Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) Job

Vacancy No. SE-1628-EVER-25-12750482-DE Department National Park Service
Salary $40,332.00 to $69,174.00 Grade 5 to 7
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/26/2025 Close Date 10/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Homestead, FLMiami, FLOchopee, FL


Summary

These positions are located in Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park, in the Resource Education and Interpretation Division.

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for these parks is October - April but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: Mid-October through early November depending on location.

Duties

Please see the "Education" section of this announcement for additional information regarding these positions.

This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period.

Applications will be reviewed for referral after the following dates:

  • July 14, 2025
  • August 11, 2025
  • September 8, 2025
  • October 6, 2025
  • October 31, 2025

Major Duties:
Rangers deliver curriculum-based education programs for K-12 students from October through April, managing groups of up to 70 participants from diverse backgrounds and learning abilities. Programs include ecological and historical explorations, hands-on scientific data collection, and plant and animal identification. Rangers lead physically demanding activities, which may include walking through knee-to-thigh deep water in swamps, enduring heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and rugged terrain. Responsibilities include presenting pre-trip classroom lessons, ensuring group safety and time management, maintaining educational equipment and supplies, and assisting with teacher workshops. Rangers also develop lesson plans, activities, videos, and web content that align with state and national education standards while working closely with volunteers, interns, and staff.

Rangers also conduct outreach by researching, developing, and presenting interpretive programs for adult special interest groups, both within the parks and in nearby communities. These programs may include wet walks, canoeing and kayaking excursions, biking tours, boardwalk hikes, dark sky programs, snorkeling trips, history talks, field science activities, and multi-day camping experiences. Rangers represent the parks at festivals and events, partner with environmental organizations, create interpretive media such as exhibits and program flyers, and assist in training new staff, interns, and volunteers. Additional duties include handling visitor inquiries, submitting program statistics, assisting visitor centers, maintaining government vehicles, and identifying and reporting safety issues. The role requires knowledge of paddling, water safety, and natural resource management, as well as the ability to work in physically demanding environments.

Area Descriptions:
These positions are located in Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, and Everglades National Park. These NPS units boast subtropical climates with mild, pleasant winters and hot, rainy, and buggy summers. Winter temperatures seldom drop below 40 degrees and only for short periods.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a 729,000-acre landscape of cypress forests, mangroves, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife, including alligators and the elusive Florida panther. Established in 1974 as the nation's first national preserve, it protects vital freshwater resources while allowing traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle use. Incumbents must be prepared to lead programs on wet trails and in surrounding schools. Information about Big Cypress National Preserve can be obtained by visiting www.nps.gov/bicy.

Biscayne National Park preserves a rare blend of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and vibrant coral reefs, all within sight of downtown Miami. As a gateway to South Florida's natural and cultural history, the park partners with local organizations to provide access for visitors to explore its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich maritime heritage. Educational programs, based out of the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, FL, feature day trips, classroom visits, distance learning, and overnight camping programs. More information about Biscayne National Park can be found at www.nps.gov/bisc.

Everglades National Park is a vast, subtropical wilderness unlike any other, home to sawgrass prairies, cypress domes, mangrove forests, the Florida Bay, and a stunning array of wildlife. As a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, it plays a critical role in protecting the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Incumbents provide educational programs at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead and the Shark Valley Visitor Center in Miami, helping visitors connect with the park's rich biodiversity, cultural history, and ongoing conservation efforts through day trips, distance learning, and overnight camping programs. More information about Everglades National Park can be found at www.nps.gov/ever.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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 will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also 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 disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  • 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.
  • Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
  • Housing may be available.
  • Applicants will be required to maintain the following skills for the duration of appointment:
    • Spanish language proficiency
    • Ability to swim and self-rescue
    • Canoe and kayak paddling skills

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/31/2025-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.

SELECTIVE FACTOR: These positions must be able to communicate to visitors in the Spanish language, thus Spanish language proficiency is required. Candidates who do not meet, and document meeting this requirement in their application, by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for these positions.

