Park Ranger (Protection) (Seasonal)

Duties:

• Enforce federal laws, regulations and policies.
• Patrol front country and backcountry sites.
• Emergency response (utilizing Incident Command System) including medical services, search and rescue, and wildland/structural fire suppression.
• Facilitate visitor stewardship and orientation; wilderness management; boundary enforcement; protection of natural and cultural resources (e.g. 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.
• Crowd control activities.
• Proactively protects park resources from all forms of degradation.

Additional duties for GS-7:

• The incumbent will independently conduct law enforcement investigations into misdemeanor violations.
• Under the supervision of a Type I commissioned personnel, investigate felony violations and fatalities.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Area of Consideration for this position refers to the hiring authority/eligibility and not the physical location of the position.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a NPS Type II Law Enforcement Commission.
• Must possess a National Registry or State issued EMT certification in order to receive consideration for LE Ranger (EMT).
• Must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) prior to start date.
• Pre-employment medical exam and drug testing are required.
• Occupancy of government quarters may be required.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Contact specific parks for more information on government housing.
• You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work.
• You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. You will sign annual certifications confirming a valid State driver’s license and may be asked to provide driving records; indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver’s license.

Qualifications:

• All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-02/15/2026-unless otherwise stated.
• Mandatory Requirements for Park Ranger (Protection):

• Minimum Age: 21 years or older.
• Mandatory Law Enforcement Commission: Applicants must meet one of the criteria by the entrance-on-duty date:

• Currently hold, or have previously held (within the past three years), a National Park Service Seasonal (Level II) or full (Level I) law enforcement commission, or equivalent within the past three years.
• Completed a Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program in the last three years, but not yet received an NPS Seasonal Law Enforcement Commission.
• Will complete a Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program by the entrance on duty date from approved participating academies. NOTE: This is not regular police officer training.

• Some parks may require EMT or First Responder designations in addition to Park Ranger qualifications. You may be referred for EMT/FR designation if eligible. Note: you will still be considered for LE Ranger without EMT/FR.

• Credit will be given for qualifying experience. To qualify for GS-05, GS-07 levels see the detailed sections below. Resume must clearly indicate duties, dates, and hours worked. Resume length limit is 2 pages.
• To qualify for GS-05:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, or
• A 4-year degree with 24 semester hours related, or
• Equivalent combination of experience and education.

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, or
• One full academic year of graduate education related to the occupation, or
• Equivalent combination of experience and education.

• Locality pay information may be provided; salary includes locality but may exclude COLA.
• This job may be filled at any time without notice.
• Non-Competitive Rehire eligibility rules apply.
• Employment may be terminated at any time due to funding, needs, or performance.
• COLA examples are provided for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and CNMI.

• Physical Demands: Rigorous field work with prolonged standing, uneven terrain, lifting over 50 pounds, working in isolated outdoor environments and exposure to severe weather. Dangerous persons may need to be confronted and restrained.
• Work Environment: Outdoor duties, exposure to extreme temperatures, field investigations, and potential exposure to hazardous environments. PPE usage and safety procedures are required.