Park Ranger

Summary This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Serves as Park Ranger at Corps of Engineers multiple purpose projects consisting of flood damage reduction, natural resource management, and recreation functions. Position(s) will be filled at the GS-05, GS-07 or GS-09 grade level. Duties Participate in all aspects of flood risk management (FRM), recreation (REC) and natural resource management (NRM) operations and maintenance at the Projects. Execute flood damage reduction duties; collection of hydrologic and weather data, watershed reconnaissance, operation of facilities/flood control gates, use/servicing of technical instrumentation, performing road closures, and public notification. Assist with project administrative and office operations, such as budget preparation, procurement, contract specifications, map creation, GIS, and data entry into multiple internal systems. Assist with multiple internal and external inspections. Perform maintenance of facilities and grounds. Maintenance duties may include but are not limited to; light plumbing/electrical work, carpentry, landscape work, utilizing hand and power tools, tractors, and other light/medium duty equipment. Routinely inspect project features and pertinent structures for security purposes and document conditions. Patrols project areas to promote public safety and enforce regulations. Participate in the development and execution of short and long-range plans. Evaluate proposed real estate actions, perform outgrant and boundary line inspections. Prescribe and implement resource management actions that promote biodiversity and native species re-establishment. Educate the public on water safety and natural resources policy and/or regulations by conducting interpretive programs, guided walks, environmental and cultural educational programs at the project, schools, or other off-site locations. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Possess and/or obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license within 30 days of employment. Prescribed uniform must be worn. Work in inclement weather such as heat, cold, rain and/or snow. Occasionally lift heavy objects up to 40 pounds. Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This position requires pre-employment drug testing. Must be able to obtain and maintain a USACE boat license within 2 years Work during uncommon tours of duty (as a member of required staffing of hurricane barrier) to include multiple and consecutive overnight operations of the hurricane barrier. Perform all aspects of dam and hurricane barrier operations safely and effectively. Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement up to 5% of the time. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience GS-05: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work as qualifying as long as the experience provided a familiarity with natural or cultural history; fish or wildlife habitat characteristics; techniques of resource protection and use; recreational use of public lands and facilities; enforcement of laws, rules, or regulations; fire prevention techniques and fire suppression methods; or the practice of interpersonal relations skills in dealing with the general public. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04). OR Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with twenty-four semester hours of related course work in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 120. Add the two percentages. Specialized Experience GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes includes technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, the following: Park guide or tour leader. Law enforcement or investigative work. Archeological or historical preservation research work. Forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area. Management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education with major study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources OR Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on: (1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achshonor.org/). Or Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. Specialized Experience GS-9: One year of specialized experience which includes technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park-related work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, the following: Park guide or tour leader. Law enforcement or investigative work. Archeological or historical preservation research work. Forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area. Management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07). OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education with major study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional information Position Overview: This position is situated within the Operations Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, and is stationed in the Upper Connecticut River Basin, overseeing activities at Ball Mountain and Townshend Lakes in Jamaica and Townshend, VT. The area offers easy access to four major ski areas and presents multiple outdoor recreational opportunities. Ball Mountain Lake features a popular seasonal camping area comprising of 111 sites located upstream of the project area office. The site also supports hiking trails and a downhill mountain bike trail. Townshend Lake provides seasonal recreational opportunities and features reservable group picnic shelters and hiking trail network. The responsibilities of this position are multifaceted. The incumbent will hold a pivotal role in fulfilling the objectives of flood reduction, recreation, and natural resource management. This will entail active involvement in all facets of operations and maintenance at both Ball Mountain and Townshend Lakes. This is a full-time permanent developmental position. Selectee will be required to complete 52 weeks before being promoted to the next higher grade level. This position has promotion potential to the higher-grade GS-9 when requirements have been completed and when recommended by management. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a(n) 18 Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Recruitment Incentive may be authorized. 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.