Park Ranger Interpretation (Kennels) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Denali Park, AK

21d • Onsite

About The Position

This seasonal Park Ranger Interpretation position is located in the Visitor Resource and Protection Division at Denali National Park and Preserve. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is mid-April to early October, though timing may vary because of weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March–July 2027. The position may be filled as a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The role combines care of the park’s sled dogs with visitor interpretation. Dog-care work includes outdoor physical labor in all weather, feeding and cleaning up after dogs, composting dog waste, and handling and harnessing athletic sled dogs for summer public demonstrations. The employee may also use basic hand or power tools to maintain or repair the dog yard or equipment.

Interpretive work includes developing and presenting programs such as guided walks, illustrated talks, amphitheater and campfire programs, and demonstrations. Programs use the National Park Service thematic interpretation model and require topic research and effective presentation techniques. Employees provide informal interpretation and orientation to park guests, support cashier duties and special projects, promote visitor safety and stewardship, and may be an initial contact for accident reports and emergency assistance. GS-5 employees also present formal and informal talks, lead guided tours, and respond to visitor questions. GS-7 employees perform GS-5 duties and provide on-the-job training and assistance to team members.

The position may require government housing occupancy; housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Employees may need to wear a uniform, work on call or variable shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime, complete training, operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle, travel overnight away from home up to two nights per month, and drive a government or private motor vehicle for official duties. Extensive standing and walking are required, sometimes over rough surfaces or inclines while carrying backpacks, tools, or rescue equipment. Work settings involve recurring exposure to moderate discomfort, including temperature extremes, confined spaces, or adverse weather.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles; the general minimum age requirement is 18, with specified exceptions for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds.
• A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
• Must meet the GS-5 or GS-7 qualification requirements by the announcement closing date. GS-5 qualification may be met by one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4, a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related coursework, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• For GS-7, qualification may be met by one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5, one full academic year of related graduate education, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Applicants claiming experience must submit a resume no longer than two single-sided pages that describes duties and responsibilities, employment dates, and hours worked; only the resume submitted in the designated resume section will be used for qualification and rating.
• Applicants qualifying based on education must submit legible transcripts. Foreign education used to meet requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to accredited U.S. education or receive appropriate U.S. college credit.
• Must be able to perform extensive standing and walking, sometimes on rough surfaces or inclines while carrying backpacks, tools, or rescue equipment.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and tolerate recurring moderate discomfort, including temperature extremes, confined spaces, or adverse weather.
• May be required to occupy government quarters, wear a uniform, work on call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work, complete training, and travel overnight.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

Nice To Haves

• Related park, recreation, conservation, environmental education, history, cultural resources, or natural sciences experience, including independent research and presentation, may support GS-7 qualification.
• Experience in park guiding or tour leadership, environmental education or teaching, law enforcement or investigative work, archaeological or historical preservation research, forestry or fire management, or related park-area policy and resource-management work may support GS-5 qualification.
• Volunteer experience, including service through National Service programs and other organizations, may be credited when it provides qualifying experience.
• Money handling is an optional preference consideration and requires a higher background check.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily outdoor dog-care work in all weather conditions, including feeding and caring for sled dogs.
• Clean up and compost dog waste.
• Handle and harness athletic sled dogs for public demonstrations during the summer season.
• Use basic hand or power tools for dog-yard or equipment maintenance and repair as needed.
• Develop and present guided walks, illustrated talks, amphitheater and campfire programs, and demonstrations.
• Research topics and develop interpretive programs using the National Park Service thematic interpretation model and appropriate delivery techniques.
• Provide informal interpretation and orientation to park guests in visitor centers, ranger stations, and while roving in the field.
• Perform cashier duties and assist with special projects supporting park goals.
• Promote visitor safety and stewardship of park resources and potentially serve as an initial contact for accident reports and emergency assistance.
• At GS-5, present informal and formal talks, lead guided tours, and respond to visitor requests for information, directions, and guidance.
• At GS-7, perform GS-5 duties and provide on-the-job training and assistance to team members.
• Complete required training and, if required, operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a government or private motor vehicle for official duties.
• Travel overnight away from home when required, up to two nights per month.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• A federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Additional cost-of-living allowance may apply in specified Alaska areas.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level