Park Ranger (Visitor Services)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Charlestown, RI

5d

About The Position

The Park Ranger (Visitor Services) serves with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, providing information and assistance to visitors and conducting interpretive and educational programs. The position may also support visitor center operations, public outreach, special events, and maintenance of interpretive displays, signs, and public-use facilities. Duties may be developmental when the position is filled below the full-performance level.

The role involves developing outreach plans and partnerships, coordinating refuge and community events, supporting Refuge Support Groups, and delivering interpretive and environmental education programs to diverse audiences. It also includes managing visitor facilities to ensure safety, accessibility, and proper maintenance. The position may require on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work. Duties may involve frequent field visits and travel using off-road vehicles, watercraft, and potentially light aircraft. Telework may be allowed with supervisor approval.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit.
• Must 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.
• Must not hold an active real estate license or have an interest in or hold stocks in firms with interests in Federal Lands.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• All qualifications must be met by the announcement closing date of November 9, 2026.
• Competitive candidates must meet applicable Time-in-Grade requirements.
• GS-11 applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, a qualifying doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• GS-11 specialized experience includes developing and delivering interpretive programs and environmental education activities; conducting community outreach and public communication; building and maintaining partnerships; coordinating volunteers and special events; providing visitor services and resource interpretation; and planning, organizing, and implementing programs and projects.
• GS-12 applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade.
• GS-12 specialized experience includes developing and managing interpretive and environmental education programs; leading community outreach and partnership initiatives; overseeing volunteer programs and special events; providing technical guidance on visitor services and resource interpretation; and planning, implementing, and evaluating visitor services programs, projects, and outreach strategies.
• Applicants must document hours worked per week as required for experience credit; education used to qualify must be supported by transcripts.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education to receive credit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver outreach plans, including public meetings and briefings.
• Build and manage partnerships with community groups and organizations.
• Oversee and execute memoranda of agreement and memoranda of understanding for visitor-services partnerships.
• Plan refuge events and coordinate participation in external activities.
• Support Refuge Support Groups and manage funding, donations, and cost-share needs.
• Coordinate with landowners and agencies to promote cooperation and joint planning.
• Develop and deliver interpretive and environmental education programs for diverse audiences.
• Manage visitor facilities, ensuring safety, accessibility, and proper maintenance.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors.
• Support visitor center operations, public outreach activities, special events, and maintenance of interpretive displays, signs, and public-use facilities.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance.
• Potential recruitment or relocation incentive, if eligible and offered on a case-by-case basis.
• Federal employee benefits package available, with eligibility depending on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree