Field Unit Local (FUL) Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service•El Paso, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring a Field Unit Local Park Ranger (Interpretation) at Chamizal National Memorial. Park ranger-interpreters connect visitors with parks and help them have meaningful, satisfying, and safe experiences. Through interpretive and educational programs, they introduce visitors to different perspectives and to the meanings and values of the park, encouraging stewardship and support for protecting park resources. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below the GS-9 full performance level. The position is subject to a one-year probationary period. Pay varies by selected grade; first-time federal hires normally start at step 1. The position is covered by the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority, with eligibility limited to applicants who reside within 50 miles of the duty station at the time of application and provide proof of residency. A uniform is required and a uniform allowance is provided. Occasional overnight travel for outreach events may be required, generally up to one or two nights per month.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in direct deposit and successfully 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 meet the minimum age requirement: at least 18, or at least 16 and meeting one of the listed education, training, or student-employment conditions.
May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
May be required to travel overnight away from home for outreach events, occasionally up to one or two nights per month.
Must complete applicable training if required to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase charge card.
Must serve a one-year probationary period, with continued employment subject to agency evaluation and written certification.
For GS-7, qualify through one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-5, one year of related graduate-level education, superior academic achievement, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
GS-7 specialized experience includes developing and presenting independently researched programs; developing materials for non-personal services and interpretive media; coordinating a visitor facility or information desk; and assisting with special projects.
For GS-9, qualify through one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-7, two academic years of progressively higher-level related graduate education or a related master's/equivalent degree, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
GS-9 specialized experience includes coordinating, evaluating, or directing interpretive programs; assisting with long-range program plans; developing educational programs; and coaching or mentoring interpretive staff.
Qualifying experience documentation must state full-time or part-time status and hours worked per week; transcripts are required when using education to qualify.
Applicants must reside within the defined local commuting area, within 50 miles of 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905, and provide proof of residency.
The work requires physical exertion, including extended standing and walking, sometimes over rough surfaces or inclines, and carrying loads. Some employees may perform strenuous firefighting or search-and-rescue work and may need to carry equipment over 50 pounds over long distances.
Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, or insects, and may require protective clothing or gear.

Responsibilities

Develop and present formal interpretive experiences and make informal contacts with visitors.
Produce interpretive media and engage audiences through digital content.
Coordinate the day-to-day operation of a visitor facility, including developing work schedules, answering visitor questions, and providing visitor information.
Provide effective customer service, assess facilities, and report damage or malfunctions.
Develop lesson plans for curriculum-based education and deliver education programs in schools and in the park.
Coach, mentor, or train park staff, interns, volunteers, or partners.
Coordinate, develop, and lead digital strategies and efforts to implement and sustain existing or new media platforms.
Maintain working relationships with organizations such as academic institutions and local government agencies.
Engage new audiences and communities and represent the park at community events.
At GS-7, develop and present independently researched programs, develop materials for non-personal services and interpretive media, coordinate visitor facility or information-desk operations, and assist with special projects.
At GS-9, coordinate, evaluate, or direct interpretive programs; assist with long-range program plans; develop educational programs; and coach or mentor interpretive staff.