Park Ranger Protection

Clarification from the agency

This is a Merit Promotion Announcement Open To Current National Park Service Competitive Service Career and Career Conditional Federal Employees, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles; and Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) eligibles. Refer to Required Documents section for more information.

This position reports directly to the Chief Ranger and provides oversight and leadership to up to 3 employees, and volunteers.

MAJOR DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Serves as a senior uniformed, commissioned law enforcement officer performing duties for the protection, conservation, use, and management of natural and/or cultural resources in the park. Patrols include using various transportation methods in the wilderness such as small watercraftsand ski patrols.
• Participates in emergency incidents which include search and rescue operations, wildland and/structural fire, special law enforcement operations, and other major emergencies.
• Provides supervision and leadership for up to three subordinates conducting law enforcement operations on federal lands.
• Serves as a Wilderness Coordinator and subject matter expert providing guidance to managers for work anticipated to occur within eligible or designated wilderness areas, ensuring compliance with legal and policy requirements of wilderness management. Participates as a member of theAlaska Region's Backcountry and Wilderness Advisory Group tracking issues and policy changes, updating local procedures to reflect changing regulations, law, and negotiated management agreements with local and regional groups, tribes, and federal/state agency staffs.
• Serves as the point of contact with community officials, the public, and interest groups regarding matters that impact the protection of visitors or natural resources, including protection of subsistence resources.
• Serves as a Resource Educator, interpreting resources to visitors about the significance of resource protection and conservation by explaining necessary laws and regulations to provide safe and non-resource impacting visitation experiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position is required to meet and continuously maintain the physical/medical standards set forth in the requirements established by DO/RM#57. The work may require physical exertion such as regular and recurring long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, rocky surfaces; mountainous terrain; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activity; carrying of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as fire packs and rescue gear; long periods of activity requiring upper body strength and endurance such as rowing oar and paddle propelled watercraft for multiple days. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities of such as above average agility and dexterity. Duties involve performing physically rigorous assignments, oftentimes in isolated outdoor environments, frequently while exposed to severe weather conditions. There is a physical, mental, and emotionally high stress component to the work assignments. The position requires dangerous persons must be physically confronted, subdued, and apprehended, many of whom are known to carry weapons. Prisoners must be kept under physical restraint during transport and processing. Criminal investigations occasionally must be carried out without regard to fixed work schedules, days off, or opportunities for proper rest or nutrition.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment is field work with some office work in the summer and the opposite inthe winter. Field work of the incumbent regularly includes long periods of standing, hiking and/or climbing, in many cases on uneven steep, rough, slippery, and/or rugged terrain. Strenuous exertion is frequently required in law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, and medical related emergency activities. Lifting or carrying equipment over 50 pounds such as firefighting or search and rescue equipment is required. In some situations, heavy packs may have to be carried long distances over uneven, unimproved surfaces, or snow-covered terrain. The duties involve performing physically rigorous work in an isolated outdoor environment while exposed to severe weather conditions. Work may involve periodic exposure to high risks or discomforts such as low temperatures, high winds, adverse or extreme weather conditions, ocean water, falling limbs or trees, exposure to heights, and similar situations. Incumbent may require special safety precautions, i.e., working around boats, aircraft, off road vehicles, moving parts, or machines, persons with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals, blood borne pathogens, dangerous animals, and substances, etc. Incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, gloves, helmets, or shields. The work is performed at various hours of the day, and night and for prolonged periods.

TELEWORK: The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Conditions of employment

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• DRIVER'S LICENCE: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• MEDICAL CERTIFICATION: Must possess and maintain a current a National Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• DRUG TESTING: Pre-employment and random drug testing is required. You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received.
• PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENT: A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed. You must maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment.
• UNIFORM: You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• GOVERNMET CHARGE CARD: You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• FINANCIAL FILER REQUIREMENT: A financial disclosure report will be required within 30 days of appointment.
• FIREARM PROFICIENCY: Firearm qualification and certification are required for the role, and ongoing proficiency must be maintained
• You must at least 21 years old. You must be free of any domestic violence convictions.
• Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The PEB is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measures body fat. Prior to appointment, selectees will be tested in all five components, and must pass the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run in the 25th percentile.

* ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LOCATED UNDER QUALIFICATIONS *

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED:

• Must not have reached your 37th birthday prior to the first day of employment. Exception to mandatory age requirement: Applicants who have 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 if an applicant is a qualified veteran and is preference eligible, in which case the mandatory entry age is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.

This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

QUALIFICATIONS:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 07/30/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s), you will be rated not qualified.

• MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: This is a primary position covered by enhanced retirement provisions which stipulate mandatory retirement at age 57 after 20 years of service. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, and must not have reached their 37th birthday upon appointment to this position. 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.
• TYPE 1 LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION: Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a valid Type 1 NPS Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 07/30/2026. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.
• DRIVER'S LICENSE: Must have a current, valid State Driver's License by 07/30/2026.

AND

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:

EXPERIENCE: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Park Guide or tour leader; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; or other similar work. (YOU MUST INCLUDE HOURS PER WEEK WORKED).

OR

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least three full years of graduate level study leading to a Doctorate, Ph.D., or equivalent degree at an accredited college or university in directly-related fields such as 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, or sociology. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS.)

OR

COMBINATION: Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. (YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS.)

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

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 assessment(s) required for this position.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment, if required.

All qualified non-competitive applicants and the best-qualified Merit Promotion applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

DUE WEIGHT: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation dated within the last 18 months and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration or your score may be lowered. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) 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 rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level.

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) -07/30/2026-unless otherwise stated.

1. 2-Page Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates in month-year format (include month/day/year format if needed for 52 weeks of experience), and indicate hours worked per week (or full-time). Your resume must clearly show how long you have held each grade/rank. Resumes must not exceed 2 single-sided pages and resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements. Resume Builder: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
2. Complete All Required Assessments.
3. Performance Appraisals and Awards: All applicants must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor. If the performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months OR no performance appraisal is available, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
4. Documentation that you meet the Selective Factors.
5. College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education.
6. Eligibility Documentation:
   • Current and former Federal employees must submit latest SF-50 (i.e. Promotion, Separation, Within Grade Increase (WGI)) showing tenure 1 or 2 in block 24, grade, and if applicable, an additional SF-50 showing the highest grade or promotion potential held. Time in grade will be determined by reviewing your resume and required SF-50s. If your SF-50 showing highest permanent grade held has an effective date within the past year, your resume must clearly show that you held that grade for one year. Do not submit award SF-50s.
   • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA): If you are applying under LMWFA, you must submit ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment verifying the Position Occupied code 1-Competitive Service (block 34); AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each period of temporary employment claimed, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period.
   • Documentation for 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.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents.

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