National Park Service
Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)
National Park Service, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States, 37738
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Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)
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National Park Service .
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
This position is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division.
Open to the first 100 applicants or until 01/06/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Major Duties
Serves as the principal advisor to the Superintendent on all aspects of Ranger Activities.
Oversees Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, the Emergency Communications Center, Wildland Fire, Backcountry Operations and Lands programs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the Foothills Parkway.
Directs, coordinates, and is responsible for all activities of the major operating division.
Sets work goals and ensures all employees receive required training in a timely manner.
Identifies operational requirements and makes recommendations to supervisor regarding programming, budgeting, training, administration, and evaluation of operations.
Schedules patrols to maximize visitor contact with special consideration to problem areas.
Supervises and leads complex law enforcement, all hazard, emergency medical, and technical search and rescue operations and provides emergency medical services to park visitors and residents.
Responsible for all aspects of employee supervision including performance planning and appraisals, employee recognition, and employee counseling for 8 direct reports and divisional staff of approximately 60 employees.
Area / Duty Station Information This position serves as the Chief, Division of Visitor and Resource Protection (Chief Ranger) at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM). GRSM covers 522,427 acres, divided almost evenly between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the most visited national park in the system, welcoming over 13 million visitors in 2024. The park has 10 campgrounds with a total of 1000 sites, 11 picnic areas totaling 1050 sites, more than 100 backcountry sites, including shelters, 850 miles of trails with approximately 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail running through the park. There are 384 miles of roads – 238 miles are paved and 146 are unpaved.
Elevations in the Smokies range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters). Temperatures can vary 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top. Rainfall averages 55 inches (140 centimeters) per year in the lowlands to 85 inches (216 centimeters) per year at Clingmans Dome. The Smokies is a temperate rainforest, and the park is divided into three distinct areas: Cades Cove and Little River in Tennessee and South District in North Carolina.
Prior law enforcement experience and a current law enforcement commission, as gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent experience outside the Federal Government, is a mandatory prerequisite for incumbents of this position. This is an administrative/supervisory position.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Any individual who is currently holding or has held within the previous 52 weeks a General Schedule position under non‑temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service must meet time‑in‑grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time‑In‑Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year, as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments.
Must possess a Type I or higher Law Enforcement Commission.
Selectee(s) will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.
Selectee(s) must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
Must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. Position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
Prior to appointment, must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; must also pass a medical examination (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, mobility of extremities) and undergo periodic examinations during employment.
Additional Requirements
Must operate an authorized vehicle; a valid driver’s license is required. Submit Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. Submit all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past.
May be required to complete training and operate a four‑wheel drive vehicle.
Position subject to a financial disclosure reporting requirement and must complete a new entrant Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment.
Required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards; a uniform allowance will be provided.
May be required to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
May be required to travel overnight away from home up to 4 nights per month. Must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Ability to lift 25 pounds.
May be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated high school or have a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part‑time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
As a condition of employment, will be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period during which fitness and continued employment are evaluated. Probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and requires the agency to determine that continued employment will advance the public interest, meet organization goals, and/or promote efficiency. Upon completion, employment will be terminated unless the agency provides written certification of continued employment.
Qualifications
Must possess, or be able to obtain by 01/06/2026, a valid Type 1 or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent.
Must have experienced substantial service in a primary law enforcement position.
Must have a current, valid State Driver's License.
Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS/GL‑13 grade level. Example experience includes: • Performance of law enforcement duties for protection, conservation, use, and management of natural and/or cultural resources in park areas or similar operations; • Providing advice to senior management on law enforcement, visitor and resource protection, and fire protection; • Leading/managing a division or site with a large, complex, interdisciplinary staff, including program responsibilities such as providing fire, aviation, and law enforcement services; • Planning and administering law enforcement education and training programs; • Program management including budget development and execution, development of strategic goals and action plans, and administrative requirements; • Serving as a liaison representing a law enforcement program or department with internal and external stakeholders. Include hours per week worked.
Selective Factors
Must possess a valid Type I or higher National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission by 01/06/2026.
This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS).
Must have current, valid State Driver's License by 01/06/2026.
Minimum Qualification
At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS/GL‑13 grade level in the Federal service (public or private).
Education No substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement.
Volunteer Experience Volunteer experience, including paid and unpaid activity through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations, is eligible for credit as additional qualified experience.
Law Enforcement Commission This position requires a valid Type I or higher-level National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, completed through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Program (FLETC).
Additional Information
A federal employee who is transferring from another component, bureau or federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
Relocation incentive available for a federal employee who must move at least 50 miles from their current location.
Position may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Telework may be permitted with supervisor approval.
Physical Demands Routine duties require light‑to‑moderate physical effort typical of visiting park facilities and visitor use areas. Strenuous physical exertion such as hiking on steep terrain in adverse weather may be required during emergencies.
Working Conditions Work environment ranges from sedentary office work to fieldwork with exposure to severe natural elements. Temperatures range from below freezing to 100 °F. Work performed in an office setting often interrupted by law enforcement, medical, and other emergencies. Managerial demands may require extended hours, day and night, often with short deadlines.
Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on type of position (full‑time, part‑time, intermittent). Contact agency for more information on specific benefits offered.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Temporary
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)
role at
National Park Service .
