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.

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

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 02/27/2026 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" Denali National Park and Preserve include only: Anderson, Cantwell, Chulitna, Clear, Curry, Denali Park, Ferry, Healy, Kantishna, Lake Minchumina, McKinley Village, Nenana, Nikolai, Petersville, Talkeetna, Tanana, Telida, and Trapper Creek.

-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: Skill in interpersonal relations including but not limited to team building, conflict management, and coaching.

Skill in planning and delivering training for seasonal interpreters in interpretive theory and techniques, logistics, natural and cultural history, and ecological principals.

Skill in communicating a challenging concept or message in writing. Skill in analyzing interpretive programs and coaching/mentoring through verbal and written feedback of observed programs.

Skill in researching, developing, and presenting to diverse audiences a variety of thematic cultural and natural history interpretive programs such as talks and guided walks.

Skill in managing a complex schedule, evaluating success and challenges in an operation, and setting priorities or tasks for the work group. Major Duties:

If selected, you will work as a Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-09, at Denali National Park and Preserve.

The duties for this position include but are not limited to the following: Interpretation and Communication: Develop and present interpretive skills, techniques, and tools both, in-person and through interpretive media and technology to wide range audience.

Visitor Services and Facility Operations: Operate visitor facility and/or information desk; ensure visitor information fully supplied information materials for visitors; Regularly responding to electronic, telephone, or written inquiries received from the public.

Training: provide information in an array of informal methods; identify training needs.

Customer Service: Regularly works internal and external customers assessing, address and resolve visitor concerns and needs.

Training: Assists in planning, implementing and delivering interpretive skills and educational theory and methodology training to seasonal staff and/or park partners.

This includes creating and delivering training sessions that, topic aside, are by their very nature demonstrations of desired interpretive programming.

Works with training planning team to evaluate effectiveness of training program and to develop innovations to substantially improve its effectiveness.

Coaching: Observes interpretive programs and shares verbal and written feedback in a supportive, professional manner. Mentors and leads seasonal staff in day-to-day program development.

Uses effective leadership and communication skills to work with interpreters in such a way as to promote respect, confidence, teamwork, and professionalism.

Works with coaching team to evaluate effectiveness of coach training program, coaching protocols, and coach effectiveness, and to develop innovations for substantial improvement.

Interpretation: Researches, develops, and presents a variety of formal and informal interpretive programs which may include conducted walks, campground programs, off trail wilderness hikes and illustrative programs and which demonstrate a clear grasp of the principles of interpretation.

Prepares written interpretive program outlines. Competent with PC compatible equipment and software such as PowerPoint, MS Word, scanners, printers, etc.

Operations: May staff the visitor center desk, Savage River Check Station or park phone lines when staffing schedules are tight. Updates or write manuals, SOPs and handouts. May develop work schedules.

Identifies and reports on facility conditions, exhibit conditions, supply inventories and purchasing needs. Communicates effectively with other divisions and park partners.

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.

They 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.

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