Park Ranger (PSAR) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Madison, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Park Rangers in Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) perform park ranger duties focused on preventing search-and-rescue incidents in park units and provide emergency medical services as needed. The anticipated season is March through September 2027. The role may involve patrols in backcountry or wilderness areas, on trails, at campgrounds, parking lots, shorelines, rivers, docks, roads, and concessions. Rangers plan patrol routes, may lead groups, educate visitors about safety and park resources, and help identify and report problems or regulatory violations. They also support, develop, and deliver PSAR education and participate in search-and-rescue operations and reviews.

This position requires current EMT or higher certification by entry on duty and passing physical fitness testing. A valid driver's license is required, and the employee may need to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. Employees must wear the required uniform; a uniform allowance is provided. Work may include on-call duty, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work. The role is seasonal and may be filled under a temporary appointment not to exceed 1,560 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end early due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must meet the Selective Service registration requirement, if applicable.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must pass a drug test before appointment and is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record; certified driving records from all states may also be required at the applicant's expense.
• Must possess current Emergency Medical Technician or higher certification by entry on duty.
• Must pass Physical Fitness Testing.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or meet one of the specified exceptions for applicants who are at least 16 years old.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• Must meet the qualifications for GS-05 or GS-07 through the specified specialized experience, education, or combination of experience and education.
• For GS-05 qualification through education, a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related coursework is required.
• For GS-07 qualification through education, one full academic year of graduate education related to the occupation is required.
• Applicants qualifying through education must submit transcripts; foreign education must be evaluated as specified in the announcement.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Must submit a resume of no more than two single-sided pages that documents duties, employment dates, and hours worked.

Nice To Haves

• Money-handling experience is noted as a preference for optional consideration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regularly scheduled and special-purpose PSAR patrols in park areas and resources.
• Determine patrol routes and prepare for patrols based on the needs, terrain, and requirements of each patrol.
• Lead trips when accompanied by staff, cooperators, groups, or stakeholders.
• Provide visitors with information and safety education, obtain their cooperation, and facilitate safe use of park resources.
• Identify and report visitor or resource problems and violations of regulations concerning protected or public lands.
• Provide administrative, operational, and logistical support for PSAR educational activities.
• Develop and present formal and informal PSAR educational programs and media, in person and through educational technology.
• Research PSAR topics and use the findings to develop and deliver educational experiences aligned with PSAR goals and objectives.
• Serve on a Search and Rescue Team, potentially responding to trail incidents, searches, helicopter evacuations, river rescues, body recoveries, and litter carries.
• Participate in operational assessments and prepare contingencies for future search-and-rescue incidents.
• Participate in post-operational analysis and After-Action Reviews to improve park operations and prevent search-and-rescue events.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance is provided.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is described; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level