Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career that makes a difference.
Join the Bureau of Reclamation as a Park Ranger and help create safe, memorable recreation experiences while protecting public lands and natural resources. Engage with visitors, patrol parks by land and water, support conservation projects, and present educational programs in one of California's premier outdoor recreation areas.
This vacancy is open to Recent Graduates only.
Summary
Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career that makes a difference.
Join the Bureau of Reclamation as a Park Ranger and help create safe, memorable recreation experiences while protecting public lands and natural resources. Engage with visitors, patrol parks by land and water, support conservation projects, and present educational programs in one of California's premier outdoor recreation areas.
Open only to individuals who completed a qualifying associate, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years. Eligible veterans may apply within six years as provided under 5 CFR 362.302.
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Mid Pacific Region, New Melones Recreation Resources Branch, in Angels Camp. California. The major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide information about recreation opportunities, park rules, natural resources, and safety.
Patrol recreation areas by foot, vehicle, bicycle, or boat to promote visitor safety, protect natural resources, and report hazards or incidents.
Assist during emergencies by providing first aid, supporting search and rescue efforts, directing traffic, and coordinating with emergency responders.
Help maintain trails, recreation sites, visitor facilities, and natural areas by assisting with conservation, restoration, and other resource projects.
Develop and present educational programs that teach visitors about local wildlife, history, recreation, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Staff the visitor center or entrance station, provide maps and brochures, answer questions, and help visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Collect or monitor recreation fees, explain park regulations, encourage compliance, and complete reports and other required documentation.
Work closely with park staff, volunteers, concession employees, and local partners to support daily park operations and visitor services.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.\
You must have and maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position.
You will be required to obtain a successful pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. A physical exam may not be required if a comparable agency approved examination was performed within the last 12 months. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
You will be required to wear the Reclamation issued uniform while working.
Must possess or obtain (within1 year of appointment) certification in First-Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Direct Deposit participation required.
As a condition of employment, you must successfully complete a one-year trial period. During this time, your performance, conduct, and continued employment will be evaluated to determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest and supports the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the trial period and written agency certification.
You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations.
Recent Graduates must receive at least 40 hours of formal training directly linked to their employment field.
Recent Graduates will be required to sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.
Qualifications
To be eligible, you must meet both the Pathways Recent Graduate eligibility requirements and the qualification requirements for this position.
You must have successfully completed a qualifying associate, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctoral, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years (or within six years for eligible veterans under 5 CFR 362.302). You must submit documentation verifying your eligibility.
Recent Graduates may be eligible for noncompetitive conversion upon successful completion of the Pathways Program. See Additional Information.
To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level, you must meet one of the following qualification requirements: Specialized Experience Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience assisting with visitor services, recreation management, natural or cultural resource protection, or park operations. Examples of qualifying experience include: providing information to visitors or the public regarding facilities, programs, or regulations; patrolling recreation areas or public use facilities to monitor visitor activities and identify safety concerns; assisting with the protection and maintenance of natural or cultural resources; collecting recreation fees or maintaining visitor use records; preparing reports or documenting incidents; assisting with interpretive or educational programs; and supporting emergency response, first aid, or public safety activities. -OR-
Education: Successfully completed a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that included 24 semester hours of related coursework in 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 submit copies of your transcripts with your application. -OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: To qualify based on a combination of education and experience, you must possess qualifying specialized experience and successfully complete education beyond the first 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of a bachelor's degree program that included related coursework. Only education beyond the second year of undergraduate study is creditable toward meeting the education requirement.
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 experience is credited the same as paid experience when it demonstrates the required competencies.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 08/13/2026.
Physical Demands: The work requires frequent outdoor activity, including walking over uneven terrain, climbing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Incumbents may patrol by foot, vehicle, bicycle, or boat and must be able to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including during emergency response operations and in remote locations.
Work Environment:Work is performed primarily outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and other adverse conditions. The position requires working around water, on boats, and in rugged terrain with exposure to insects, poisonous plants, wildlife, and other natural hazards. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations.
Education
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework based on current agency policy and with supervisory approval.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
This position is bargaining unit eligible however is not currently represented.
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.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Recent Graduates will serve on this appointment for one year. During the first year the selectee will perform developmental activities designed to help them acquire the competencies of the target position in which they may be placed upon completion of the program. Participants who successfully complete the Recent College Graduates Program may be eligible for conversion to the target position on a permanent or term (more than one to four years in duration) basis without further competition. For more information on the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads.
This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of any additional assessment(s) required for this position. Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of their education, experience, and responses to the assessment questionnaire. Qualified applicants will be placed into one of the following quality categories. Veterans' preference will be applied in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and selections will be made from the highest quality category.
Best Qualified - Demonstrates extensive experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications.
Well Qualified - Demonstrates experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications.
Qualified - Demonstrates experience that meets the minimum qualifications.
You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Information Management, Integrity/Honesty, Oral Communication, Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, Stress Tolerance, and Technical Competence, Attention to Detail, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Stress Tolerance, Reading Comprehension, and Reasoning.
