Park Ranger (Interpretation-Language) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Cherokee, NC

20d

About The Position

Interpretive Rangers develop and present educational programs, including guided walks and presentations, for audiences in a variety of park settings. The role connects visitors with parks through interpretive and educational programs, helps visitors plan their time and have meaningful, satisfying, and safe experiences, and promotes stewardship of park resources. The position may be filled at the GS-05 or GS-07 grade level. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April 2027, although timing can vary with weather, project needs, or funding; anticipated entry on duty is March through July 2027. The position is seasonal and may be appointed temporarily for up to 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time because of funding fluctuations, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. Work includes developing and delivering programs using the NPS thematic interpretation model, providing visitor orientation and information, handling cash, and supporting special projects. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varied weather and may involve prolonged standing, walking over rough or uneven terrain, carrying equipment, and living in close quarters with coworkers. Depending on assignment, employees may work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts; occupy government quarters; wear a uniform; and operate vehicles after required training. Applicants must be conversationally fluent in Spanish in addition to meeting the standard interpretation qualifications. GS-05 qualification may be met through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related coursework, or an equivalent combination. GS-07 qualification may be met through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, one full academic year of related graduate education, or an equivalent combination. Applicants must support their language fluency and qualifications in their resume. The announcement closes October 23, 2026.

Requirements

Conversational fluency in Spanish, supported in the resume.
For GS-05: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04; or a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related coursework; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
For GS-07: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including independent research and development of presentations; or one full academic year of related graduate education; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must meet the Selective Service registration requirement, if applicable.
Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles; the minimum age and eligibility conditions for employment are otherwise specified in the announcement.
A valid driver's license is required when operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
Must submit a resume no longer than two single-sided pages that clearly describes duties, employment dates, and hours worked.
Must provide transcripts when using education to qualify; official transcripts are required before starting if selected based on education.
Appointment is subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
May be required to complete training, operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
May be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts.

Nice To Haves

Money-handling experience is a preference for optional consideration.

Responsibilities

Develop and present programs such as guided walks, illustrated talks, amphitheater and campfire programs, and demonstrations.
Research topics and use the NPS thematic interpretation model and creative delivery techniques to develop programs.
Provide informal interpretation and orientation for park guests in visitor centers, ranger stations, and while roving in the field.
Perform cashier duties and assist with special projects that support park goals.
Promote visitor safety and stewardship of park resources in all interactions.
Potentially serve as the initial contact for accident reporting and emergency assistance.
At the GS-05 level, present informal and formal talks, lead guided tours, and respond to visitor requests for information, directions, and guidance.
At the GS-07 level, perform GS-05 duties and provide on-the-job training and assistance to team members.