Park Ranger (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Atlanta, GA

2d

About The Position

Park Rangers (General) protect and preserve park resources while ensuring visitor safety, assisting the public, and enforcing park regulations. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for the Seasonal Staffing Office-Southeast Region is March through November, though timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. Anticipated entry on duty is March–May 2027. Some positions filled under this announcement may be covered by a union.

Park Rangers patrol park areas on foot and by motorized or non-motorized watercraft, in both front-country and remote settings. They provide information about regulations and resource preservation, conduct compliance checks, and promote visitor safety and resource stewardship. Duties may also include backcountry orientations, emergency medical services, search and rescue, environmental protection, resource-management data collection, and interpretive talks and tours. Rangers may serve as the initial contact for accident reports and emergency assistance. At the GS-5 level, the position also includes providing on-the-job training, mentoring, guidance, and feedback to team members.

This is a seasonal federal position. Appointment may be temporary and not-to-exceed 1,039 or 1,560 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. Government quarters may be required; housing may be available but is not guaranteed. A uniform may be required, with a uniform allowance provided. The work involves extensive standing and walking, sometimes over rough or inclined surfaces while carrying equipment, and regular exposure to temperature extremes, confined spaces, or adverse weather.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meet one of the stated education or student-employment conditions.
• For GS-5, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4; 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.
• Specialized experience may include park guiding or tour leadership, environmental education, law enforcement or investigative work, preservation research, forestry or fire management, or policy/program work related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas.
• A valid driver's license is required when operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
• Must be able to complete required training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle if required.
• Must be able to meet physical demands, including extended standing and walking and, in some cases, carrying backpacks, tools, or rescue equipment over rough surfaces or inclines.
• Must comply with applicable government travel and purchase card requirements if required.
• A resume must not exceed two single-sided pages and must clearly document duties, employment dates, and hours worked to receive experience credit.
• If qualifying based on education, transcripts are required; official transcripts must be provided before starting if selected.

Responsibilities

• Protect park resources and visitors through patrols, education, and compliance checks.
• Provide information about park regulations and explain the importance of resource preservation and protection.
• Conduct patrols on foot and by motorized or non-motorized watercraft in front-country and remote areas.
• Promote visitor safety and stewardship of park resources during interactions with the public.
• Provide backcountry orientations and, as needed, emergency medical services and search-and-rescue assistance.
• Support environmental protection and collect resource-management data.
• Develop and deliver interpretive talks and tours, as assigned.
• Serve as an initial contact for accident reporting and emergency assistance, as needed.
• At GS-5, provide on-the-job training, mentoring, guidance, feedback, and direction to team members.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level