What are the responsibilities and job description for the Park Ranger (I) position at National Park Service?
Summary
This position is located in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, in the Interpretation Division. The primary purpose of this position is to interpret resources to convey national significance; connect visitors to personal relevance; facilitate shared learning; inform the public for compliance, safety; support management of natural and cultural resources of national heritage; and enhance mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.
Learn more about this agency
Help
Duties
MAJOR DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
PARK RANGER INTERPREPTATION: 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
Help
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-01/15/2025-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 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.
TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL, YOU MUST POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BY CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as but are not limited to: park guide or tour leader, work in a park, recreation or conservation area, environmental education, history and/or cultural resources education, and natural sciences education. Work will include independent research and presentation. (YOU MUST INCLUDE HOURS PER WEEK WORKED).
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate study in one of the following fields: natural resource management, natural sciences, marine biology/sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, wetlands ecology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS).
OR
Meet the criteria for Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) as evidenced by one of the three following methods: I am in the upper third of my graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR I have a GPA 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum, or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B " or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in my major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR I am a member in one of the national scholastic honor societies. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS).
OR
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, having six months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and 27 semester hours or 41 quarter hours of directly-related graduate level college study in an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS).
TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL, YOU MUST POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BY CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
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 includes activities such as but are not limited to: experience that involved developing and presenting a wide variety of audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using a variety of interpretive skills, techniques, and tools delivered in person and through interpretive media and technology; conduct site or topic based research on different scientific and/or historical subject and evaluate many different sources for their relevance, validity, and bias; engage the public through formal structured programs (e.g. walks, talks, tours, presentations, demonstrations, etc.) and informal presentations.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education OR master's or equivalent graduate degree in directly-related field of study such as 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 education and experience as described above. For example: 6 months of specialized experience as described above (50% of experience requirement), and 1.5 years (27 semester hours) of graduate level college study in a directly related field of study as described above (50% of the education requirement). The percentages must total at least 100. (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.
Additional Selections: This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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.
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. 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
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.
Park Ranger (I) The National Park Service (NPS) has been committed to preserving America's natural, historical, and recreational heritage since 1916. Park ranger-interpreters play a crucial role in enhancing visitors' experiences, helping them explore and connect with the parks. Trained to engage the public, they provide insights that foster personal connections to the park's stories and values, encouraging stewardship and care for park resources. By facilitating meaningful interactions, park ranger-interpreters promote national parks as essential places for recreation, learning, and inspiration, ultimately supporting the preservation of these remarkable sites for future generations.
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 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, based on your adjudication decision. 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
Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, submission of ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. In absence of performance appraisal, provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period & level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).
Read more
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.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
PO Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246
US
This position is located in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, in the Interpretation Division. The primary purpose of this position is to interpret resources to convey national significance; connect visitors to personal relevance; facilitate shared learning; inform the public for compliance, safety; support management of natural and cultural resources of national heritage; and enhance mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.
Learn more about this agency
Help
Duties
MAJOR DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
- Independently research, develops, and offers high quality interpretation that is audience centered and meets NPS 21st century standards.
- Independently provide informative information and informal interpretation for visitors, especially at a visitor center desk, while balancing park operations and ensuring it all runs effectively, including register sales, information requests, and possible emergencies.
- Develops and presents a variety of interpretive programs including orientation talks, conducted walks, and demonstrations to a variety of general public audiences or school groups. Initiates or assists with development or revision of interpretive materials, such as brochures, guidebooks, handouts, exhibits, and social media.
- Collaborates with partners and stakeholders, such as state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups, to advance the mission of the park and to promote public awareness and support for its programs and resources.
- Engage the public through presenting a series of formal structured programs (e.g., walks, talks, tours, presentations, demonstrations, events, and virtual interactions) and informal contacts/conversations with the public. Create, facilitate, and support opportunities for audiences to understand national significance and personal relevance through intellectual and emotional connections to resource meanings and their current context.
- Coordinate the operation of a visitor facility and/or information desk; develop daily work schedules that include tours of duty and location of assignments for the supervisor's approval.
- Assist in helping others learn through formal or informal methods; train, mentor, coach, and evaluate interpretive programs and products conducted by lower-level interpreters, critique these activities, and recommend individual or program improvements.
- Work with internal and external customers to assess, address, and resolve visitor concerns; identify effective customer service practices and facilitate a collaborative, proactive, and welcoming work environment.
PARK RANGER INTERPREPTATION: 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
Help
Requirements
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
- DIRECT DEPOSIT: Selectee is required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- TIME-IN-GRADE: 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 requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time-In-Grade requirements apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year, and current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments. Time-in-grade does not apply to new excepted service appointments and must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
- DRIVER'S LICENSE: Selectee is required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of official duties; a valid driver's license is required. Selectee is required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record.
- UNIFORM: Selectee is required to wear a uniform & comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- WORK SCHEDULE: You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
- TRAVEL: 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.
- Applicants must be at least (1) 18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-01/15/2025-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 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.
TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL, YOU MUST POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BY CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as but are not limited to: park guide or tour leader, work in a park, recreation or conservation area, environmental education, history and/or cultural resources education, and natural sciences education. Work will include independent research and presentation. (YOU MUST INCLUDE HOURS PER WEEK WORKED).
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate study in one of the following fields: natural resource management, natural sciences, marine biology/sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, wetlands ecology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS).
OR
Meet the criteria for Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) as evidenced by one of the three following methods: I am in the upper third of my graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR I have a GPA 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum, or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B " or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in my major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR I am a member in one of the national scholastic honor societies. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS).
OR
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, having six months of the specialized experience described above (50% of the experience requirement), and 27 semester hours or 41 quarter hours of directly-related graduate level college study in an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS).
TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL, YOU MUST POSSESS AT LEAST ONE OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BY CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
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 includes activities such as but are not limited to: experience that involved developing and presenting a wide variety of audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using a variety of interpretive skills, techniques, and tools delivered in person and through interpretive media and technology; conduct site or topic based research on different scientific and/or historical subject and evaluate many different sources for their relevance, validity, and bias; engage the public through formal structured programs (e.g. walks, talks, tours, presentations, demonstrations, etc.) and informal presentations.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education OR master's or equivalent graduate degree in directly-related field of study such as 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 education and experience as described above. For example: 6 months of specialized experience as described above (50% of experience requirement), and 1.5 years (27 semester hours) of graduate level college study in a directly related field of study as described above (50% of the education requirement). The percentages must total at least 100. (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.
Additional Selections: This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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.
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. 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
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.
Park Ranger (I) The National Park Service (NPS) has been committed to preserving America's natural, historical, and recreational heritage since 1916. Park ranger-interpreters play a crucial role in enhancing visitors' experiences, helping them explore and connect with the parks. Trained to engage the public, they provide insights that foster personal connections to the park's stories and values, encouraging stewardship and care for park resources. By facilitating meaningful interactions, park ranger-interpreters promote national parks as essential places for recreation, learning, and inspiration, ultimately supporting the preservation of these remarkable sites for future generations.
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 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, based on your adjudication decision. 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
Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, submission of ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. In absence of performance appraisal, provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period & level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).
Read more
- Help 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.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
PO Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246
US
