Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Full Job Description

NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039-hour season.

This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season(s) reflected in this announcement. See the Additional Information section for details.

Applicants that apply to and are selected for McCarthy will be duty stationed at Kennecott, AK.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 03/16/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required.

Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties.

-AND- To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration.

The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraphs. Areas considered "near" Wrangell-St.

Elias National Park and Preserve are Chisana, Chistochina, Chitina, Copper Center, Dot Lake, Gakona, Gakona Junction, Glennallen, Gulkana, Healy Lake, Kenny Lake, Long Lake, Lower & Upper Tonsina, McCarthy, Mendeltna, Mentasta Lake, Nabesna, Nelchina, Northway/Northway Village, Northway Junction, Slana, Tanacross, Tazlina, Tetlin, Tok, Tonsina and Yakutat.

-ALSO- The following are the competencies identified for this position.

Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies: Ability to communicate orally to diverse groups and in a variety of settings.

Ability to research, develop, and present a variety of formal, structured, and impromptu thematic interpretative programs such as talks, guided walks and off-site programs to diverse audiences.

Ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer services (Interpersonal skills).

Skill in daily operation of a busy visitor center/Information desk, sales outlet, bookstore, or similar facility to include providing frontline information and support services.

Skill in operating computers, various computer programs, and office equipment.

Additional Competency for the GS-0025-07 grade level: Ability to mentor and provide on-the-job training to lower graded team members. Major Duties:

The typical season for this position is April - September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April 2026.

Duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following: Develops interpretive programs, conducts basic research of topics using records, documents, books, files, and interviews with people who have personal knowledge.

Presents onsite programs to a wide variety of audiences. Programs may include guided walks, demonstrations, evening PowerPoint presentations, campfire programs, and children's programs.

Conducts offsite programs to community groups, curriculum-based programs to school children and other programs to various interest groups on park-related themes.

Develops interpretive props and other material needed for offsite programs. Staffs Information Desk at visitor center serving as initial contact for all visitors entering the building.

Greets visitors and provides information on a variety of subjects including local and regional attractions. Conducts Wilderness trip planning sessions with an emphasis on safety.

Conducts sales of cooperating association publications, issues federal subsistence permits, and replenishes stock of free publications when necessary.

Answers the telephone and provides area information or takes messages. Operates and maintains a variety of audiovisual equipment. Services AV systems at visitor centers and off-site.

Operates audiovisual programs at park visitor centers and off-site. May take photos and perform other photographic tasks, and contributes to social media platforms.

Performs roving interpretation throughout the park and surrounding area at varied points of visitor interest.

In addition to the above, duties at the GS-0025-07 level include but are not limited to the following: Demonstrates a broad understanding of the interpretive profession and can articulate it to others through training and coaching.

Suggests new topics, revisions, and other changes or improvements in the overall interpretive program and individual peer programs.

Performs various administrative duties including scheduling, gathering information for reports, and compilation of statistical data.

Prepares written communications such as information requests, letters, and the park's webpage and social media pages.

Serves as a role model for other staff members and assists with program development, coaching, and training of other staff members.

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.

Please visit find a park for additional park information.