Wilderness Information Assistant and Lead Wilderness Information Assistant (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Amanda Park, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring seasonal Wilderness Information Assistants and Lead Wilderness Information Assistants for Olympic National Park. Typical anticipated entry on duty is April through July 2027, though timing may vary based on weather, project needs, or funding. The announcement may close after the first 150 applicants or on October 26, 2026, whichever occurs first.

Employees work in a Wilderness Information Center, providing resource orientation and information about Olympic National Park. At the GS-05 level, approximately 75% of work is in the center and approximately 25% is spent on uniformed wilderness patrols. At the GS-06 lead level, approximately 50–75% of work is in the center and up to 50% is spent on patrols. Lead employees also assist with center administration and guide less experienced staff on wilderness and backcountry operations.

This is a seasonal position that may be filled under a temporary appointment not to exceed 1,560 hours, depending on the park and program. Employment may end at any time due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. The role is not suitable for telework. Work occurs indoors and outdoors in varied weather and terrain, including isolated locations, and may involve weekday, weekend, holiday, evening, on-call, overtime, and shift work. Employees must wear a uniform; a uniform allowance is provided.

Patrols require prior experience with multiple multi-day wilderness backpacking trips and at least 20 cumulative nights in the wilderness by the application cutoff. Employees must be able to hike up to 15 miles per day over rugged terrain while carrying a pack of up to 40 pounds. Training patrols typically last one to eight days. The position also involves standing for long periods, walking, bending, lifting moderately heavy items, and sedentary work. High visitor contact may cause mental stress and physical fatigue.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet the Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• Submit to a drug test and receive a negative result before appointment; the position is also subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• A valid driver's license is required, and the employee must submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and driving records from all states where they have held a license.
• Wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• Complete multiple multi-day wilderness backpacking trips and have spent at least 20 cumulative nights backpacking in the wilderness by the announcement cutoff.
• Be able to hike up to 15 miles per day over rugged terrain while carrying a pack weighing up to 40 pounds.
• For GS-05: Have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04, including cashier work, information desk or customer service work, and computer and record-keeping work; or four years of progressively higher-level undergraduate education leading to a bachelor's degree; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-06: Have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05, including cashier work, information desk or customer service work, computer use to manage an equipment rental program, and training other employees.
• Provide required experience details, including hours per week; volunteer experience may qualify if the required dates, hours, and salary are included.
• Submit transcripts if qualifying based on education; official transcripts are required before work begins if selected and education was used to qualify.

Responsibilities

• Provide orientation and information about Olympic National Park at a Wilderness Information Center.
• Issue wilderness permits.
• Provide Leave No Trace education.
• Dispense Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) information.
• Collect fees.
• Conduct uniformed wilderness patrols in Olympic National Park wilderness and provide accurate information about trail conditions to backcountry staff.
• At the GS-06 lead level, assist with administrative work in the Wilderness Information Center.
• At the GS-06 lead level, provide guidance to less experienced staff regarding wilderness and backcountry operations.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on appointment type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

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