety of formal and informal audience learner-centered interpretive experiences using a variety of fully developed interpretive skills, techniques and tools delivered in-person and through interpretive media and technology.
  • Guide the learning of others through formal and informal methods in visitor operations and interpretive/educational programming, while creating a positive work environment.
  • Build on traditional relationships and work towards identifying and establishing new partnerships.
  • Coordinate, develop and/or lead digital strategies and efforts to implement and sustain exiting/new media platforms.
  • Manage the day-to-day operation of a visitor facility and/or information desk.
  • Coordinate the volunteer and youth programs.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion and can involve extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or in caves, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Some employees may engage in firefighting, search and rescue, and other strenuous activities; these employees may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances. Employees who participate in all-risk operations will be required to meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis.

Working Conditions: The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, climates, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc. Some employees may be engaged in all-risk operations and be exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions.

The employees of the National Park Service care for special places that are the heritage of all Americans. Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Park ranger - interpreters connect people to parks. They play a key role in ensuring that visitors have a meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experience, help visitors decide how to spend their time in the park, and inform them about the wonders that await their discovery. Park ranger - interpreters are specially trained to engage the public so that each park visitor can find a personal connection with the meanings and values found in the places and stories of that park. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for those visitors to care for park resources. National parks are among the most remarkable places in America for recreation, learning, and inspiration. The work done by park ranger-interpreters through effective interpretive and educational programs encourages the development of a personal stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
  • You will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • If you currently hold, or have held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, you must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
  • You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and every year thereafter (or more frequently if need exists), you will be required to submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license AND to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work..
  • If you are a new employee in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • Bainbridge Island: You will be required to possess a current First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 6 months of hire.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by 11:59 EST when the 'applicant cut-off' is reached (which may be sooner than
06/07/2023).

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

GS-05: To qualify, you must possess ONE of the following:

  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: park guide or tour leader, law enforcement or investigative work, archaeological or historical preservation research work, forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area, management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations, or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study which includes 24 semester hours of related course work. Major study may 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. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Successful completion of a COMBINATION of experience and education as described above that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement. NOTE: Only progressive education in excess of the first 2 years (i.e. associate's level) is creditable when combining. You must include transcripts.

GS-07: To qualify, you must possess ONE of the following:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (Note: Normally one grade interval work such as guide, clerk, assistant or technician work in a single grade occupational series at the GS-05 level does NOT qualify for this position, however GS-06 level may). This experience can be obtained in either the public or private sectors. This experience MUST include: (1) developing and presenting independently researched programs; (2) developing material for nonpersonal services and interpretive media; (3) coordinating the operation of a visitor facility and/or information desk; (4) assisting in coordinating special projects. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year of progressive graduate-level education in a related field appropriate to the position. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Successful completion of a COMBINATION of experience and graduate education as described above that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement. NOTE: Only graduate level education is creditable when combining. You must include transcripts.
  • Superior Academic Achievement: Successfully completion of a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the duties of this position AND meet one of the following Superior Academic Achievement provisions: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision , such as College of Liberal Arts or School of Business Administration, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grad-Point Average: earn a grade-point average of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field, or the required courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum. Note: grade-point averages will be rounded to the one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9, and 3.45 = 3.5; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society: elected membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. Freshman scholastic honor societies cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision. You must provide transcripts.
GS-09: To qualify, you must possess ONE of the following:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience MUST include: (1) coordinating, evaluating or directing interpretive programs; (2) assisting with developing long-range program plans; (3) developing educational programs; (4) coaching/mentoring interpretive, or similar, staff. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education OR a master's/equivalent graduate degree related to the occupation. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Successful completion of a COMBINATION of experience and graduate education as described above that when combined equal at least 100% of the minimum qualification requirement. NOTE: Only progressive graduate education beyond the first year is credible when combining. You must include transcripts.

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.

CTAP/ICTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking AND degree conferral, if applicable. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

For additional information, please reach out to park point of contact:
Bainbridge Island/Seattle: Charles Beall, Superintendent at charles_beall@nps.gov or via phone at 206-220-4232
Kimberly: Rita Garcia, Chief of Interpretation at rita_garcia@nps.gov or via phone at 541-620-8648
Vancouver: Aaron Ochoa, Supervisory Park Ranger at aaron_ochoa@nps.gov or via phone at (360) 816-6233

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.

A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Vancouver: This position is not telework eligible; Kimberly/Seattle/Bainbridge Island: These positions are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your responses to the online assessments completed during the application process. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Education and Training
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Partnering
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teaches Others
  • Teamwork
  • Technology Application


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process.

If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

National Park Service

The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.

Please visit find a park for additional park information.

Agency contact information

Sally Dillinger
Email
sally_dillinger@nps.gov
Address
Pacific West Regional Office, Interior Regions 8, 9, 10, and 12
Interim Office 909 First Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104
US

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https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm

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