National Park Service Logo
Position Title
Park Ranger (Protection)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
WO-1614-VRP-25-12549002-ST Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, November 18, 2024 to Monday, December 2, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. This position has an age requirement. Enter or select your date of birth. (limit characters)
2. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
3. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
  • are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.  You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
(limit characters)
4. 1. Are you the spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty?

-OR-

2. Are you a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty?

-OR-

3. Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. 

To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit documentation verifying active duty status; and documentation verifying marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage).

To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc..
(limit characters)
5. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?   If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
 
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center. 
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
6. Do you meet one of the following Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
  • Current Federal or former employees with career or career- conditional appointments in the competitive service that hold, or have held a career or career-conditional position at a lower grade level as the position being announced; or,
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation.  For example, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your competitive status or a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.  All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
(limit characters)
7. Are you a former member of the Public Lands Corps (PLC) who has served the time required for completing a PLC project carried out on Federal land within the preceding 2 years (an individuals eligibility for NCE under this authority shall not exceed 2 years after completion of his/her last PLC project), and:

• Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC (individuals must provide a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for NCE Hiring Based on PLC Service" and the complete PLC Participant Work Hours Verification Form with your application package in order to be considered under this hiring authority), and

• Meet OPM qualification standards and any other qualification requirement(s) stated in this vacancy announcement for the position in which you are applying.
(limit characters)
8. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?  If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
 
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.  
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
9. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
  • was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
  • served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
  • performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
  • if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
 
To verify your eligibility, you must provide documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
For more information, review Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA).
(limit characters)
10. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
 
-OR-
 
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
 
-OR-
 
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.  If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
(limit characters)
11. Do you meet one of the following Non-Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
  • Disabled veteran receiving 30% or more disability compensation from the VA;
  • Transfer, reassignment or reinstatement eligible:  current Federal or former employee with career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service that hold, or have previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced; or,
  • Individual eligible under other non-competitive appointment authorities such as: Veterans Recruitment Authority; Military spouses under E.O. 13473; Certain former overseas employees; Present and former Peace Corps, Vista or Action volunteers; Former White House staff; Present and former Foreign Service officers and employees; Certain National Guard technicians; Schedule A; OPM Interchange Agreement and Other Miscellaneous Authorities.
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation.  For example, a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50); etc.  All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
(limit characters)
12. Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?
 
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems. 
 
-OR-
 
Are you a current:
  • Postal Career Service Employee;
  • Postal Rate Commission Employee;
  • Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
  • Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
 
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
(limit characters)
13. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.  

To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restriction
(limit characters)
14. Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?

(limit characters)
15. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
  • are entitled to veterans' preference?
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. 
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.
(limit characters)
16. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years)
  • are a disabled veteran
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. My performance is at an acceptable level and I am not serving under a formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). (limit characters)
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating. (limit characters)
3. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (MUST include beginning and ending month/year e.g., 5/2019-10/2019 or 5/10/2019-10/20/2019), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week or full-time). If part-time, the exact hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. (limit characters)
Work Schedules: Please note there are two different types of work schedules being offered depending on the park and location.
  • Full-time (position works on a year-round basis)
  • Full-time, Career-Seasonal (Career-Seasonal appointments are also permanent positions and include the same benefits as full-time, permanent appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will be in a non-pay status for a period of time each year, and non-pay status is dependent on the location of the position being hired.)
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MANDATORY ENTRY AGE (MEA)
Applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age, AND have not reached their 37th birthday prior to the closing date of this job opportunity announcement and upon appointment to this position. The maximum entry age of 37 applies to this position. This is a primary position covered by enhanced retirement provisions which stipulate mandatory retirement at age 57 after 20 years of service (5 U.S.C. 3307 for Federal Law Enforcement positions).

Two exceptions are allowed:
1.) An applicant has prior Federal service in a primary covered position sufficient to complete 20 years of service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; OR
2.) An applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service; OR
3.) An applicant is in receipt of an official Maximum Entry Age Waiver Memorandum approved by the National Park Service, Director of Law Enforcement (the applicant must upload this document with their application) AND is under the age of 40 years.
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4.
MANDATORY MINIMUM ENTRY AGE

Applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age. Please select the answer below which best describes how you meet this requirement.
(limit characters)
5. MANDATORY MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE

Applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age AND have not reached their 37th birthday prior to the closing date of this job opportunity announcement and upon appointment to this position OR you meet one of the mandatory entry age exceptions. Please select the answer below which best describes how you meet this requirement.
(limit characters)
6. As part of the official duties of this position, the incumbent is required to operate a Government vehicle. As such, applicants are required to have a valid State-issued Driver's License prior to the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.

Please note: You will be required to submit proof of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License before your entrance-on-duty date. Please select the answer below which best describes how you meet this license requirement.
(limit characters)
7. Certified Emergency Medical Responder or First Responder by the National Registry OR by a State EMS organization.

Important Notes:
  • Some parks require Park Ranger (Protection) to be certified Emergency Medical Responder or First Responder (FR).
  • To be referred for the FR designation, you must meet the following Selective Placement Factors in addition to the Park Ranger (Protection) qualification standards.
  • All applications will be reviewed for Park Ranger (Protection) without FR certifications, however, FR are additional specialties that applicants can be considered for Emergency Medical Responder or First Responder designation.
  • Applicants must be certified by the National Registry OR by a State EMS organization in order to be referred for the FR designation. You MUST indicate in your resume the expiration date of your certificate.
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8. Certified Emergency Medical Technician by the National Registry OR by a State EMS organization.

