Park Ranger (Interpretation)

National Park Service • Annapolis, MD

15h

About The Position

The Park Ranger (Interpretation) serves with the National Park Service and provides leadership in decision-making for interpretive programs conducted on- and off-site. The position represents the network and its positions in public and private forums, including forums that may involve controversial issues. The duties may be developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level.

The ranger plans, develops, coordinates, and directs formal interpretive programs and advises on a range of formal and informal interpretive experiences. The position also evaluates changes to programming, advises internal and external organizations on complex interpretive-program matters, and contributes to collaborative management through interagency, interdisciplinary, and community teams. The ranger develops operating procedures and work schedules, participates in tribal consultations, and directs operational improvements.

The position requires a valid driver’s license and wearing a uniform; a uniform allowance is provided. Overnight travel may be required up to two nights per month. The work may involve extended periods of standing and walking on rough terrain or inclines, carrying loads, and exposure to outdoor hazards. Telework is suitable only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Must meet the qualifications for the GS-09 or GS-11 level through specialized experience, education, or an allowed combination of both.
• For GS-09, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of experience and education is required.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of experience and education is required.
• Specialized experience may include park guiding or tour leadership; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research; forestry or fire management in a park, recreation, or conservation area; or policy-related management, assistant, or program specialist work concerning protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations.
• Applicants using experience must provide the hours worked per week; current federal employees may need to submit a non-award SF-50 to validate work schedule and qualifying experience.
• Applicants substituting education for experience must submit transcripts; qualifying education must be in a relevant field such as natural resource management, natural or earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business or public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or a closely related subject.
• Must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current federal employee.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify.
• May be required to complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• All qualifications must be met by the announcement closing date of 11/02/2026.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, coordinate, and/or direct formal, structured interpretive programs, including walks, talks, tours, presentations, demonstrations, events, and virtual interactions.
• Serve as a technical advisor for the development and presentation of formal and informal interpretive experiences.
• Analyze changes in interpretive programming and their effects on program objectives, priorities, and milestones.
• Provide advisory services and leadership to internal and external organizations on complex matters affecting interpretive programs.
• Serve on interagency, interdisciplinary, and community teams or committees to facilitate collaborative management strategies up to the regional level.
• Formulate standard operating procedures and develop daily, weekly, and long-term work schedules.
• Participate in tribal consultations to plan, develop, and implement interpretive goals, themes, programs, and media.
• Direct the implementation of operational improvements.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level