Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service • Watrous, NM

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring a Park Ranger (Interpretation) at Fort Union National Monument. The position researches, develops, and presents interpretation and education programs for park visitors and other audiences. Programs may include talks, guided walks, demonstrations, costumed living history, illustrated or non-illustrated presentations, Junior Ranger programs, and on- and off-site curriculum-based programs. The ranger uses audience-centered interpretive techniques and social media and web platforms to provide orientation, information, and interpretation to the public.

The position also serves as the park Volunteer Coordinator and supports the quality of interpretive programming by training, mentoring, coaching, and evaluating fellow interpreters, critiquing their activities, and recommending individual or program improvements.

Fort Union operated from 1851 to 1891 and significantly affected the American Southwest and the lives of the many peoples who call the area home. Located on the prairie along the Santa Fe Trail, a historic trade route between the United States and Mexico, the fort had three construction phases: a wooden fort, a defensive fieldwork, and an adobe fort. The adobe fort is now the largest concentration of adobe ruins in the Southwest.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Meet the GS-09 qualification requirement through at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of qualifying education and experience.
• Specialized experience must include developing or presenting interpretive programs, curriculum-based education programs, media or publications; managing volunteers or similar work; planning special events or projects; and training staff on interpretive and education programs.
• For current federal employees, meet applicable time-in-grade requirements.
• Provide hours worked per week in the resume or required supporting documentation, as applicable.
• If qualifying through education, submit transcripts; qualifying education includes two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a related master's/equivalent graduate degree.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Complete required training and obtain and maintain a government charge card with travel and purchase authority.
• Successfully pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication, E-Verify employment verification, and any applicable probationary period.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Participate in Direct Deposit.
• Be prepared for possible on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shift work, and overnight travel of up to one or two nights per month.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and present interpretive programs, including talks, guided walks, demonstrations, costumed living history, illustrated and non-illustrated programs, Junior Ranger programs, and on- and off-site curriculum-based programs.
• Use audience-centered interpretive techniques as appropriate.
• Use social media and web platforms to provide orientation, information, and interpretation to the public.
• Serve as the park Volunteer Coordinator.
• Train, mentor, coach, and evaluate interpretive programs and products conducted by fellow interpreters.
• Critique interpretive activities and recommend individual or program improvements.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be 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