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Position Title
Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation)
Agency
National Park Service
Announcement Number
SE-1628-EVER-25-12750482-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, June 26, 2025 to Tuesday, July 15, 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 United States Citizen?

For more information, review Employment of U.S Citizens.
(limit characters)
3. 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)
4. 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)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
3. Would you accept a temporary appointment? (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)
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 (Interpretation) GS-0025-05 (limit characters)
1. Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Park Ranger (Interpretation) work at the GS-05 level or equivalent. 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 (Interpretation) GS-0025-07 (limit characters)
2. Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Park Ranger (Interpretation) work at the GS-07 level or equivalent. 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)
Selective Placement Factor - Foreign Language Requirement: These positions have a mandatory requirement that applicants must possess conversational fluency in the Spanish language. (IMPORTANT: Your resume must describe your proficiency level in order to receive credit).  Applicants who do not document Spanish language proficiency in their application will receive no further consideration for these positions. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
3. Do you currently possess conversational fluency in Spanish (in addition to English) that allows you to communicate information verbally to visitors on the spot?  To receive credit, you must describe your experience in your application. If you do not possess the skill level required, and provide documentation of possessing the skill level required, you will receive no further consideration for these positions. (limit characters)
Selective Placement Factor - Proficient Swimmer Requirement: These positions have a mandatory requirement that applicants must be able to swim safely and self-rescue. (IMPORTANT: Your resume must describe your proficiency level in order to receive credit). (limit characters)
4. These positions have a mandatory requirement for the ability to swim safely and self-rescue.  Applicants must be able to swim and self-rescue (re-enter a swamped canoe or kayak without assistance from others or by landing at a dock or beach) while canoeing and kayaking. To receive credit, you must describe your experience in your application.  If you do not possess the skill level required, and provide documentation of possessing the skill level required, you will receive no further consideration for these positions. (limit characters)
Selective Placement Factor - Canoe/Kayak Proficiency: These positions have a mandatory requirement that applicants must be able to paddle a canoe/kayak at least 5 miles and lead visitors on canoe/kayak trips. (IMPORTANT: Your resume must describe your proficiency level in order to receive credit). (limit characters)
5. These positions have the mandatory requirement for the ability to paddle canoes and kayaks up to and over 5 miles in a single trip and lead visitors on canoe and kayak trips.  Applicants who do not document this ability in their application will receive no further consideration.  Do you have the ability to paddle a canoe and/or kayak at least 5 miles in coastal conditions, including strong tidal currents and strong winds? (limit characters)
For the questions below, please select from A through E 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. Be sure to describe your experience that supports your answers to the questions below, in your resume or application materials. It is important that your application package submitted, including a resume or application form, clearly shows how you possess the experience and skills levels you claim in this questionnaire. Each of your responses must be clearly supported by your education, training, and/or specific work experience 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)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
6. Conducts peer program audits, referencing the primary interpretive themes and interpretive principles of the unit. (limit characters)
7. Reaches out and builds relationships with previously uncontacted groups or organizations. (limit characters)
8. Reinforces current standing relationships with existing partners and creates new goals to meet the mission of the agency. (limit characters)
9. Acts a model to less experienced staff a to how to achieve higher goals and work under minimal supervision (limit characters)
10. Conducts programs in a timely manner to allow for plenty of time to mentor others. (limit characters)
11. Completes tasks with minimal supervision. (limit characters)
12. Presents curriculum-based environmental education programs to students from a variety of age groups, varying learning and physical abilities, and varying cultural backgrounds. (limit characters)
13. Designs and presents educational programs using STEM Concepts that satisfy national and state science standards. (limit characters)
14. Manages large groups of school children using group management and instructional techniques in varied outdoor settings. (limit characters)
15. Coordinate and implement large special events and outreach programs with partners and stakeholders. (limit characters)
16. Coordinate and facilitate teacher workshops and trainings for teachers and students. (limit characters)
17. Develop thematic programs that interpret and communicate astronomical principles, phenomena, deep sky objects, hazards of light pollution and other astronomical concepts to diverse audiences. (limit characters)
18. Develop thematic interpretive night sky programs that highlight the purpose of International Dark Sky Parks. (limit characters)
19. Research scientific, technical, and/or historical sources to develop information and educational programs. (limit characters)
20. Translate scientific, technical, and/or historical information into understandable concepts for diverse audiences. (limit characters)
21. Provide information to the public about cultural, historical or natural science-oriented topics to answer questions, stimulate their interest and appreciation. (limit characters)
22. Utilize a variety of interpretive techniques (such as activities, short talks, presentations) using interpretive techniques, (such as metaphor, storytelling, analogies) to deliver information to diverse audiences. (limit characters)
23. Develop interpretive programs (such as activities, short talks, presentations) using interpretive techniques, products and principles to facilitate intellectual and/or emotional connections between audience's interests and their surroundings. (limit characters)
24. Conduct strenuous interpretive off-trail hikes in rough terrain and difficult conditions involving long periods of walking and standing. (limit characters)
25. Develop and lead interpretive canoe and kayak trips for diverse student and adult groups with the ability to swim and self-rescue. (limit characters)
26. Serve as a front-line representative of an organization to greet customers and answer questions. (limit characters)
27. Provide direction to, information on, and orientation regarding services or articles of interest to the public. (limit characters)
28. Educate customers regarding rules, regulations, and safety concerns to gain compliance. (limit characters)
29. Presents informational talks, guided tours, briefings, and/or lectures to various audiences to inform or educate. (limit characters)
30. Respond verbally to customers' inquiries for information, direction, and/or guidance. (limit characters)
31. Initiate verbal communication with customers in a variety of settings to informal, educate, and/or guide. (limit characters)
32. Responds in writing to customers' inquiries for information, direction and/or guidance. (limit characters)
33. Writes letters, reports, programs/presentation outlines, or other documents for information purposes. (limit characters)
34. Drafts bulletins, brochures, or articles for eventual publications. (limit characters)
35. Uses multimedia (audio-visual equipment, video conferencing and computer software) to create informational presentations or products. (limit characters)
36. Develops or updates interpretive products (such as exhibit text, trail guides, web casts), for natural, historical, or cultural programs, publications, or exhibits (limit characters)
37. Uses computer software for internet research, word processing and data entry to accomplish work. (limit characters)
38. 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)