Visitor Services Assistant (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Skagway, AK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Visitor Services Assistant represents the park by answering visitor questions and offering guidance. The role includes roving patrols to monitor sites and maintain relationships with park partners and concessionaires, as well as fixed-post assignments, public programs, and participation in the day-to-day operation of a seasonal contact station. The position supports site monitoring and resource protection, educates visitors about rules, regulations, and safety, and directs people with problems or complaints to appropriate resources. The assistant may help with medical or other emergencies within the limits of their training. At the GS-05 level, duties also include informal interpretation and public orientation, communicating information about management policies and preservation issues, using general computer software, collecting information about accidents or incidents, and assessing situations to determine an appropriate response under policy guidelines.

This is a seasonal position with anticipated entry on duty between March and July 2027; timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. Depending on the park and program, the appointment may be temporary and not exceed 1,560 hours rather than 1,039 hours. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. Work may involve on-call duty, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. A uniform may be required, with a uniform allowance provided.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles; a valid driver's license is required when operating a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties.
• Must be at least 18 years old, or meet the stated conditions for employment at age 16 or 17.
• 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, and/or shift work.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• GS-04 qualification: one year of progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work indicating ability to acquire relevant knowledge and skills; or two years of education above high school (60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours); or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• GS-05 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 in the federal service, including relevant public assistance, instruction, information gathering/reporting, public-facing duties, and use of word processing, spreadsheet, or database software; or four years of education above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours); or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Qualifying experience may be paid or unpaid, including qualifying volunteer experience.
• Applicants qualifying based on education must submit legible transcripts from an accredited institution; foreign education must be evaluated as described in the announcement.
• Applicants must submit a resume of no more than two single-sided pages that clearly describes duties, employment dates, and hours worked.

Responsibilities

• Provide visitor services through patrols, roving assignments, fixed posts, and public programs.
• Participate in the day-to-day operation of a seasonal contact station.
• Monitor sites and help protect park resources.
• Operate two-way radio equipment.
• Respond to visitor inquiries verbally and provide information and guidance, including to visitors who may be distressed, confused, frustrated, difficult, or hostile.
• Monitor special use permits and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, concessionaires, and stakeholders.
• Educate visitors about rules, regulations, and safety concerns to support visitor safety and resource preservation.
• Direct visitors and members of the public with problems, questions, or complaints to appropriate resources.
• Assist with medical or other emergencies within the limits of training.
• At the GS-05 level, provide informal interpretation and public orientation about park or recreation areas, including current events, resource management or environmental projects, and natural, cultural, or historical resources.
• At the GS-05 level, provide information about management policies and legislative updates affecting preservation of natural, historical, or cultural resources.
• At the GS-05 level, use general computer software such as word processing, spreadsheet, or database programs.
• At the GS-05 level, gather information from reporting parties about accidents or incidents and notify appropriate personnel.
• At the GS-05 level, assess situations and determine appropriate responses in accordance with policy guidelines.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government housing may be available, but is not guaranteed.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits, subject to position and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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