Park Ranger (Whitewater Rescue)

Department Of The Interior • Glen Jean, WV

375d • $39,576 - $51,446

About The Position

This position is located in the New River Gorge National River (NERI) Resource and Visitor Protection Division. Duties of the position are to promote safe use of the rivers, perform search and rescue operations, aid in emergency medical services, and maintain the park's fleet of watercraft and equipment. The seasonal Entry-on-Duty period for is April/May 2025 but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2025.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Pre-employment physical is required.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Drug test required with negative result prior to appointment.
• Valid driver's license required for operating a government vehicle.
• Uniform compliance with National Park Service standards required.
• Current Emergency Medical Responder certification required.
• Current Commercial Whitewater Trip Leader certification for the state of WV or equivalent required.
• Moderate Duty Work Capacity Test required prior to employment.
• Possess or obtain a current Department of Interior Motorboat Operator certification.
• Minimum age requirement: at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old with specific educational qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in park guide or tour leader roles.
• Background in law enforcement or investigative work.
• Experience in archaeological or historical preservation research.
• Knowledge in forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area.
• Experience in management, assistant, or program specialist work related to park protection and conservation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct river patrols on all waters and tributaries in the three National Park System areas under the administration of a NERI Superintendent.
• Provide whitewater river patrols on the New, Gauley, Meadow and Bluestone Rivers up to Class V+ whitewater river sections.
• Perform safety patrols, rescue and recovery, and educate visitors in safe boating practices and etiquette.
• Monitor compliance with camping regulations, sanitation and refuse, and resource stewardship along remote river shoreline camping and recreation areas accessed only by boat.
• Engage with heavy commercial boating activities and private boaters and overnight boat campers.
• Utilize river equipment including paddle and oar-powered rafts, motorized catarafts, duckies, and kayaks.
• Work closely with land-based Visitor Use Assistants & commissioned law enforcement rangers.
• Train and maintain river skills for all Ranger Division personnel assigned collateral river responsibilities.
• Assist in planning and engaging in potentially high-risk recreational sports.
• Provide general planning information, safety suggestions, and park regulations.
• Respond to emergencies and provide basic first aid.
• Create bulletin board displays, temporary exhibits, and other interpretive services.
• Assist with program administration, including record-keeping and correspondence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make federal careers rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Environmental Quality Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees