National Park Service
Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation)
National Park Service, Seward, Alaska, United States, 99664
Summary
These positions are located at Kenai Fjords National Park in the Interpretation and Education Division. This is a temporary position not to exceed 1039 hours. This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status. The typical season for this position is April through September, but it can be variable due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April.
Duties
Training: Assists in planning, implementing, and delivering interpretive skills and educational theory and methodology training to seasonal staff. Works with the training planning team to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and to develop innovations that 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 promote respect, confidence, teamwork, and professionalism. Works with the coaching team to evaluate the effectiveness of the 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. Helps supervise interpretive operations when the GS‑12 supervisor is not available.
Operations: Develops work schedules. Updates or writes manuals, standard operating procedures, and handouts. Identifies and reports on facility conditions, exhibit conditions, supply inventories, and purchasing needs.
Technology, Web and Social Media: Coordinates, develops, and leads digital strategies and efforts to implement and sustain existing and new media platforms that meet audience needs and achieve mission goals.
Youth Program Coordination: Coordinates various youth programs and oversees youth program participants’ assignments and assists with training.
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 and 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. They 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. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and empower 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.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selected applicants will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Applicants will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties; a valid driver’s license is required. Applicants must submit a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and Driving Record and all certified driving records from all states that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past.
Applicants will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
Applicants may be required to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Applicants may be required to travel overnight away from home up to one night per month. They must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Applicants may be required to complete training and obtain or maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 01/16/2026, unless otherwise stated. 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.
Skill in interpersonal relations including team building, conflict management, and coaching.
Skill in planning and delivering training for seasonal interpreters in interpretive theory and techniques, logistics, natural and cultural history, and ecological principles.
Skill in assisting others in interpretive program development through mentoring and formal coaching evaluations.
Skill in researching, developing, and presenting thematic, cultural, and natural history interpretive talks and guided walks for diverse audiences.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing and utilize computer programming and applications.
Knowledge of busy visitor facility/center operations, sales outlet, bookstore, or similar, to coordinate operation, develop daily work schedules and ensure successful visitor services.
Knowledge of or ability to learn natural and cultural resources topics specific to Kenai Fjords National Park and south‑central Alaska, such as Alaska‑related climate change issues, Alutiiq culture and history, south‑central Alaska geology and glaciology.
Education There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise concerning the park’s or preserve’s natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof as outlined in this announcement.
Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertion and can include extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or in caves, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Some employees may engage in firefighting, search and rescue, and other strenuous activities; these employees may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances. Employees who participate in all‑risk operations will be required to meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis.
Working Conditions The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, climates, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc. Some employees may be engaged in all‑risk operations and be exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions.
Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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Duties
Training: Assists in planning, implementing, and delivering interpretive skills and educational theory and methodology training to seasonal staff. Works with the training planning team to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and to develop innovations that 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 promote respect, confidence, teamwork, and professionalism. Works with the coaching team to evaluate the effectiveness of the 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. Helps supervise interpretive operations when the GS‑12 supervisor is not available.
Operations: Develops work schedules. Updates or writes manuals, standard operating procedures, and handouts. Identifies and reports on facility conditions, exhibit conditions, supply inventories, and purchasing needs.
Technology, Web and Social Media: Coordinates, develops, and leads digital strategies and efforts to implement and sustain existing and new media platforms that meet audience needs and achieve mission goals.
Youth Program Coordination: Coordinates various youth programs and oversees youth program participants’ assignments and assists with training.
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 and 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. They 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. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and empower 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.
Requirements
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Selected applicants will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Applicants will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties; a valid driver’s license is required. Applicants must submit a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and Driving Record and all certified driving records from all states that disclose all valid driver’s licenses, whether current or past.
Applicants will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
Applicants may be required to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Applicants may be required to travel overnight away from home up to one night per month. They must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Applicants may be required to complete training and obtain or maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 01/16/2026, unless otherwise stated. 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.
Skill in interpersonal relations including team building, conflict management, and coaching.
Skill in planning and delivering training for seasonal interpreters in interpretive theory and techniques, logistics, natural and cultural history, and ecological principles.
Skill in assisting others in interpretive program development through mentoring and formal coaching evaluations.
Skill in researching, developing, and presenting thematic, cultural, and natural history interpretive talks and guided walks for diverse audiences.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing and utilize computer programming and applications.
Knowledge of busy visitor facility/center operations, sales outlet, bookstore, or similar, to coordinate operation, develop daily work schedules and ensure successful visitor services.
Knowledge of or ability to learn natural and cultural resources topics specific to Kenai Fjords National Park and south‑central Alaska, such as Alaska‑related climate change issues, Alutiiq culture and history, south‑central Alaska geology and glaciology.
Education There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise concerning the park’s or preserve’s natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof as outlined in this announcement.
Physical Demands The work requires some physical exertion and can include extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or in caves, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Some employees may engage in firefighting, search and rescue, and other strenuous activities; these employees may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances. Employees who participate in all‑risk operations will be required to meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis.
Working Conditions The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, climates, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc. Some employees may be engaged in all‑risk operations and be exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions.
Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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