Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Summary 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 to early October, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is April 2026. Duties This position is located in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in the Interpretation Division. Duties of the position include, but are not limited to the following: Provide front-line interpretation and visitor services leadership at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Research, develop, present, and evaluate a variety of original interpretive programs, including social media posts, digital illustrated programs, guided walks, public address commentaries, talks, off-vessel activities, and children's programs. Programs and materials are innovative, thematic, meaningful, multi-disciplinary and developmentally appropriate. Audiences include social media users, primary & secondary students and teachers, both remote and in person, cruise ship & tour boat passengers, youth groups, family groups, the local community, and general park visitors. Model best practices for seasonal interpretive staff. Work is performed in the office and aboard a variety of ocean-going vessels, working both independently and as part of a National Park Service interpretive team. Assignments include mentoring less experienced interpreters, staff a high profile and sometimes stressful, multi-tasked information desk on board cruise ships and tour vessels, as well as staff on-site visitor center. Handle visitor information requests, sell publications and educational materials, and complete assigned projects. 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. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also 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 may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. 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. Performs ladder transfers from a vessel to a cruise ship and from a cruise ship to a vessel. You must be physically and mentally able to safely climb a rope ladder 15 feet in height during transfers from one vessel to another while both boats are in motion in exposed waters. Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 12/22/2025 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. ELIGIBILITY 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 resume 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" Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the area within the State of Alaska that extends from Dixon Entrance on the south to Icy Bay on the north. (See map of local hire geographic area) -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. Skill in communicating a challenging concept or message in writing. Skill in managing a complex schedule, evaluating success and challenges in an operation, and setting priorities or tasks for the work group. Skill in analyzing interpretive programs and coaching/mentoring through verbal and written feedback of observed programs. Skill in interpersonal relations including but not limited to team building, conflict management, and coaching. Skill in planning and delivering training for interpreters, or similar, in interpretative theory and techniques, logistics, natural and cultural history, and ecological principals. Ability to research, develop and present to diverse audiences a variety of thematic cultural and natural history interpretive programs such as talks and guided walks. 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 requires some physical exertion and can involve 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 exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions. 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.