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Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) (Chief Ranger)

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Pinnacles National Park & Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
This job announcement has closed

Summary

One vacancy is located in Pinnacles National Park, in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection.

One vacancy is located in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
07/03/2025 to 07/15/2025
Salary
$92,520 to - $144,031 per year

The salary range given includes base pay and locality pay, subject to change. Kailua Location only will receive a 2.91% COLA

Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Locations
Paicines, CA
1 vacancy
Kailua Kona, HI
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Confidential
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
PW-1549-CMBO-25-12756503-MP
Control number
840078400

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Duties

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Pinnacles National Park Location: Serves as the Chief Ranger at Pinnacles National Park, a national park system Unit located in central California. The position is responsible for the park's law enforcement program, wildland & structural fire programs, & emergency services through a subordinate staff of professional & technical personnel. The incumbent serves as the Senior Law Enforcement Commissioned Ranger responsible for performing law enforcement duties under provisions of applicable federal laws & regulations enacted to ensure the protection & safe use of national park resources. The Chief Ranger is a member of the parks' management team and the principal advisor to the superintendent on all matters concerning law enforcement, resource protection, security, visitor safety, emergency services, & fire management

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Location: As Chief Ranger for Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (PUHO) and Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park (KAHO), the incumbent serves as a senior advisor in the management of the two parks' resource & visitor protection programs & is responsible for program development & implementation. The program may include, but is not limited to, park resource protection, security & visitor safety, emergency services, fire, law enforcement, & special park uses. The Chief Ranger is a member of the parks' management team & the principal advisor to the superintendent on all matters concerning law enforcement, resource protection, security, visitor safety, emergency services, & fire management. The Chief Ranger provides technical support to the superintendents of Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE) & the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (ALKA) on protection matters.

Major Duties include:

  • Responsible for oversight of law enforcement program involving technical understanding of laws, regulations & procedures in regard to a variety of criminal violations as they relate to the protection of park staff, visitors and resources.
  • Serves as primary liaison with all law enforcement, emergency medical & fire agencies by developing and maintaining external partnerships.
  • Responsible for on-the-job safety of employees.
  • Ensures fair employment practices.
  • Directs the overall planning & fiscal control of a total annual budget of approximately $500,000.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • 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 (TIG) requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). TIG requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. TIG requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for VEOA appointment.
  • New employees of the Department of the Interior must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of net pay within 30 days of entrance on duty.
  • Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous & physically demanding duties; & also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, & mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to undergo periodic medical examinations throughout employment.
  • You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License & Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), & at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • 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 & shift work.
  • The position to which you will be appointed is subject to a financial disclosure reporting requirement & you will be required to complete a new entrant Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of your appointment.
  • Selectee(s) must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation & favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • If you are a new supervisor 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 5 to 10 days. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
  • Additional requirements are listed in the "Requirements" section.

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
  • Subject to pre-employment physical and drug testing.
  • Must possess a Type I Law Enforcement Commission.
  • Selectee(s) will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.
  • You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • Prior to appointment, the people selected for these positions must be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The PEB is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measures body fat. Prior to appointment, selectees will be tested in all five components, and must pass the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run in the 25th percentile.
  • You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
  • ONLY FOR PINNACLES: Wildland firefighting and other forms of field work demand a high level of fitness to safely perform arduous, day-long work in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke, and to meet unforeseen emergencies. This position requires that you pass a Pack Test, a job-related test of the capacity for arduous work. It consists of a 3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack over level terrain. A time of 45 minutes, the passing score for the test, approximates an aerobic fitness score of 45, the established standard for firefighters. Applicants shall be disqualified for appointment if they fail to meet any physical requirement. Probationary or seasonal employment is subject to termination for failure to meet the 25th percentile in each of the identified component being measured.
  • You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/15/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

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 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying 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. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying 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.

Selective Factors: Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify:

  • Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent 07/15/2025. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.
  • This is a secondary-administrative law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements, but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under CSRS, an employee must transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions). You must let this office know if you are in a Primary position.
  • Must have a current, valid State Driver's License 07/15/2025.
  • FOR PINNACLES ONLY: Must possess or be able to successfully obtain and maintain Wildland Fire Fighter certification (S130/S190) within 6 months from entry on duty. Provide a copy of your Red Card with your application if you currently possess this certification.
- AND -

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. This experience includes (1) Investigating alleged violations of laws or regulations; (2) collecting evidence according to established procedures and professional standards; (3) collaborating with other law enforcement or emergency response agencies on investigations or emergency incidents; and (4) writing a variety of investigative and/or legal documents. You must include hours per week worked.
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.

ICTAP/CTAP 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.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level of this announcement.

Additional information

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.

Telework: The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. (KAHO only)

Physical Demands:
  • For Pinnacles: Routine duties do not involve unusual physical requirement, but during law enforcement emergencies, firefighting and search-and-rescue operations, prolonged exposure to arduous duties under stressful conditions will occur. The incumbent is required to perform physically rigorous assignments. Required to meet physical fitness and medical standards.
  • For Kaloko: Incumbent is subject to both sedentary office environment with adequate cooling, lighting, and ventilation to outside conditions involving hot, dry seacoasts with periods of high temperatures and humidity. Terrian where work occurs involves rough, uneven volcanic rocks, hazardous surfaces, and slippery ground.
Working Conditions:
  • For Pinnacles: Much of the work performed in an office setting with adequate light, heat and ventilation. During outdoor operations the incumbent is exposed to extremes of weather and climate conditions at various hours of the day and night. The incumbent may then be exposed to high-risk and potentially dangerous situations in law enforcement and emergency situations.
  • For Kaloko: Work is performed in a variety of environments. Assignments may take incumbent to remote and undeveloped areas for extended periods of time. Law enforcement and emergency services incidents requires exposure to potentially dangerous situations

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. 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 the additional assessments required for this position. 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.

You will be evaluated on the following competencies:

  • Leadership
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Partnering
  • Public Safety and Security


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 successful completion of additional assessments, including a panel resume review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully 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.

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