Park Ranger (Interpretation) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Anchorage, AK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Interpretive Rangers develop and present educational programs, including guided walks and presentations, for audiences in a variety of park settings. The role connects visitors with parks, helps them plan and enjoy safe and meaningful visits, and encourages stewardship of park resources. Seasonal entry-on-duty timing for the Alaska Regional Office is typically April 2027, with anticipated dates from March through July 2027; actual timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. The position includes developing and presenting formal and informal interpretive programs; training, coaching, and mentoring seasonal staff; and supporting park operations. Duties may include cashier work, visitor orientation, safety and emergency assistance, creating schedules and program materials, maintaining manuals and handouts, and identifying facility, exhibit, inventory, and purchasing needs. This is a seasonal position that may be appointed for up to 1,560 hours, depending on the park and program, and employment may end early because of funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. Work may involve on-call assignments, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shift work, and overnight travel of up to 20 nights per month. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed; occupancy of government quarters may be required. A uniform may be required, and a uniform allowance is provided.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must meet the applicable age requirement: be at least 18, or be at least 16 and meet one of the stated high-school, vocational-training, school-authorization, or student-employment conditions.
Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males must meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
Must comply with National Park Service uniform standards if required to wear a uniform.
A valid driver's license is required if operating a motor vehicle as part of official duties; must be at least 18 to operate government vehicles.
Must complete required training and obtain and maintain a government charge card if required for travel or purchases.
For GS-09 qualification through experience: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, such as developing and leading interpretive or interpretive education programs and assisting with their coordination and planning.
For GS-09 qualification through education: two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, in a listed or closely related field pertinent to natural and cultural resource management and protection.
For GS-09 qualification through a combination: qualifying graduate education and specialized experience percentages must total at least 100%.
Applicants using education to qualify must provide transcripts; applicants using experience must clearly document duties, employment dates, and hours worked per week in a resume no longer than two pages.
If required to participate in all-risk operations, must meet continuing fitness requirements.
Must meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date of October 26, 2026.

Nice To Haves

Experience in money handling is considered for optional preference and requires a higher background check.
Relevant volunteer experience may count as qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and present interpretive programs, including guided walks, illustrated talks, amphitheater and campfire programs, demonstrations, campground programs, wilderness hikes, and other presentations.
Research topics and use National Park Service thematic interpretation principles and varied delivery techniques to create programs.
Provide informal interpretation and orientation to park guests in visitor centers, ranger stations, and while roving in the field.
Prepare written outlines for interpretive programs.
Assist in planning, implementing, and delivering interpretive skills and educational theory and methodology training to seasonal staff.
Observe interpretive programs and provide supportive oral and written feedback to seasonal staff.
Mentor and lead seasonal staff in day-to-day program development, promoting respect, confidence, teamwork, and professionalism.
Work with training and coaching teams to evaluate their effectiveness and develop improvements.
Perform cashier duties and assist with special projects supporting park goals.
Promote visitor safety and stewardship of park resources; potentially serve as an initial contact for accident reports and emergency assistance.
Develop work schedules and update or write manuals, standard operating procedures, and handouts.
Identify and report facility and exhibit conditions, supply inventories, and purchasing needs.
Complete required training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle or government or private motor vehicle when required.
Work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts and travel overnight when required.