In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment, if required.
Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To be considered for this position, the following requirements and documents must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/13/2026
Resume Submit a resume that includes all relevant work experience, duties performed, dates of employment (month/year; include day if needed to document 52 weeks of experience), and hours worked per week (or indicate full-time). If claiming part-time experience, you must include hours worked per week or your experience may not receive full credit. Your resume must clearly show the length of time in each position and, for Federal positions, include the series, grade, and distinguish duties and time served at each grade in a career ladder. Resumes are limited to two single-sided pages, must use at least 10-point font with 0.5-inch margins, and may not include supplemental pages or attachments to extend the resume. Your resume must contain sufficient information to demonstrate you meet the specialized experience requirements. For Federal resume guidance, visit the USAJOBS Resume Help page.
Complete All Required Assessments
Pathways Eligibility Documentation: You must submit documentation that verifies your eligibility for the Pathways Recent Graduates Program. Applicants qualifying under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program must submit documentation verifying eligibility.
If qualifying based on a college or university degree: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited U.S. educational institution. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable when applying; official transcripts will be required before appointment. Your transcript must clearly show your degree was awarded (or your graduation date).
If qualifying based on foreign education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.
If qualifying based on a career or technical education program: Submit documentation (such as a letter from the educational institution) verifying successful completion of a qualifying career or technical education program, including completion of at least 1,700 work hours within a 12-month period (or within 10 or 11 months, if applicable), and the program completion date.
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans claiming preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or other acceptable proof of military service and separation under honorable conditions, as identified on the SF-15. Disabled Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and the parent or spouse of a disabled or deceased Veteran must submit all supporting documentation required by the SF-15, including a completed SF-15, if applicable. VA disability documentation may be obtained from VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000. Applicants within 120 days of separation must submit a signed certification from their military branch verifying: (1) expected separation/retirement date, (2) character of service, (3) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (4) active-duty service dates, (5) campaign or expeditionary medals received, and (6) certification dated within 120 days of separation.
Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (I/CTAP) If you are applying under I/CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
SF-50, Notification of Personnel action if the applicant is a current Federal Employee.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents. Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 08/13/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To preview the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13019802
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources.
Updating Your Application: During the announcement open period, you may update your application or supporting documents by logging into your USAJOBS account, locating your application, and selecting Edit My Application. Once the announcement closes, no further changes can be made. To check the status of the announcement or your application, visit the USAJOBS Application Status page.
CCAO
Bureau of Reclamation
7794 Folsom Dam Road
Folsom, CA 95630
US
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, the following requirements and documents must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/13/2026
Resume Submit a resume that includes all relevant work experience, duties performed, dates of employment (month/year; include day if needed to document 52 weeks of experience), and hours worked per week (or indicate full-time). If claiming part-time experience, you must include hours worked per week or your experience may not receive full credit. Your resume must clearly show the length of time in each position and, for Federal positions, include the series, grade, and distinguish duties and time served at each grade in a career ladder. Resumes are limited to two single-sided pages, must use at least 10-point font with 0.5-inch margins, and may not include supplemental pages or attachments to extend the resume. Your resume must contain sufficient information to demonstrate you meet the specialized experience requirements. For Federal resume guidance, visit the USAJOBS Resume Help page.
Complete All Required Assessments
Pathways Eligibility Documentation: You must submit documentation that verifies your eligibility for the Pathways Recent Graduates Program. Applicants qualifying under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program must submit documentation verifying eligibility.
If qualifying based on a college or university degree: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited U.S. educational institution. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable when applying; official transcripts will be required before appointment. Your transcript must clearly show your degree was awarded (or your graduation date).
If qualifying based on foreign education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.
If qualifying based on a career or technical education program: Submit documentation (such as a letter from the educational institution) verifying successful completion of a qualifying career or technical education program, including completion of at least 1,700 work hours within a 12-month period (or within 10 or 11 months, if applicable), and the program completion date.
Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans claiming preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or other acceptable proof of military service and separation under honorable conditions, as identified on the SF-15. Disabled Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and the parent or spouse of a disabled or deceased Veteran must submit all supporting documentation required by the SF-15, including a completed SF-15, if applicable. VA disability documentation may be obtained from VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000. Applicants within 120 days of separation must submit a signed certification from their military branch verifying: (1) expected separation/retirement date, (2) character of service, (3) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (4) active-duty service dates, (5) campaign or expeditionary medals received, and (6) certification dated within 120 days of separation.
Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (I/CTAP) If you are applying under I/CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
SF-50, Notification of Personnel action if the applicant is a current Federal Employee.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents. Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 08/13/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To preview the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13019802
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources.
Updating Your Application: During the announcement open period, you may update your application or supporting documents by logging into your USAJOBS account, locating your application, and selecting Edit My Application. Once the announcement closes, no further changes can be made. To check the status of the announcement or your application, visit the USAJOBS Application Status page.
CCAO
Bureau of Reclamation
7794 Folsom Dam Road
Folsom, CA 95630
US
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
