Park Ranger (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Bartlett Cove, AK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring seasonal Park Rangers for several Alaska parks and duty stations. The anticipated entry-on-duty date is April 2027, though seasonal start and end dates vary by park and may change based on weather, project needs, or funding. Positions are available at Denali National Park and Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, and Sitka National Historical Park. Selectees may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries. Government housing is available at several listed duty stations; occupancy is required at Kantishna (Wonder Lake) and Toklat.

Park Rangers protect park resources and visitors through patrols, education, and compliance checks. They explain regulations and resource preservation, provide visitors with Leave No Trace information and hazard guidance, and patrol on foot and by motorized or non-motorized watercraft in front-country and remote areas. Duties may also include backcountry orientations, emergency medical services, search and rescue, environmental protection, resource-management data collection, and interpretive talks and tours. GS-07 employees may also train, mentor, and guide team members.

The work involves strenuous physical activity and exposure to challenging outdoor conditions. Hikes may be up to 8 miles per day over rough terrain, and employees must be able to routinely carry backpacks weighing up to 50 pounds in steep terrain and adverse weather. Depending on location, employees may be required to carry firearms for non-law-enforcement purposes, operate small watercraft, drive a government or private motor vehicle, work irregular hours, and travel overnight. A uniform is required, and a uniform allowance is provided. These positions are seasonal temporary appointments, which may be terminated based on funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
• A negative pre-employment drug test is required; employees are subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• Meet the applicable GS-05 or GS-07 qualifications through specialized experience, education, or a qualifying combination of experience and education.
• For positions with an EMS certification requirement, hold the required certification level before entrance on duty and maintain it throughout employment; submit certification details or expected completion information as specified.
• Some Bartlett Cove positions and all Seward positions require obtaining or maintaining First Aid and CPR after entrance on duty.
• Positions at Kantishna (Wonder Lake) and Toklat require occupancy in government quarters.
• Positions at Skagway require obtaining or maintaining a valid U.S. passport or passport card.
• Wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and/or shift work.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Except at King Salmon, positions require operating a government or private motor vehicle for official duties; a valid driver's license is required.
• Submit a motor vehicle operator's license and driving record, including certified driving records from all states, at the employee's expense.
• May be required to travel overnight away from home for up to 20 nights per month.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Meet the minimum age requirement: 18 years old, or at least 16 years old under one of the stated education or student-employment conditions.
• Be able to perform regular and strenuous physical exertion, including standing, walking, driving, bending, climbing, hiking, and lifting heavy objects.
• Be able to hike up to 8 miles per day over rough, uneven terrain and routinely carry a backpack weighing up to 50 pounds in steep terrain and adverse weather.
• Positions other than Bartlett Cove and Yakutat (Dry Bay) require carrying firearms in the backcountry or other locations for non-law-enforcement purposes such as protection from animals.
• Positions other than Denali Park, Kantishna (Wonder Lake), Toklat, Skagway, and Sitka require operating a small watercraft under 26 feet long.

Responsibilities

• Protect park resources and visitors through patrols, education, and compliance checks.
• Provide information about regulations and explain the importance of resource preservation and protection.
• Inform visitors about Leave No Trace principles and hazards specific to the park.
• Conduct foot and watercraft patrols in front-country and remote areas.
• Provide backcountry orientations.
• Provide emergency medical services and participate in search and rescue.
• Support environmental protection and collect resource-management data.
• Develop and deliver interpretive talks and tours as needed.
• At GS-07, provide on-the-job training, mentoring, guidance, feedback, and direction to team members.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Government housing may be available at Denali Park, Seward, Skagway, and Sitka, and is available at Kantishna (Wonder Lake), Toklat, Bartlett Cove, Yakutat (Dry Bay), King Salmon, and Port Alsworth duty stations.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed