Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service • Big Bend National Park, TX

7h • Onsite

About The Position

The Park Ranger (Interpretation) serves in the Division of Interpretation & Visitor Services at Big Bend National Park. The position provides visitor information and interpretive programming, develops interpretive content across multiple media, and supports visitor services operations. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level. The announcement lists GS-07 salaries of $50,460 to $65,599 and GS-09 salaries of $61,722 to $80,243; first-time federal hires normally start at Step 1.

The work may require on-call availability, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work, as well as overnight travel up to five nights per month. The employee must maintain a valid driver's license, wear a uniform, obtain required government travel and purchase charge-card authority, and be able to lift 50 pounds. Work may involve standing and walking for extended periods on rough ground, inclines, or in caves; carrying equipment; exposure to weather, rough terrain, wildlife, pests, or insects; and use of protective gear. Some employees may participate in strenuous all-risk activities, including firefighting or search and rescue.

The position may be filled at GS-07 or GS-09. Qualifications may be met through specialized experience, specified relevant education, or an allowed combination of education and experience, with requirements varying by grade. A one-year probationary period may be required. The position is with the National Park Service, a U.S. Department of the Interior agency.

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; a uniform allowance will be provided.
• Must complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work, and travel overnight away from home up to five nights per month.
• Must meet the applicable GS-07 or GS-09 qualification requirements by the announcement closing date, including specialized experience, education, or an allowed combination, as applicable.
• Competitive applicants must meet federal Time-in-Grade requirements where applicable.
• Applicants claiming education to qualify must submit transcripts; qualifying experience documentation must state hours worked per week where required.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• GS-07 specialized experience route: at least one year equivalent to GS-05, in relevant technical, administrative, scientific, fish and wildlife, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work; examples include planning and presenting interpretive programs, developing educational content, providing visitor orientation, evaluating visitor programs, and collaborating on programming.
• GS-07 education route: one full academic year of related graduate education, or a directly related bachelor's degree meeting Superior Academic Achievement criteria, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• GS-09 specialized experience route: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 in relevant work; examples include supervising volunteers or interns, implementing visitor services, developing operating guidelines, developing and conducting interpretive presentations, and training staff and volunteers.
• GS-09 education route: two full academic years of progressively higher-level related graduate education or a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by a qualified private credential-evaluation organization and deemed equivalent to U.S. education to receive credit.

Responsibilities

• Provide general and in-depth information to visitors, write backcountry permits, and handle government funds in a park visitor center.
• Use multimedia technologies to create informational and interpretive content for the park newspaper, websites, social media, and exhibits.
• Research, develop, and conduct formal and informal interpretive programs for diverse audiences.
• Serve as lead for one of the park's social media presences.
• Manage an outlying visitor center, including recruiting, training, managing, and auditing volunteer staff.
• Compile scientific and/or historical research from varied sources while acknowledging the potential impact of interpreter bias.
• Develop daily work schedules, including tours of duty and assignment locations, for supervisor approval.
• Review existing park policies, standards, methods, and procedures.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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