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 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 2026. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 02/13/2026 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" Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the area within the State of Alaska that extends from Dixon Entrance on the south to Icy Bay on the north.

(See map of local hire geographic area) -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.

Basic knowledge of interpretive principles, practices, techniques, and themes to develop and deliver interpretive programs.

Present formal and informal audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using well established and commonly known interpretive skills, techniques, and tools; and ability to prepare and deliver structured and informal presentations that are clearly consistent with the strategic goals and objectives of interpretation.

Basic knowledge of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources and history of the specific park assigned.

Knowledge of visitor facility/center operations to perform the routine activities of a visitor facility and/or information desk and provide assistance in coordinating day-to-day operations.

Ability to promote safety principles and practices that ensure a safe environment. Ability to assist in coordinating special projects.

Ability to track, report, and review visitor use statistics for trends.

Ability to effectively communicate orally in order to present ideas and information that increase understanding of programs, policies, and objectives.

Ability to utilize common computer programs and applications (e.g., word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and other software systems) for publishing content to websites and social media sites.

Major Duties:

This position is located in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in the Interpretation Division.

Duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following: 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 the visitor center serving as contact for visitors entering the building.

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

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.