Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Full Job Description

These positions are located at Kenai Fjords National Park in the Interpretation and Education Division.

This is also an open continuous announcement with an established initial cut-off date of April 13, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the first cut-off date.

Please see Next Steps for additional information. This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 04/29/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

ELIGIBIITY 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 paragraph.

Areas considered "near" Kenai Fjords National Park are the communities of Seward and Moose Pass extending north the Milepost 45 of the Seward Highway, as well as to the tribal villages with documented ties.

These tribal villages include the Native Village of Nanwalek and the Native Village of Port Graham on the southwestern tip of the Kenai Peninsula as well as Seldovia Village Tribe.

Also included is the Community of Homer, extending north on the Sterling Highway to mile post 165 and East End Road's end. -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 in a variety of settings.

Ability to communicate in writing.

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

Ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service.

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

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

Knowledge of or ability to learn about natural and cultural resources topics specific to Kenai Fjords National Park and southcentral Alaska, such as Alaska-related climate change issues, Alutiiq culture and history, southcentral Alaska geology and glaciology.

Major Duties:

You will work as a Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05, at Kenai Fjords National Park.

Duties may include: Develop interpretive programs, conduct basic research of topics using records, documents, books, files, and interviews with people who have personal knowledge.

Present onsite programs to a wide variety of audiences. Programs may include guided walks, demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, etc.

Staff the Information Desk at visitor centers serving as contact for visitors entering the buildings.

Greet visitors and provide information on a variety of subjects including local and regional attractions. Answer telephones and provide area information, take messages, etc.

The typical season for this position is April through September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

The anticipated entry on duty is April or early May. 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 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.