National Park Service Logo
Position Title
Lead Dispatcher
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
IM-1540-GRTE-25-12724488-ST Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, April 21, 2025 to Monday, May 5, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you:
  • complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area; AND,
  • receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND,
  • return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
 
For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees resources. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and performance appraisal.
(limit characters)
6. Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you never held the full performance level of this position?
 
-OR-
 
Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have you never held the full performance level of this position?
 
To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.  Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
  • career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
(limit characters)
7. Have you completed at least 1 year of continuous service immediately before separation from one or
more nontemporary Foreign Service appointments; AND, your separation from a Foreign Service career-type appointment occurred in the last 3 years (individuals entitled to veteran's preference do not need to meet this 3-year requirement)?For more information, review  on OPM.GOV.  
 
-OR-
 
Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service? For more information, review  on OPM.GOV.  
 
-OR-
 
Are you a current or former limited non-career appointee with the Foreign Service and have at least 48 months of continuous service, a performance rating of satisfactory or better, and if a former employee, no more than a one year break in service since your qualifying appointment?
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-
50) reflecting your nontemporary status.  If you are outside of the 3-year requirement but are entitled to veteran's preference, 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.
(limit characters)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. 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)
12. Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service at the same grade level as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential?
 
-OR-
 
Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or have you obtained career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you held the same grade as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential?
 
To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.  Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
  • career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
  • status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
(limit characters)
13. 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)
14. 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)
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. When you applied to this job, did you have any engagement with a National Park Service (NPS) Recruiter? (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. One or more positions advertised through this vacancy announcement may be required occupant positions. The employee will be required to reside in government assigned housing. Rent will be automatically deducted from your pay on a pre-tax basis. Are you willing to accept a required occupant position? If you select "No" you will not receive consideration for required occupant positions. (limit characters)
4. All applicants must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor or, if one is unavailable, a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level). If submitting a performance appraisal not dated within the last 18 months, a statement as to why it is the most recent must be submitted. Provide statement below.

NOTE: applicants applying under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act MUST provide all performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment used to meet eligibility to apply under this authority. Statements why performance evaluations are not available will not be accepted. Official memorandum from a supervisor confirming performance is/was at an acceptable level for the duration of employment claimed is acceptable
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
1. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how your background meets the minimum experience or education requirements for a Lead Dispatcher GS-2151-09 position. Read all the responses before making your selection. If you leave this question blank, you will be rated ineligible for this position.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Provide team leadership by assigning work/projects, adjusting the flow of work, and following up on issues.
(limit characters)
3. Ensure the productivity of the work group by soliciting input from members, listening to suggestions, and implementing suggestions when feasible.
(limit characters)
4. Identify development and training needs of employees to provide career development opportunities.
(limit characters)
5. Review internal operating procedures and systems related to public safety to make recommendations for improvement.
(limit characters)
6. Receive and resolve simple complaints or disputes involving employees.
(limit characters)
7. Develop formal or informal coursework for dispatch staff personnel training covering topics related to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and/or 911 public safety dispatching operations.
(limit characters)
8. As an advanced senior dispatcher, work with dispatchers, technicians, and others on troubleshooting radio, computer network, or similar system outages that do not respond to standard solutions and resolve problems referred by others.
(limit characters)
9. As a senior dispatcher serving in a complex dispatch environment of multiple units, jurisdictions, and/or agencies, provide training to lower-graded and/or new dispatchers and informs on proper procedures.
(limit characters)
10. Provide training to lower-graded and/or new dispatchers and inform them on the proper dispatching procedures as required.
(limit characters)
11. Provide technical guidance, orientation, and training to lower-level dispatchers regarding the operation of public safety computer networks.
(limit characters)
12. Ensure personnel safety by maintaining status on responders who are responding to incidents in the field; anticipate responders' requests and needs.
(limit characters)
13. Coordinate responses to emergency incidents by initiating response of personnel and equipment according to organization's protocols and providing communication and logistical support to responders.
(limit characters)
14. Query and relay information critical to law enforcement activities (wants, warrants, driver and vehicle status, Be on the Lookout, and Attempt to Locate) in order to assist law enforcement personnel with contacts and investigations.
(limit characters)
15. Relay and exchange sensitive or confidential information with other individuals or organizations.
(limit characters)
16. Operate a multi-frequency radio or multi-line phone console in a communications center to initiate responses to incidents including dispatching personnel and/or equipment.
(limit characters)
17. Coordinate the use of assigned radio frequencies, direct radio traffic to appropriate channels, and restrict channels to emergency use as needed to prioritize radio traffic and related communications.
(limit characters)
18. Serve as primary point of contact for law enforcement or other public safety responders monitoring radio traffic and assisting operations.
(limit characters)
19. Utilize and analyze information from a variety of national, state, or local law enforcement related computer databases/systems/networks.
(limit characters)
20. Perform dispatch and call taking services for a wide variety of complex public safety related incidents and operations (complex is indicated by factors such as environment being highly urbanized, remote, serving multiple units, jurisdiction, or agencies, high visibility to the public, or of media interest) that requires applying an extensive body of dispatch procedures and knowledge.
(limit characters)
21. Coordinate a wide variety of emergency responses (rescue, ambulance, helicopter operations, or similar) that involve either coordination with multiple agencies, and/or that occur in complex environments (urbanized, remote, etc).
(limit characters)
22. Determine chief medical emergency complaint and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers using Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) or similar formalized protocols.
(limit characters)
23. Negotiate with others to reach agreement, settlement, consensus, compliance or a solution while under significant time constraints.
(limit characters)