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
This position is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division.
Open to the first 100 applicants or until 01/06/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Major Duties
Serves as the principal advisor to the Superintendent on all aspects of Ranger Activities.
Oversees Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, the Emergency Communications Center, Wildland Fire, Backcountry Operations and Lands programs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the Foothills Parkway.
Directs, coordinates, and is responsible for all activities of the major operating division.
Sets work goals and ensures all employees receive required training in a timely manner.
Identifies operational requirements and makes recommendations to supervisor regarding programming, budgeting, training, administration, and evaluation of operations.
Schedules patrols to maximize visitor contact with special consideration to problem areas.
Supervises and leads complex law enforcement, all hazard, emergency medical, and technical search and rescue operations and provides emergency medical services to park visitors and residents.
Responsible for all aspects of employee supervision including performance planning and appraisals, employee recognition, and employee counseling for 8 direct reports and divisional staff of approximately 60 employees.
Area / Duty Station Information This position serves as the Chief, Division of Visitor and Resource Protection (Chief Ranger) at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM). GRSM covers 522,427 acres, divided almost evenly between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is the most visited national park in the system, welcoming over 13 million visitors in 2024. The park has 10 campgrounds with a total of 1000 sites, 11 picnic areas totaling 1050 sites, more than 100 backcountry sites, including shelters, 850 miles of trails with approximately 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail running through the park. There are 384 miles of roads – 238 miles are paved and 146 are unpaved.
Elevations in the Smokies range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters). Temperatures can vary 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top. Rainfall averages 55 inches (140 centimeters) per year in the lowlands to 85 inches (216 centimeters) per year at Clingmans Dome. The Smokies is a temperate rainforest, and the park is divided into three distinct areas: Cades Cove and Little River in Tennessee and South District in North Carolina.
Prior law enforcement experience and a current law enforcement commission, as gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent experience outside the Federal Government, is a mandatory prerequisite for incumbents of this position. This is an administrative/supervisory position.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Any individual who is currently holding or has held within the previous 52 weeks a General Schedule position under non‑temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service must meet time‑in‑grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time‑In‑Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year, as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments.
Must possess a Type I or higher Law Enforcement Commission.
Selectee(s) will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.
Selectee(s) must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
Must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. Position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
Prior to appointment, must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; must also pass a medical examination (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, mobility of extremities) and undergo periodic examinations during employment.
Additional Requirements
Must operate an authorized vehicle; a valid driver’s license is required. Submit Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. Submit all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past.
May be required to complete training and operate a four‑wheel drive vehicle.
Position subject to a financial disclosure reporting requirement and must complete a new entrant Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment.
Required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards; a uniform allowance will be provided.
May be required to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
May be required to travel overnight away from home up to 4 nights per month. Must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Ability to lift 25 pounds.
May be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated high school or have a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part‑time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
As a condition of employment, will be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period during which fitness and continued employment are evaluated. Probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and requires the agency to determine that continued employment will advance the public interest, meet organization goals, and/or promote efficiency. Upon completion, employment will be terminated unless the agency provides written certification of continued employment.
Qualifications
Must possess, or be able to obtain by 01/06/2026, a valid Type 1 or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent.
Must have experienced substantial service in a primary law enforcement position.
Must have a current, valid State Driver's License.
Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS/GL‑13 grade level. Example experience includes: • Performance of law enforcement duties for protection, conservation, use, and management of natural and/or cultural resources in park areas or similar operations; • Providing advice to senior management on law enforcement, visitor and resource protection, and fire protection; • Leading/managing a division or site with a large, complex, interdisciplinary staff, including program responsibilities such as providing fire, aviation, and law enforcement services; • Planning and administering law enforcement education and training programs; • Program management including budget development and execution, development of strategic goals and action plans, and administrative requirements; • Serving as a liaison representing a law enforcement program or department with internal and external stakeholders. Include hours per week worked.
Selective Factors
Must possess a valid Type I or higher National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission by 01/06/2026.
This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS).
Must have current, valid State Driver's License by 01/06/2026.
Minimum Qualification
At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS/GL‑13 grade level in the Federal service (public or private).
Education No substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement.
Volunteer Experience Volunteer experience, including paid and unpaid activity through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations, is eligible for credit as additional qualified experience.
Law Enforcement Commission This position requires a valid Type I or higher-level National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, completed through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Program (FLETC).
Additional Information
A federal employee who is transferring from another component, bureau or federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
Relocation incentive available for a federal employee who must move at least 50 miles from their current location.
Position may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Telework may be permitted with supervisor approval.
Physical Demands Routine duties require light‑to‑moderate physical effort typical of visiting park facilities and visitor use areas. Strenuous physical exertion such as hiking on steep terrain in adverse weather may be required during emergencies.
Working Conditions Work environment ranges from sedentary office work to fieldwork with exposure to severe natural elements. Temperatures range from below freezing to 100 °F. Work performed in an office setting often interrupted by law enforcement, medical, and other emergencies. Managerial demands may require extended hours, day and night, often with short deadlines.
Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on type of position (full‑time, part‑time, intermittent). Contact agency for more information on specific benefits offered.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Temporary
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr