What are the responsibilities and job description for the Park Ranger (Preventive Search and Rescue) (Seasonal) position at National Park Service?
Summary
The primary purpose of this uniformed position is to perform a variety of park ranger duties associated with preventing search and rescue incidents from occurring in park units managed by the National Park Service (NPS). You will be responsible for applying a full range of ranger skills to independently
complete a substantial variety of operational PSAR-related projects and assignments for which established precedents are not fully applicable.
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Duties
Serve as a member of the park's All-Hazard Incident Management Team by responding to incidents that may include search and rescue, emergency medical services, special law enforcement operations, or natural disasters.
Participate in operational assessments and help prepare for unplanned and/or emergent incidents.
Respond to emergency medical calls including trail response, ground/hasty searches, motor vehicle accidents, and helicopter rescues; provide advanced patient care and transportation as part of a comprehensive EMS response, conduct field treatment until definitive care is provided by a higher-trained medical provider.
Patrol Park resources to include backcountry and wilderness areas, trails, shorelines, and campgrounds; provide visitors with information and education to facilitate safe visitor use of park resources; identify and report violations of regulations concerning the use of protected or public lands.
Educate Park visitors about a variety of subjects including hazards in the park and how to avoid them, backcountry safety, preparedness, safe hiking and what to do in the case of an emergency, recreational opportunities, park resources and its natural and cultural history.
Point of contact is Andrew Blake, andrew_blake@nps.gov, 231-326-4805
Perform a variety of tasks associated with the implementation of the PSAR program, including visitor education, peer education, office work, and implementation of PSAR messaging projects. The employee will advise visitors concerning hiking safety, heat illness, accident prevention, and proper preparation for outdoor activities. This park ranger will assist with training other employees about PSAR and hiking safety. Will Perform Search and Rescue (SAR) duties, including trail response, hiker assists, litter carry outs, water rescues, ground/hasty search, EMS Response, and radio operations. This position will train, mentor, and coach lower-graded employees, partners, volunteers, interns, and the public with informal and formal training regarding PSAR-related policies, practices, processes, etc. Review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the implementation of PSAR-related systems, processes, and procedures. Perform more complex operational assignments, requiring initiative and resourcefulness to carry out day to day planning and execution, or to oversee the execution of operational assignments. Manage the preventive search and rescue volunteer program and provide leadership and direction to volunteers. Participate as a member of the parks technical rescue team.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-02/28/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position performs Emergency Medical Technician, and First Responder certification is required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of 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-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as experience performing management, assistant or program specialist duties involving the development and implementation of policy for the protection, conservation, use, and management of natural and/or cultural resources in park areas or similar operations. Examples may include Emergency Services (emergency medical response, search and rescue, emergency dispatch, backcountry patrols to provide visitors with information and education to ensure their safety and safe use of park resources; report and/or assist with visitor issues/problems that may involve medical concerns; monitor special use permit compliance and threats to park resources; assist with park incidents/emergencies/etc., law enforcement, fire management (wildland and/or structural) or park guide/tour leader work.
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one (1) year of graduate level study in directly-related fields 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. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example: I have six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement, and nine (9) semester hours of graduate level college study in a directly-related field of study (50% of the related coursework required). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. 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.
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
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.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Physical Demands: This position includes a mixture of duties and responsibilities that can be both sedentary as well as extremely physically demanding. Positions assigned responsibility for patrols, all-hazard incident response, search and rescue, watercraft operation, etc. may require extended periods of standing, walking, hiking, riding, rowing, and carrying of heavy items weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances, to include safety and rescue supplies for injured/ill park visitors. Employees who participate in all-hazard incident operations in certain roles may 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 National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
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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.
The primary purpose of this uniformed position is to perform a variety of park ranger duties associated with preventing search and rescue incidents from occurring in park units managed by the National Park Service (NPS). You will be responsible for applying a full range of ranger skills to independently
complete a substantial variety of operational PSAR-related projects and assignments for which established precedents are not fully applicable.
Help
Duties
Serve as a member of the park's All-Hazard Incident Management Team by responding to incidents that may include search and rescue, emergency medical services, special law enforcement operations, or natural disasters.
