National Park Service
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Park Ranger (Protection)
role at
National Park Service
Summary This announcement is intended for applicants who have prior sworn law enforcement experience and qualify to attend the National Park Service (NPS) Basic Academy Bridge Training Program in lieu of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or Land Management Police Training. It is an excepted service appointment that confers competitive status after two years and upon meeting performance and OPM qualification requirements.
Duties
Enforce federal laws, regulations and policies; patrol front country and backcountry sites.
Respond to emergencies, including medical services, search and rescue, and wildland/structural fire suppression.
Facilitate visitor stewardship and orientation; manage wilderness boundaries and protect natural and cultural resources (wildlife, plants, archaeological sites, historic buildings).
Assist with preliminary investigations of felonies, crimes, and violations of park rules, public-use safety requirements, and motor vehicle accidents.
Perform crowd control activities and proactively protect park resources from degradation.
Conduct investigations into misdemeanor violations; under supervision of a Type I commissioned officer, investigate felony violations and fatalities.
Provide specialized knowledge of resource protection, education, and public‑use management.
Additional Requirements
Must be physically fit by a licensed physician, pass a medical exam, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) comprising agility run, bench press, 1.5‑mile run, sit-and-reach, and body composition.
Must meet all physical performance standards (e.g., agility run, bench press, 1.5‑mile run at the 25th percentile).
Must pass the PEB and meet the required scores for age and gender.
Must attend the 4‑week Bridge Training at the Albright Training Center and subsequently complete the Field Training & Evaluation Program (FTEP).
May require completion of FLETC or Land Management Police Training if not eligible for the Bridge Course.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirement for males.
Participation in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program required.
Must pass pre‑employment medical exam, drug test, and the PEB.
Must attend and complete the NPS Basic Academy Bridge Training Program and Field Training & Evaluation Program.
Must obtain an NPS Type I Law Enforcement Commission and maintain firearm proficiency.
Must not have domestic‑violence convictions; subject to background investigation and potential termination if requirements not met.
Must submit a negative drug test result and be subject to random drug testing.
Must be medically fit to perform strenuous duties and undergo periodic medical examinations.
Must operate a government or private motor vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license; must submit Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and driving record.
May be required to operate a four‑wheel‑drive vehicle; must lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
Must wear a uniform and comply with NPS uniform standards; uniform allowance provided.
Qualifications
Must be able to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
Age: 21–36 years; cant be over 36 at appointment.
Exceptions apply for prior federal service or veterans’ preference.
Must have worked in sworn officer position within last 3 years and completed a certified Police Training Program (local, state, tribal, federal, or military).
Must pass a respirator fit test.
May travel overnight up to 10 nights per month and operate a small watercraft ( Must obtain and maintain an EMT certificate and Structural Firefighter Level I & II certifications within two years of appointment.
Eligible for conversion to competitive service after two years and upon meeting all requirements.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date 01/16/2026 unless otherwise noted.
Evaluation of Appointment Applicants will serve a two‑year trial period during which fitness and continued employment are evaluated. Performance, conduct, agency needs, and public‑interest impact are considerations. Continuation beyond the trial requires written affirmation; otherwise, employment terminates.
Physical Demands Regular physical exertion: running, standing, walking, driving, bending, stooping, reaching, crawling on uneven, steep, rugged terrain; lifting and carrying equipment over 50 lbs. High‑stress, mental, emotional demands present. Continuous maintenance of physical/medical standards is required.
Working Conditions Work outdoors in all weather; long periods of surveillance; exposure to hazardous environments, dangerous persons, animals, substances, and infectious diseases. Shift work common; operation of various motor vehicles required. No access to government housing.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
Additional Information All qualifications must be met by the closing date 01/16/2026 unless otherwise stated. The position may be suitable for occasional telework with prior supervisory approval.
Benefits Benefits depend on position type and employment status. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits information.
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Park Ranger (Protection)
role at
National Park Service
Summary This announcement is intended for applicants who have prior sworn law enforcement experience and qualify to attend the National Park Service (NPS) Basic Academy Bridge Training Program in lieu of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or Land Management Police Training. It is an excepted service appointment that confers competitive status after two years and upon meeting performance and OPM qualification requirements.
Duties
Enforce federal laws, regulations and policies; patrol front country and backcountry sites.
Respond to emergencies, including medical services, search and rescue, and wildland/structural fire suppression.
Facilitate visitor stewardship and orientation; manage wilderness boundaries and protect natural and cultural resources (wildlife, plants, archaeological sites, historic buildings).
Assist with preliminary investigations of felonies, crimes, and violations of park rules, public-use safety requirements, and motor vehicle accidents.
Perform crowd control activities and proactively protect park resources from degradation.
Conduct investigations into misdemeanor violations; under supervision of a Type I commissioned officer, investigate felony violations and fatalities.
Provide specialized knowledge of resource protection, education, and public‑use management.
Additional Requirements
Must be physically fit by a licensed physician, pass a medical exam, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) comprising agility run, bench press, 1.5‑mile run, sit-and-reach, and body composition.
Must meet all physical performance standards (e.g., agility run, bench press, 1.5‑mile run at the 25th percentile).
Must pass the PEB and meet the required scores for age and gender.
Must attend the 4‑week Bridge Training at the Albright Training Center and subsequently complete the Field Training & Evaluation Program (FTEP).
May require completion of FLETC or Land Management Police Training if not eligible for the Bridge Course.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirement for males.
Participation in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program required.
Must pass pre‑employment medical exam, drug test, and the PEB.
Must attend and complete the NPS Basic Academy Bridge Training Program and Field Training & Evaluation Program.
Must obtain an NPS Type I Law Enforcement Commission and maintain firearm proficiency.
Must not have domestic‑violence convictions; subject to background investigation and potential termination if requirements not met.
Must submit a negative drug test result and be subject to random drug testing.
Must be medically fit to perform strenuous duties and undergo periodic medical examinations.
Must operate a government or private motor vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license; must submit Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and driving record.
May be required to operate a four‑wheel‑drive vehicle; must lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
Must wear a uniform and comply with NPS uniform standards; uniform allowance provided.
Qualifications
Must be able to work on‑call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
Age: 21–36 years; cant be over 36 at appointment.
Exceptions apply for prior federal service or veterans’ preference.
Must have worked in sworn officer position within last 3 years and completed a certified Police Training Program (local, state, tribal, federal, or military).
Must pass a respirator fit test.
May travel overnight up to 10 nights per month and operate a small watercraft ( Must obtain and maintain an EMT certificate and Structural Firefighter Level I & II certifications within two years of appointment.
Eligible for conversion to competitive service after two years and upon meeting all requirements.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date 01/16/2026 unless otherwise noted.
Evaluation of Appointment Applicants will serve a two‑year trial period during which fitness and continued employment are evaluated. Performance, conduct, agency needs, and public‑interest impact are considerations. Continuation beyond the trial requires written affirmation; otherwise, employment terminates.
Physical Demands Regular physical exertion: running, standing, walking, driving, bending, stooping, reaching, crawling on uneven, steep, rugged terrain; lifting and carrying equipment over 50 lbs. High‑stress, mental, emotional demands present. Continuous maintenance of physical/medical standards is required.
Working Conditions Work outdoors in all weather; long periods of surveillance; exposure to hazardous environments, dangerous persons, animals, substances, and infectious diseases. Shift work common; operation of various motor vehicles required. No access to government housing.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Government Administration
Additional Information All qualifications must be met by the closing date 01/16/2026 unless otherwise stated. The position may be suitable for occasional telework with prior supervisory approval.
Benefits Benefits depend on position type and employment status. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr