Park Ranger Interpretation (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Kotzebue, AK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Park Rangers (Interpretation) protect and preserve park resources while ensuring visitor safety, assisting the public, and enforcing park regulations. The typical Kotzebue season runs from February through September, though timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry-on-duty date is February 2027. This seasonal position is based at Western Arctic National Parklands in Kotzebue, Alaska. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed; occupancy of government quarters may be required.

The role supports seasonal interpretive staff through training, coaching, mentoring, and day-to-day program development. It also researches, develops, and presents interpretive programs, and helps manage schedules, manuals, supplies, and facility and exhibit conditions. The work may involve standing and walking for extended periods over rough or inclined terrain, carrying equipment, and exposure to extreme weather, terrain, wildlife, pests, or insects. Some employees may take part in strenuous or high-risk all-risk operations, including firefighting and search and rescue, and may need to meet continuing fitness requirements.

The position may require a uniform, on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work. Training and operation of a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be required; operating a government or private motor vehicle for official duties requires a valid driver's license. The role may also require training and use of a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet the Selective Service registration requirement.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or meet the stated eligibility conditions for applicants age 16 or 17.
• Must meet at least one GS-09 qualification pathway: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 developing and leading interpretive or interpretive education programs and assisting with their coordination and planning; two full academic years of qualifying graduate education or a master's/equivalent graduate degree in a pertinent field; or a qualifying combination of specialized experience and graduate education.
• Applicants qualifying through education must provide transcripts; qualifying education must be in a listed or closely related field pertinent to natural and cultural resource management and protection.
• Resume must not exceed two single-sided pages and must document relevant duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week; only one resume may be submitted.
• Must provide hours worked per week in the resume to receive credit for experience; part-time hours must be stated for prorating experience.
• May be required to occupy government quarters.
• May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties; operators of government vehicles must be at least 18 years old.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Work requires some physical exertion, including extended standing and walking and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads.
• Employees participating in all-risk operations must meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis.
• Work may require safety precautions and protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, or gloves.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, implementing, and delivering interpretive skills and educational theory and methodology training to seasonal staff.
• Work with the training planning team to evaluate training effectiveness and develop improvements.
• Observe interpretive programs and provide supportive, professional oral and written feedback.
• Mentor and lead seasonal staff in day-to-day program development, promoting respect, confidence, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Work with the coaching team to evaluate coach training, coaching protocols, and coach effectiveness, and develop improvements.
• Research, develop, and present formal and informal interpretive programs, such as conducted walks, campground programs, off-trail wilderness hikes, and illustrative programs.
• Prepare written interpretive program outlines.
• Develop work schedules.
• Update or write manuals, standard operating procedures, and handouts.
• Identify and report facility and exhibit conditions, supply inventories, and purchasing needs.
• Protect and preserve park resources, ensure visitor safety, assist the public, and enforce park regulations.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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