Health Technician (Emergency Medical Technician) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Kings Canyon National Park, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This seasonal Health Technician (Emergency Medical Technician) position serves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including the Lodgepole, Grant Grove, and Cedar Grove Subdistricts. The typical season lasts no more than six months between April and October, though timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is April–May 2027. The temporary appointment is generally not to exceed 1,039 hours, though it may be filled as an appointment not to exceed 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Employment is expected to end when the season’s work is complete and may be terminated earlier for funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. EMTs are assigned ambulance duty and respond as the initial provider to most emergency medical services calls. They assess patients, decide whether to transport, work within National Park Service protocols under medical control, and contact a base hospital by phone or radio patch. They maintain ambulance supplies and organization and clean and decontaminate equipment after calls. With appropriate certifications, they may also support search and rescue, structural and wildland fire, extrication, and visitor services. Work settings include offices, medical clinics, ambulances, classrooms, field locations, trails, and remote backcountry areas. The position involves all types of weather, hazardous environments, potentially hazardous aircraft landings and takeoffs, temperature extremes, and exposure to communicable diseases. Employees must use required personal protective clothing and follow safety and health precautions. The work may range from office activity to strenuous, extended physical and mental exertion, including long-distance travel over rough terrain, carrying heavy loads, technical rescue work, moving and lifting patients, and prolonged periods without sleep. Employees must be able to fly in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft without ill effects and maintain the physical condition needed to pass the required physical standards. This is a seasonal temporary federal appointment. The employee must maintain required EMT and BLS/CPR credentials and a valid driver’s license, pass a physical examination and required physical fitness standards, and meet the stated federal employment conditions. On-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shift work, and occasional overnight travel may be required. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. A uniform is required, and a uniform allowance will be provided.

Requirements

Possess and maintain National Registry EMT certification, an equivalent state certification or unrestricted state license, or higher certification.
Possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification.
Have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
Meet at least one GS-05 qualification pathway: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04; four years of progressively higher-level undergraduate education leading to a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 24 semester hours in directly related subjects; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
For the specialized experience pathway, demonstrate support duties to medical or health personnel and patient assessment using knowledge of topographic anatomy, major body systems, and emergency medical techniques.
Pass a physical examination and the Physical Exercise Battery (PEB) or applicable NPS occupational medical standards.
Be a U.S. Citizen or National and meet the stated background investigation, E-Verify, Selective Service, and direct-deposit conditions of employment.
Meet the minimum age requirement: 18 years old, or 16 or 17 and satisfying one of the listed education or student-employment conditions.
Submit transcripts and required coursework documentation if using education to qualify.
Wear the required uniform and comply with uniform standards.
Obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Responsibilities

Respond to most EMS calls as the initial provider while assigned to ambulance duty.
Request assistance from other trained personnel as needed.
Assess patients, make transport decisions, and work within established NPS protocols under medical control.
Contact the base hospital by phone and radio patch.
Keep ambulance supplies stocked and notify the supervisor when supplies need to be ordered.
Clean and organize ambulances for effective response.
Clean and decontaminate equipment after every call.
When appropriately certified, conduct or assist with search and rescue, structural and wildland fire, extrication, and visitor services operations.