- AND -

SELECTIVE FACTOR: Incumbents in these positions 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. Candidates who do not meet, and document meeting this requirement in their application, by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for these positions.

- AND -

SELECTIVE FACTOR: Incumbents in these positions must be able to paddle canoes and/or kayaks up to and over 5 miles in a single trip and lead visitors on canoe and kayak trips. Candidates who do not meet, and document meeting this requirement in their application, by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for these positions.

To qualify for these positions at the GS-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-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; 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 a 4-year course of study above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related course work in a major study such as: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, 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. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Successful completion of a combination of experience and education as described above. To combine experience and education, first take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12. Multiply the resulting decimal by 100. Then take the number of credits completed above 60 and divide by 60. Multiply the resulting decimal by 100. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.

To qualify for these positions at the GS-07 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-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: 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; environmental education, history and/or cultural resources education, and/or natural sciences education. Work MUST include independent research AND presentation. You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate study in one of the following fields: natural resource management, natural sciences, marine biology/sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, wetlands ecology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. (One year of graduate education is 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours). (You must include transcripts.)

-OR-

Superior Academic Achievement. Grade point average of B (a G.P.A. 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 years of undergraduate study; A grade-point average of B+ (a G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses you completed in the last two years; Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision; or Membership in National Honor Societies. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate coursework (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an Honor Society. (You must include transcripts.)

-OR-

Successful completion of a combination of experience and education as described above. To combine experience and education, first take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12. Multiply the resulting decimal by 100. Then take the number of graduate level credits completed and divide by 18. Multiply the resulting decimal by 100. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. 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.

Education

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.

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.

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 rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. 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).

Additional Information:

This announcement is to recruit for nine GS-0025-05 and nine GS-0025-07 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in the following locations:

  • 4 GS-0025-05 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in Ochopee, FL at Big Cypress National Preserve
  • 3 GS-0025-05 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in Homestead, FL at Biscayne National Park
  • 2 GS-0025-05 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in Homestead, FL at Everglades National Park
  • 1 GS-0025-07 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in Homestead, FL at Biscayne National Park
  • 3 GS-0025-07 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in Homestead, FL at Everglades National Park
  • 5 GS-0025-07 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions in Miami, FL, at Everglades National Park
At the time of this announcement, no GS-0025-07 Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation) positions are anticipated to be filled at Big Cypress National Preserve.

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

Pay Breakdown:
Ochopee, FL. GS-5: $40,332 - $52,426 Per Year ($19.33 - $25.12 Per Hour)
Ochopee, FL. GS-7: $49,960 - $64,952 Per Year ($23.94 - $31.12 Per Hour)
Homestead/Miami FL. GS-5: $42,954 - $55,835 Per Year ($20.58 - $26.75 Per Hour)
Homestead/Miami FL. GS-7: $53,208 - $69,174 Per Year ($25.49 - $33.15 Per Hour)

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

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.

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.

Physical Demands: The work involves extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines, carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, etc.


Working Conditions: The work is performed in settings in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness, e.g., high or low temperatures, confined spaces or adverse weather conditions.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

The employees of the National Park Service care for special places that are the heritage of all Americans. Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Park ranger - interpreters connect people to parks. They play a key role in ensuring that visitors have a meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experience, help visitors decide how to spend their time in the park, and inform them about the wonders that await their discovery. Park ranger - interpreters are specially trained to engage the public so that each park visitor can find a personal connection with the meanings and values found in the places and stories of that park. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for those visitors to care for park resources. National parks are among the most remarkable places in America for recreation, learning, and inspiration. The work done by park ranger-interpreters through effective interpretive and educational programs encourages the development of a personal stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations.

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:
  • Education and Training
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Interpretation
  • Leadership
  • Oral Communication
  • Partnering
  • Self-Management
  • Technology Application
  • Writing


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/31/2025:

  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. Documentation of meeting the Selective Factors.
  5. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
  6. 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.
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.

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 10/31/2025. 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.

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."
  3. Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
  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

Erin Lamm
Address
Everglades National Park
40001 SR 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
US

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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