Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service • Annapolis, MD

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Park Ranger (Interpretation) serves as the technical expert in visitor services, experiences, and partnerships. The position develops, plans, organizes, and manages partnership networks to meet organizational objectives and advises the Director of Communications & Visitor Experience on network operations. It manages a complex membership intake and management program involving governmental and nongovernmental organizations throughout the watershed, and coordinates interpretive activities with internal and external organizations and stakeholders. The role oversees historical research and ensures accuracy and relevance in the park's nationally significant and diverse interpretive themes. It also evaluates and develops third-party agreements, cooperative agreements, and memoranda of understanding; analyzes visitation trends and use patterns to assess programming and recommend or implement changes; and develops, writes, and reviews planning documents, including standard operating procedures.

The primary work environment is an office, with some fieldwork at park facilities and visitor use areas. Routine duties require light to moderate physical effort. Fieldwork may involve strenuous activity, including hiking on rough, uneven, hilly, or wet terrain, standing for extended periods, and lifting items up to 50 pounds. Environmental conditions may include insects, heat and humidity, bright sunlight, storms, rain, snow, and ice. Telework is suitable only during an emergency or natural disaster. The position may require weekend and overtime work and overnight travel of up to two nights per month. Employees must wear a uniform and maintain a valid driver's license.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Must complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must meet the GS-12 Individual Occupational Requirement: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in Federal service, obtained in the public or private sector.
• Qualifying specialized experience must involve technical, administrative, or scientific work; fish and wildlife management; recreation management; law enforcement; or other park-related work. Examples include park guide or tour leader work, law enforcement or investigative work, archeological or historical preservation research, forestry or fire management in a park or conservation area, or program work developing and implementing policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations.
• Must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Applicants must document hours worked per week on their resume; current Federal employees may need to submit a non-award SF-50 if hours are not shown, and military service may be documented with a DD-214 or Statement of Service.
• All qualifications must be met by the announcement closing date of November 6, 2026.
• Education may not be substituted for the required experience.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, organize, and manage partnership networks to meet organizational objectives.
• Serve as technical expert and primary advisor to the Director of Communications & Visitor Experience on network operations.
• Manage a complex network membership intake and management program involving governmental and nongovernmental organizations throughout the watershed.
• Coordinate interpretive program activities with internal and external organizations and stakeholders.
• Oversee historical research and ensure accuracy and relevance of the park's interpretive themes.
• Analyze, evaluate, identify, and develop third-party agreements, cooperative agreements, and memoranda of understanding with agencies, institutions, and organizations.
• Analyze visitation trends and use patterns to determine programming effectiveness, implement changes, or make recommendations.
• Develop, write, and review planning documents, including standard operating procedures.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; eligibility depends on position type.
• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered if eligible and qualified; not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed