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Position Title
Park Ranger (Protection) (Regional Law Enforcement Specialist)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
NC-1616-NCRO25-12723384-IMP Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, April 17, 2025 to Wednesday, April 30, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. 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.
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2. Are you a current career/career-conditional National Park Service Federal employee and meet the following Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibility:

Current National Park Service Federal employee with a career or career- conditional appointment 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. 

To verify your eligibility as a current National Park Service Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your competitive status showing that you are a current National Park Service employee. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
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3. 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).
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4. Are you a current career/career-conditional National Park Service Federal employee and meet the following Non-competitive Merit Promotion Eligibility:
 
Current National Park Service Federal employee with a 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.
 
To verify your eligibility as a National Park Service Federal employee, you must provide a copy of your current Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your competitive status showing that you are a current National Park Service employee. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
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Preferences
1. When you applied to this job, did you have any engagement with a National Park Service (NPS) Recruiter? (limit characters)
Due Weight Performance
1. My performance is at an acceptable level and I am not serving under a formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Park Ranger (Protection) position. Please answer the following questions pertaining to your experience and qualifications. (limit characters)
Selective Placement Factor requirement for the Park Ranger (Protection) position (limit characters)
1. You must possess a current NPS Type I Law Enforcement Commission or held one within the last three years or have completed an approved Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) training program as a prerequisite to obtaining a NPS Type I Law Enforcement Commission prior to entry-on-duty. You will be rated in eligible for this position if you do not meet this selective factor by the closing date of this announcement.
You must document how you meet this requirement, as indicated below, to be considered qualified for this position.
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2. This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position. Please select the response below that best describes how you meet this requirement.
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Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
3. This position requires the incumbent to possess a valid driver's license. Do you currently hold a valid driver's license?
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4. You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties. Are you able to maintain firearm proficiency and be subject to the Lautenberg Amendment.
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Minimum Qualifications Requirements for the Park Ranger (Protection) position (limit characters)
5. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Park Ranger (Protection) work at the GS-13 level or equivalent.

Read all responses before making your selection. If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, you will be considered not qualified and will not receive consideration for this position.
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For the questions below, please select the best answer or answers to indicate the skill level that you possess for each task listed. The questions were developed based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to perform the work of this position. Your responses will be used to determine minimum eligibility and qualification requirements. Be sure that your experience as listed in your application materials supports your responses to the questions below. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience that you describe in your application packet submitted for this position (application form or resume, transcripts, list and description of training completed and/or other items you submit). If not, your score will be lowered or you will be found not qualified. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. (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)
6. Provide assistance, support, coordination, and oversight to parks or offices related to techniques, policies, and practices of law enforcement.
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7. Provide advice and guidance on jurisdiction of federal land management agencies including as it relates to the responsibilities of other Federal, State agencies and local jurisdictions.
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8. Provide advice and guidance on the federal laws, rules, regulations, and polices applicable to visitor and resource protection.
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9. Conduct internal and criminal investigations.
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10. Independently research, interpret, and apply relevant legal and policy direction pertaining to law enforcement.
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11. Plan, coordinate, schedule, and complete projects according to established work plans under conditions where priorities are subject to frequent change.
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Public Safety & Security - Knowledge of the military, weaponry, and 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)
12. Provide input on development of national policy and guidance pertaining to law enforcement and other emergency services.
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13. Disseminate information from headquarters to park managers in the region regarding policy, guidance, and other relevant information on law enforcement and emergency services.
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14. Conduct law enforcement program audits.
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15. Provide technical, policy, and legal advice and support to parks for the administration of programs related to protection of persons and resources (law enforcement and emergency services).
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Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
16. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with units and programs at multiple levels, from field staff to superintendents, regional leadership and program leads, Investigative Services Branch and other federal programs, agencies, and partners.
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17. Describe and communicate articulately, persuasively, and effectively policy, regulatory, and technical matters to a wide range of audiences including field staff as well as high-level officials with NPS, DOI, and other agencies.
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18. Discuss agency positions on politically sensitive issues effectively with individuals and groups who are neutral or who do not support these positions.
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19. Represent region at events with high-ranking elected or appointed officials or their staff.
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Risk Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used for risk assessment and mitigation, including assessment of failures and their consequences. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
20. Use Operational Leadership to assess and manage risk in visitor and employee activities.
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21. Develop policies and guidance for parks and programs that incorporate risk management principles.
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22. Analyze training needs and determine and schedule training opportunities.
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Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner 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)
23. Write clear and concise reports and briefings on complex and/or highly technical matters.
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24. Develop law enforcement or emergency services planning documents, policies, procedures, and/or templates.
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25. Write complex reports pertaining to law enforcement audits and internal and criminal investigations.
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Verification Statement (limit characters)
26. 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.
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