Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Summary These positions are located at Kenai Fjords National Park in the Interpretation and Education Division. This is also an open continuous announcement with an established initial cut-off date of April 13, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the first cut-off date. Please see Next Steps for additional information. This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status. Learn more about this agency Duties You will work as a Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05, at Kenai Fjords National Park. Duties may include: Develop interpretive programs, conduct basic research of topics using records, documents, books, files, and interviews with people who have personal knowledge. Present onsite programs to a wide variety of audiences. Programs may include guided walks, demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, etc. Staff the Information Desk at visitor centers serving as contact for visitors entering the buildings. Greet visitors and provide information on a variety of subjects including local and regional attractions. Answer telephones and provide area information, take messages, etc. The typical season for this position is April through September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April or early May. 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. 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. They 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. Park ranger - interpreters 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. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for 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.Please visit find a park for additional park information. Requirements Conditions of employment 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. If officially selected for a position, you may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You may also be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You may also be asked to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. You do not need to do this to apply for a vacancy. If selected for a position, and this information is needed, the human resources team will request it specifically from the selectee in writing. 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, and overtime. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1 night per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You 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. Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 04/29/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. ELIGIBIITY 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" Kenai Fjords National Park are the communities of Seward and Moose Pass extending north the Milepost 45 of the Seward Highway, as well as to the tribal villages with documented ties. These tribal villages include the Native Village of Nanwalek and the Native Village of Port Graham on the southwestern tip of the Kenai Peninsula as well as Seldovia Village Tribe. Also included is the Community of Homer, extending north on the Sterling Highway to mile post 165 and East End Road's end. -ALSO- 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: Ability to communicate orally to diverse groups in a variety of settings. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to research, develop, and present a variety of formal, structured, and impromptu thematic interpretive programs such as talks, guided walks and off-site programs to diverse audiences. Ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service. Skill in daily operation of a busy visitor centers/information desks, sales outlet, bookstore, or similar facility to include providing frontline information and support services. Skill in operating computers, various computer programs, and office equipment. Knowledge of or ability to learn about natural and cultural resources topics specific to Kenai Fjords National Park and southcentral Alaska, such as Alaska-related climate change issues, Alutiiq culture and history, southcentral 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. Additional information A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Government housing may be available. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Alaska currently does not have a state income tax. Selectee may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries. Physical Demands: The work involves extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines, carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, etc. Working Conditions: The work is performed in settings in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness, e.g., high or low temperatures, confined spaces or adverse weather conditions. NOTE: In support of Executive Order (EO) 14189 "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday" and EO 14314 "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks," the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved an exception to the 1039-hour time limitation for this position. This approval may extend the time limitation up to 1560 hours for this temporary seasonal appointment. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits 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.