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Posted: March 12, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Park Ranger (River Patrol)

Bureau of Land Management

Department of the Interior

Fresh

Salary

$45,155 - $72,716

per year

Closes

March 26, 2026More DOI jobs →

GS-5 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $33,878 - $44,042

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience. Bachelor's degree.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This temporary Park Ranger position involves patrolling rivers by rowing rafts through challenging whitewater areas, educating visitors on park rules and safety, and maintaining recreational sites in El Dorado Hills, California.

It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with rafting experience who enjoy guiding tours, collecting fees, and ensuring safe use of natural resources.

The role is short-term, limited to about 1039 hours per year, and does not lead to permanent employment.

Key Requirements

  • Skill to safely row a 15-16 foot raft in Class III-V whitewater rapids, with evidence of rivers navigated and years of experience
  • Knowledge of whitewater rescue techniques, including swift water swimming, hazard recognition, and shallow/deep water crossings
  • Ability to lift and move objects weighing over 50 pounds
  • For GS-5: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4 (e.g., explaining regulations, providing park info, collecting fees, maintaining facilities) or a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in related coursework, plus whitewater navigation experience
  • For GS-7: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 (e.g., park guiding, conservation work, recreation area operations) or graduate education in a related field, plus whitewater navigation experience
  • Combination of education and experience acceptable for both grade levels
  • Temporary appointment not exceeding 1039 hours per service year; not a law enforcement role

Full Job Description

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. This position is located in El Dorado Hills, California.

Visit El Dorado Hills, CA for information about the surrounding area. We expect to fill 1 vacancy, additional vacancies may be filled. Note: This is not a Law Enforcement positions.

This is a temporary appointment, and will not convey permanent status and will be for a period not-to-exceed 1039 hours in a service year.

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.

Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified: -You must have the skill and expertise to safely row a 15-16 foot raft in whitewater rapids rated on the International Scale from Class III to V.

This information must be present in your resume along with the River(s) you safely navigated the 15-16 foot raft and the number of years.

Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.

- You must demonstrate knowledge of whitewater rescue techniques to include swift water swimming, recognition of swift water hazards, knowledge of shallow and deep water crossings, and rescue problems.

- You must demonstrate the ability to lift and move objects weighting over 50 pounds.

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume.

No assumptions will be made about your experience.

GS-5 Park Ranger River Patrol: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: explaining regulations to park visitors; providing information and advice on park activities and resources; collecting fees; issuing reservations and permits; conducting guided tour programs; maintaining recreation facilities or trails; or monitoring special recreation permits..

Your experience must include navigating through Class III-V whitewater rapids.

OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related course work. OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience.

GS-7 Park Ranger River Patrol: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: experience as park guide or tour leader; archaeological 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; planning day to day operation of a recreation area providing such facilities as camping, water sports, picnic areas, or coordinating routine activities with maintenance personnel; advising visitors concerning safety, fire prevention, and proper and authorized uses of recreational facilities.

Your experience must include navigating through Class III-V whitewater rapids. OR Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education related to the occupation (i.e.

related course work). OR A combination of experience and education to meet total experience.

Superior Academic Achievement (See OPM's General Policies, Application of Qualification Standards Section 4.f.) S.A.A.

must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.

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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: The work is performed mostly outdoors in rugged terrain; to include very steep, wet, muddy, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces and requires physical exertion such as, standing for long periods of time, bending, crouching and stooping, digging, hiking, lifting, biking, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.

Work may involve early morning hours, night hours, or daytime hours and may require working on holidays. It can require carrying heavy backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads.

Work Environment: Work will be performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions, terrain, and elevations.

May take place in extremely remote environment to require camping and living skills for up to two weeks in duration. Indoor duties are performed in a normal office setting. Major Duties:

  • Responds to emergency situations, including swift river rescue and administering first aid. Safely row a 15-16 foot raft in whitewater rapids rated on the International Scale from Class III to V.
  • Patrols and inspects facilities ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. Conducts safety inspections and records visitor-related incidents.
  • Advises visitors concerning safety, fire prevention, amenities available, and proper and authorized uses of recreational facilities. Prepares recreation areas/sites for visitor use, to include planning, operation, and required maintenance.
  • Develops interpretive programs, conducting independent and in-depth research of topics. Monitors condition of sites and natural/cultural resources; ensuring protection of property from natural depredation.
  • Works with the public to provide information, conduct permit compliance and safety inspections, and conduct river patrols. Ensures facilities and customer use areas are free of visible safety hazards.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/13/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: CATEMP-26-12904413-JP