Participate in operational assessments and help prepare for unplanned and/or emergent incidents.
Respond to emergency medical calls including trail response, ground/hasty searches, motor vehicle accidents, and helicopter rescues; provide advanced patient care and transportation as part of a comprehensive EMS response, conduct field treatment until definitive care is provided by a higher-trained medical provider.
Patrol Park resources to include backcountry and wilderness areas, trails, shorelines, and campgrounds; provide visitors with information and education to facilitate safe visitor use of park resources; identify and report violations of regulations concerning the use of protected or public lands.
Educate Park visitors about a variety of subjects including hazards in the park and how to avoid them, backcountry safety, preparedness, safe hiking and what to do in the case of an emergency, recreational opportunities, park resources and its natural and cultural history.
Point of contact is Andrew Blake, andrew_blake@nps.gov, 231-326-4805
Perform a variety of tasks associated with the implementation of the PSAR program, including visitor education, peer education, office work, and implementation of PSAR messaging projects. The employee will advise visitors concerning hiking safety, heat illness, accident prevention, and proper preparation for outdoor activities. This park ranger will assist with training other employees about PSAR and hiking safety. Will Perform Search and Rescue (SAR) duties, including trail response, hiker assists, litter carry outs, water rescues, ground/hasty search, EMS Response, and radio operations. This position will train, mentor, and coach lower-graded employees, partners, volunteers, interns, and the public with informal and formal training regarding PSAR-related policies, practices, processes, etc. Review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the implementation of PSAR-related systems, processes, and procedures. Perform more complex operational assignments, requiring initiative and resourcefulness to carry out day to day planning and execution, or to oversee the execution of operational assignments. Manage the preventive search and rescue volunteer program and provide leadership and direction to volunteers. Participate as a member of the parks technical rescue team.
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.
- Direct Deposit: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
- Drug testing: 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.
- Drivers License: 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 and Driving Record. You must also 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 disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
- Uniform: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
- Government housing may be available.
- Pre-employment and periodic physical examinations (due to SAR/EMS duties)
- Medical Certification: You will be required to possess a current ??Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher-level certification.
- You will be required to possess a current Emergency Medical Technician certification from the National Registry (NREMT) or from a State EMS organization or be able to obtain certification as a First Responder (Emergency Medical Responder) by entrance on duty date.
- Pre-employment physical examination prior to entry on duty is required at applicant's expense.
- You will be required to successfully complete a pack test per RM 57B once on board.
- Minimum Age: 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-02/28/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position performs Emergency Medical Technician, and First Responder certification is required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.
- You will be required to possess a current Emergency Medical Technician certification from the National Registry (NREMT) or from a State EMS organization or be able to obtain certification as a First Responder (Emergency Medical Responder) by entrance on duty date.
- Pre-employment physical examination prior to entry on duty is required at applicant's expense.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of 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-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as experience performing management, assistant or program specialist duties involving the development and implementation of policy for the protection, conservation, use, and management of natural and/or cultural resources in park areas or similar operations. Examples may include Emergency Services (emergency medical response, search and rescue, emergency dispatch, backcountry patrols to provide visitors with information and education to ensure their safety and safe use of park resources; report and/or assist with visitor issues/problems that may involve medical concerns; monitor special use permit compliance and threats to park resources; assist with park incidents/emergencies/etc., law enforcement, fire management (wildland and/or structural) or park guide/tour leader work.
- You must include hours per week worked.
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one (1) year of graduate level study in directly-related fields 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. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example: I have six (6) months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement, and nine (9) semester hours of graduate level college study in a directly-related field of study (50% of the related coursework required). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. 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.
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
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.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Physical Demands: This position includes a mixture of duties and responsibilities that can be both sedentary as well as extremely physically demanding. Positions assigned responsibility for patrols, all-hazard incident response, search and rescue, watercraft operation, etc. may require extended periods of standing, walking, hiking, riding, rowing, and carrying of heavy items weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances, to include safety and rescue supplies for injured/ill park visitors. Employees who participate in all-hazard incident operations in certain roles may 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 National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
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.
