Park Ranger (Alpine Rescue and Mountaineering)(Seasonal)

National Park Service•Longmire, WA

20d•Onsite

About The Position

This seasonal Park Ranger position focuses on alpine rescue and mountaineering in Mount Rainier National Park and, as needed, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks. Anticipated entry on duty is between March and July 2027, with timing subject to weather, project needs, and funding. Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement. Core work includes alpine mountaineering, aviation, technical rope and helicopter rescue, avalanche forecasting, and emergency medical services. Rangers patrol climbing routes on Mount Rainier, lead or participate in multi-day alpine patrols, staff ranger stations and climbing high camps, register climbers, provide prevention and resource-protection information, and help maintain backcountry facilities. Visitor services and resource protection comprise approximately one-third of the position. At the GS-9 level, duties also include training others in advanced mountaineering techniques and performing a broad range of aviation and helicopter insertion and extraction techniques, including Human External Cargo (short-haul) operations. The position requires proficiency as a backcountry skier or snowboarder. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, often in remote alpine terrain and severe weather, with extended field shifts and overnight mountain camping. The position is seasonal and may be terminated due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements.
Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles; other minimum-age conditions are specified for employment.
A valid driver's license is required if operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
Must be proficient as a backcountry skier or snowboarder.
GS-7 applicants must have a current EMT certification or higher and provide a copy with the application.
GS-7 applicants must enter on duty with a U.S. Pro-1 Level Avalanche Certification; applicants completing training after applying must identify the provider and expected completion date.
GS-7 and GS-9 applicants must have at least 20 professional ascents of routes on peaks over 14,000 feet, with at least half on overwhelmingly glaciated terrain, or have completed an AMGA- or IFMGA-affiliated Advanced Alpine Guide Course or Advanced Ski Guide Course; this must be documented.
GS-9 applicants must hold EMT certification or higher through NREMT or an equivalent state EMS organization by entry on duty.
GS-9 applicants must be a certified Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) or Helicopter All-Hazards Crewmember (HEAC) by the announcement closing date.
GS-7 applicants must qualify through at least one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-5, one full year of specified graduate study, or a combination of education and experience. Education-based qualification requires relevant coursework and transcripts.
GS-9 applicants must qualify through at least one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-7 that includes professional alpine mountaineering, emergency medical services, and managing search-and-rescue activities; two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a related master's/equivalent degree; or a combination of education and experience.
Applicants claiming qualifying experience must document hours worked per week. Applicants qualifying through education must submit transcripts.
Must be able to climb steep, vertical, snowy, and icy terrain; carry heavy loads; hike or ski long distances; and work at night and in extreme environments.
Must maintain a high level of physical fitness; the position description states the incumbent should be able to climb from Paradise to Camp Muir in three hours or less in normal summer conditions.
May be required to wear a uniform, complete training, operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card.
Appointment is subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.

Responsibilities

Participate as a team leader or member on patrols climbing Mount Rainier's main routes.
Lead technical rope rescues and helicopter rescues in alpine mountaineering environments in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
Provide emergency medical services and contribute to avalanche forecasting.
Staff front-country ranger stations and register climbers, communicating preventative search-and-rescue and resource-protection messages.
Staff climbing high camps and assist with upkeep, cleaning, and sanitation of backcountry facilities.
Lead multi-day alpine mountaineering patrols at Mount Rainier and occasionally other national parks.
At the GS-9 level, conduct training and teach advanced mountaineering techniques.
At the GS-9 level, perform aviation and helicopter insertion and extraction techniques, including Human External Cargo (short-haul) operations.
Make visitor contacts and ensure visitors comply with park regulations.
Maintain the physical fitness needed to perform mountaineering and rescue duties.