Park Ranger Interpretation (Seasonal)-FUL

National Park Service • Annapolis, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Park Service Park Ranger (Interpretation) performs a variety of park ranger duties across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Park ranger-interpreters connect visitors to the natural, cultural, and historical significance of park resources and help them have meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experiences. They help visitors decide how to spend their time, introduce them to varied perspectives and the meanings and values of park places and stories, and encourage stewardship and public support for preserving and protecting park resources.

The position includes developing and delivering interpretive and educational programs, coordinating visitor services and facility operations, training staff and volunteers, monitoring resources and promoting safety and compliance, engaging with communities and partners, and contributing to planning and special projects. The anticipated season entry-on-duty period is March through September 2027. The position is filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and is limited to applicants residing within the defined local commuting area: within 50 miles of Annapolis, Maryland, or the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Proof of residency is required.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must successfully undergo a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards; a uniform allowance is provided.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meet one of the stated education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions.
• To qualify at the GS-09 level through experience, must have at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to GS-07, including developing and presenting audience- and learner-centered interpretive experiences, conducting site- or topic-based research and evaluating sources, and engaging the public through structured programs and informal presentations. Hours worked per week must be stated.
• Alternatively, must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a listed or closely related field pertinent to natural and cultural resource management and protection.
• A combination of qualifying specialized experience and graduate education may be used; the percentages must total at least 100. Transcripts are required when using education to qualify.
• Must meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date, October 23, 2026, and meet applicable Time-in-Grade requirements.
• Applicants must reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application and provide proof of residency.
• Must submit transcripts when using education to qualify; foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to conventional U.S. education.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and deliver engaging interpretive programs, including talks, tours, demonstrations, and digital media, connecting visitors with park resources.
• Coordinate visitor centers or information desks, manage schedules, monitor services, and maintain facilities and materials.
• Mentor, coach, and train staff, volunteers, and interns; develop lesson plans and educational programs suited to standards and diverse learning needs.
• Observe and report on park resource conditions, promote visitor safety, and ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Build relationships with local communities, partners, and organizations; represent the park at events and collaborate on shared initiatives.
• Contribute to interpretive and resource planning, manage special projects and events, analyze visitor data, and recommend improvements to programs and operations.
• Help visitors plan their time in the park and introduce them to the park's meanings, values, and varied perspectives.
• Promote stewardship and public support for preserving and protecting park resources.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on appointment type and position.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level