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 01/30/2026 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 resume 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" 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 train, mentor and coach co-workers and volunteers in small group dynamics and/or interpersonal communications.

Ability to guide or train others in opening and closing procedures for an information center or place of business according to established procedures.

Ability to problem-solve, make judgment calls, offer guidance, and give direction based on organizational policies, directives, procedures, and precedents to identify and resolve problems.

Ability to write clear, concise and effective instructions for a complex task, and provide written and oral feedback.

Ability to promote safety and visitor compliance principles and practices that ensure a safe working environment. Major Duties:

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.

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Training: Assists in planning, implementing, and delivering interpretive skills and educational theory and methodology training to seasonal staff.

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 oral 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.

Prepares written interpretive program outlines. Operations: Develops work schedules. Updates or write manuals, SOPs, and handouts.

Identifies and reports on facility conditions, exhibit conditions, supply inventories, and purchasing needs. Please visit find a park for additional park information.