Park Ranger (General) Job

Vacancy No. SE-1630-CAHA-25-12642090-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $40,132.00 to $40,132.00 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/18/2024 Close Date 1/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Buxton, NCNags Head, NC


Summary

These positions are located in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, in the Resource and Visitor Protection Division.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for National Parks of Eastern North Carolina is April - October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty:April 06, 2025.

Duties

Open to the first 75 applicants or until 01/03/2025 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Based on general knowledge of agency policies and specific knowledge of the park's operating methods as they relate to resource management and protection, and visitor use management, the employee performs day-to-day patrol operations to facilitate visitor understanding and enjoyment, and to induce behavior that complies with park regulations. Work may be performed in both front country and/or backcountry environments.

Provides a wide range of services to visitors, including assistance with lost articles, first aid; and provides information about weather conditions, beach conditions, highway routes, park and concessioner facilities, and prices. In performing this duty the ranger is responsible for providing current, accurate information concerning the NPS and other surrounding areas of interest, explaining the areas recreational opportunities, including NPS interpretive services, concession-operated facilities and services, campground availability and hiking trails. Additionally, provides public orientation and explanations of current park events, and informs visitors of potential safety hazards.

Monitors and reports on the condition of the resources of the park. Observes and identifies park resource problems or potential problems that can be corrected or mitigated by immediate attention. With respect to more complex problems, incumbent recommends and/or may participate in the development and implementation of plans to address the problems. Performs office duties such as participating in the development of reports, gathering/collection of routine information, database management, and other administrative support tasks, such as assisting in the creation or revision of interpretive materials, guidebooks, handouts. Plans day-to-day operation of an assigned patrol area. Coordinates routine activities with employees from other work units. Provides visitors with information concerning safety, area information, travel routes, historical and natural features, and outdoor ethics. Checks for and gains compliance with rules and regulations through visitor education. Monitors visitor use patterns and associated impacts on the resource. Observes, documents, and maintains records of various backcountry conditions. Performs these tasks by conducting hiking patrols throughout the back-country trail system. Patrols park beaches and performs marine debris removal. Identifies beach equipment left overnight and tags equipment for removal by owner. Items that have been tagged for several days should be removed and stored at the district office.

Patrols Park boundaries and performs needed maintenance by posting signs, repairing or building fences and using appropriate tools. Uses GPS systems to document assigned data collection. Investigates and reports all trespass or damage to Government property, showing amount of damage or type of trespass, persons involved and recommendations for corrective action. Works on own initiative to mitigate or restore damage to government property within established programs and by following established procedures. Informs visitors about park resources (flora, fish, wildlife, features, etc.), with emphasis on behaviors that may be potentially dangerous to visitors. Provides visitors with information on permit applications, requirements and terms. Upon identification of permit violations, reports violation to the appropriate person. Observes, documents, and maintains records of wildlife conditions and observations. Communicates observations to other work units. Provides a variety of logistical support for routine park operations. Collaborates and works closely with other park divisions, park partners and cooperating agencies. As a uniformed employee, incumbent may be responsible for impromptu informative talks. Tracks and records the number of visitor contacts. Operates vehicles and equipment used in general park operations such as full size 4x4 pick-up trucks. The employee may be called upon to operate other park equipment within the scope of training. The employee is authorized and required to wear the NPS uniform while on duty.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

DUTIES CONT.

Provides answers to recurring and non-recurring visitor questions concerning specific park areas (in person, via telephone, or by responding to written requests for information). Explains the area's recreational opportunities, including NPS interpretive services, concession-operated facilities and services, and campground availability; distributes maps, brochures, and other printed material; provides directions and routes of travel through the park; and informs visitors of potential safety hazards. Provides assistance in connection with one-time or annual celebrations related to programs and themes of the park and assists in the operations of special events.

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • Occupancy of government quarters maybe available.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-01/03/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

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 (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS- 0025-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-0025-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: Experience may have been in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park related work. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: preparing and presenting recurring interpretive programs and conducting basic research for such programs; performing the routine operations of a visitor facility and/or information desk; reviewing existing park policies, standards, methods, controls, and procedures; operating a variety of audiovisual and other equipment. You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of four years of education above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with major study of 24 semester hours of course work in a related field, (Related fields of study include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources.) IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must document your course work and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit. You must submit a copy of your transcripts, or a complete list of college courses taken that identifies for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade received, and date completed. If you are qualifying based on education and you do not submit specific course work information as described previously, your application will be rated not qualified for consideration. (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected). You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. NOTE: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described in A above (50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education) which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the related coursework required).

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

AREA INFORMATION:

The Outer Banks are comprised by several towns including Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Buxton, and Ocracoke. The area is a beach destination and the beaches, and Albemarle, and Pamlico sounds provide exceptional recreational opportunities, such as fishing, surfing, boating, and many other water-sports. There are several highly rated elementary, middle, and high schools and numerous extracurricular activities available for children. These towns all have homes for sale or rent and are within reasonable driving distance. The Outer Banks has many modern conveniences, such as grocery stores, retail shopping, banks, a hospital, and many restaurants. The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (www.outerbankschamber.com) and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (www.outerbanks.org) websites can provide additional community information.
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Wright Brothers National Memorial (www.nps.gov/wrbr): Wright Brother National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills, NC. It commemorates the location of the first flight by the Wright Brothers in December of 1903. This park hosts several special events including National Aviation Day and The Outer Banks Marathon.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fora): Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located just outside the town of Manteo, NC on the North end of Roanoke Island. The Outer Banks Group Headquarters is located within Fort Raleigh NHS. The park was designated as a national historic site to preserve the site of the First English Settlement in the new world. This site also preserves the cultural heritage of the Native Americans, European Americans and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island. The Lost Colony play is the longest running symphonic outdoor drama in the country and it runs during the summer months in the park.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion and can involve extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or in caves, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Some employees may engage in firefighting, search and rescue, and other strenuous activities; these employees may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances. Employees who participate in all-risk operations will be required to meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis.

Working Conditions: The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, climates, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc. Some employees may be engaged in all-risk operations and be exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. 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.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

  • Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Oral Communication
  • Physical Strength
  • Technical Competence

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/03/2025:

  1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
  2. Complete All Required Assessments.
  3. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
    • Veterans Preference Documentation:
      • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
      • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
      • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
  4. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education. You will be required to submit your official transcript prior to EOD.
  5. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.
  6. Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is considered by the organization as well qualified. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/03/2025. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

  1. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
  2. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
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  4. Select documents you want included in this application.
  5. Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
  6. Select if you want to include your demographic information.
  7. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
  8. Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
  9. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
    • Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
  10. Review and Submit Application.
  11. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
  12. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
    • To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
    • Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Agency contact information

Mary Hearne
Address
National Parks of Eastern North Carolina
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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