Park Ranger (Interpretation) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Anchorage, AK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions with the National Park Service’s Alaska Region develop and present educational and interpretive programs, help visitors understand park resources and plan their visits, and promote visitor safety and resource stewardship. Typical seasonal entry-on-duty timing for the Seasonal Staffing Office-Alaska Region is January through April 2027, though timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March through July 2027.

Rangers present programs such as guided walks, illustrated talks, amphitheater and campfire programs, and demonstrations. They use research and creative delivery techniques grounded in the NPS thematic interpretation model, and provide informal interpretation and orientation in visitor centers, ranger stations, and field settings. Duties may also include cashier work and special projects. Depending on grade, the position includes formal and informal talks, guided tours, answering visitor inquiries, and, at GS-7, providing on-the-job training and assistance to team members.

The position may require a uniform, on-call work, evening and weekend or holiday work, overtime or shift work, training and operation of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and operation of a government or private motor vehicle for official duties. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. The appointment is seasonal and may be terminated due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. It may be appointed not to exceed 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours, depending on the park and program.

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.
• A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
• Must meet the stated minimum age and education or school-status conditions for employment: at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meeting one of the listed education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions.
• GS-5 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4; or 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.
• GS-7 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5; or one full academic year of related graduate education (18 semester hours); or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Submit a resume no longer than two single-sided pages that documents duties, employment dates, and hours worked; only the resume submitted in the designated Resume section will be reviewed.
• If qualifying through education, submit legible transcripts; official transcripts are required before beginning work if selected based on education.
• Education from foreign institutions used to qualify must be evaluated by a qualified private organization as equivalent to U.S. accredited education or receive full credit at a U.S. accredited institution.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.

Nice To Haves

• Money-handling experience is a preference for optional consideration; it requires a higher background check.
• Qualifying experience may include park guiding or tour leading; environmental education or teaching; law enforcement or investigative work; archaeological or historical preservation research; forestry or fire management in park, recreation, or conservation areas; and work related to management or protection of park resources.
• Volunteer experience, including National Service and other organizational work, may be credited when it provides qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present interpretive programs, including guided walks, illustrated talks, amphitheater and campfire programs, and demonstrations.
• Develop programs through topic research and creative use of delivery techniques, following the NPS thematic interpretation model.
• 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 that support park goals.
• Promote visitor safety and stewardship of park resources in interactions with visitors.
• Potentially serve as the initial contact for accident reporting and emergency assistance.
• At GS-5, present informal and formal talks, lead guided tours, and respond to visitor requests for information, direction, and guidance.
• At GS-7, provide on-the-job training and assistance to team members.

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 comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level