Important Notes:
  • Some parks require Park Ranger (Protection) to be certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
  • To be referred for the EMT designation, you must meet the following Selective Placement Factors in addition to the Park Ranger (Protection) qualification standards.
  • All applications will be reviewed for Park Ranger (Protection) without EMT certifications, however, EMT are additional specialties that applicants can be considered for Emergency Medical Technician designation.
  • Applicants must be certified by the National Registry OR by a State EMS organization in order to be referred for the EMT designation.
  • You MUST indicate in your resume the expiration date of your certificate.
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9. INSTRUCTIONS: This position has a optional preference that applicants must possess conversational fluency in the Spanish language. (IMPORTANT: If you select this response, your resume must describe the language you speak and your level of fluency).

Do you currently possess conversational fluency in the Spanish language (in addition to English) that allows you to communicate information verbally to visitors on the spot?
(limit characters)
10. Location Negotiable Verification: Location Negotiable after Selection is when an agency has multiple agency worksites where a position can be filled, and the position is not designated as remote. By responding "Yes" to this Location Negotiable item, you are certifying that you are willing to be hired and placed at any park location listed in the participating locations link found in the job opportunity announcement. However, applicants will have the opportunity to learn more about which locations are hiring, and accept or decline a specific location prior to entrance-on-duty. To the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information included in these preferences are true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001), my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 CFR part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
BASIC EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION SECTION: THE RESUME OR APPLICATION MATERIALS YOU SUBMIT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SUPPORT ALL RESPONSES. IF NOT, YOUR SCORE WILL BE LOWERED AND/OR YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. (limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements for Park Ranger (Protection), GL-0025-05 (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for a Park Ranger (Protection), GL-0025-05 position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position. (limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements for Park Ranger (Protection), GL-0025-07 (limit characters)
2. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for a Park Ranger (Protection), GL-0025-07 position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position. (limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements for Park Ranger (Protection), GL-0025-09 (limit characters)
3. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how your background meets the basic experience or education requirements for a Park Ranger (Protection), GL-0025-09 position. Read all responses before making your selection. MARK ONLY ONE RESPONSE. If you select more than one response or leave this question blank you will be rated ineligible. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position. (limit characters)
Read each question carefully and select the response below that best describes your qualifications in this area. Failure to respond to a question will result in an ineligible rating. (limit characters)
Criminal Law:  Knowledge of state and Federal criminal laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to admissibility of evidence and prosecution. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
4. Enforce resource protection laws and regulations to ensure resources are protected and violations are minimized. (limit characters)
5. Gain and maintain in a working knowledge of the relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, or procedures. (limit characters)
6. Gather evidence at crime and accident scenes to resolve potential violations. (limit characters)
7. Perform road patrols and traffic enforcement to interact with visitors to determine compliance with relevant laws and regulations. (limit characters)
8. Provide specific or complex information in various settings. (limit characters)
9. Knowledge of legal and practical application of the 4th Amendment. (limit characters)
Public Safety and Security:  Knowledge of intelligence operations; public safety and security operations; occupational health and safety; investigation and inspection techniques; or rules, regulations, precautions, and prevention techniques for the protection of people, data, and property. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
10. Search persons to determine possession of contraband or illegal property. (limit characters)
11. Use and maintain defensive equipment (e.g., Taser, pepper spray, batons) ensuring proper functioning while performing law enforcement duties. (limit characters)
12. Intervene in violent confrontations between difficult or distressed individuals to prevent, diffuse, or resolve the conflict. (limit characters)
13. Interrogate suspects to obtain information about an event or incident. (limit characters)
14. Communicate over the radio and conduct traffic stops in a fluent manner. (limit characters)
Interpersonal Skills:  Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectivity dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
15. Resolve conflicts or disputes of a non-violent nature to protect public safety and security. (limit characters)
16. Interview witnesses to obtain information about an event or incident. (limit characters)
17. Communicate with injured or sick persons to provide appropriate emergency medical care. (limit characters)
18. Educate, interpret, and inform visitors about the significance and rarity of park resources, resource conservation, and law and policy while providing for a safe park visitation experience. (limit characters)
Writing:  Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
19. Complete forms, documents, or routine reports (e.g., search and rescue reports, wildland fire reports, daily patrol logs, etc.). (limit characters)
20. Issue written warnings and/or citations to stop violative behavior and resolve the situation. (limit characters)
21. Use computer and related software to perform law enforcement related tasks (e.g., email, internet search, word processing to document findings, required online training, etc). (limit characters)
22. Document evidence gathered at crime and accident scenes to ensure an organized investigation. (limit characters)
23. Write case incident reports to describe or document violation of law, events, or resource conditions. (limit characters)
First Response:  Knowledge of emergency management methods, such as first aid, rescue techniques, and threat assessments. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
24. Evaluate medical, search and rescue, and law enforcement situations to determine the appropriate response. (limit characters)
25. Provide emergency medical care at appropriate level in front and backcountry settings involving extended evacuation times. (limit characters)
26. Ensure specialized equipment needed to perform emergency functions is in working order and meets local, State, and Federal standards. (limit characters)
27. Utilize the Incident Command System (ICS). (limit characters)
28. Perform hasty/extended searches to quickly locate missing persons. (limit characters)
Integrity/Honesty:  Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
29. Public trust: Abide by all laws, rules, regulations, and policies and commit no act that violates these while on or off duty. (limit characters)
30. Conduct investigations and law enforcement functions impartially and thoroughly, and report the results thereof fully, objectively, and with accuracy. (limit characters)
Certification Statement: (limit characters)
31. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001), my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 CFR part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)