Seasonal Visitor Service Assistant

Full Job Description

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

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.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 03/23/2026 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 paragraph.

Areas considered "near" Western Arctic National Parklands are Kotzebue, Kivalina, Noatak, Kobuk, Ambler, Shungnak, Kiana, Noorvik, Deering, Buckland and Bettles.

Additionally, residents not living in the communities described above but within a 50-mile radius of either park boundary. 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: Customer Service - Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Interpersonal Skills - shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.

Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately Major Duties:

Duties performed by this position include but are not limited to the following: Serve as a frontline point of contact by staffing visitor centers or roving areas, answering questions, giving directions, sharing safety information, and helping visitors understand available activities, trails, facilities, and services.

Provide resource orientation to visitors by explaining park regulations, current events, resource issues, and the significance of natural, cultural, and historic features, including giving informal talks and occasionally patrolling backcountry areas to stay familiar with conditions.

Respond in writing to customers' inquiries for information, direction and guidance. Write letters and reports for information purposes.

Write presentation outlines to organize interpretive program delivery. Write bulletins, brochures, exhibit text, or articles for publication.

Observe and report conditions by monitoring visitor behavior, park facilities, potential safety hazards, trail or road issues, and visitor reactions to programs or services, and communicating findings to appropriate staff.

Assist with visitor services and park program support by helping with lost-and-found needs, providing first aid within the level of training, issuing permits, collecting basic incident information, performing minor maintenance, supporting special events, and operating audio-visual equipment.