Seasonal Visitor Service Assistant

Summary The typical season for this position is May through September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry on duty is May 2026. 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. Duties Duties performed by this position include but are not limited to the following: Serve as a frontline point of contact by staffing visitor centers or roving areas, answering questions, giving directions, sharing safety information, and helping visitors understand available activities, trails, facilities, and services. Provide resource orientation to visitors by explaining park regulations, current events, resource issues, and the significance of natural, cultural, and historic features, including giving informal talks and occasionally patrolling backcountry areas to stay familiar with conditions. Respond in writing to customers' inquiries for information, direction and guidance. Write letters and reports for information purposes. Write presentation outlines to organize interpretive program delivery. Write bulletins, brochures, exhibit text, or articles for publication. Observe and report conditions by monitoring visitor behavior, park facilities, potential safety hazards, trail or road issues, and visitor reactions to programs or services, and communicating findings to appropriate staff. Assist with visitor services and park program support by helping with lost-and-found needs, providing first aid within the level of training, issuing permits, collecting basic incident information, performing minor maintenance, supporting special events, and operating audio-visual equipment. 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 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, overtime and shift work. Applicants must be at least (1) 18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program. Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 03/23/2026 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 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" Western Arctic National Parklands are Kotzebue, Kivalina, Noatak, Kobuk, Ambler, Shungnak, Kiana, Noorvik, Deering, Buckland and Bettles. Additionally, residents not living in the communities described above but within a 50-mile radius of either park boundary. 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: Customer Service - Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Interpersonal Skills - shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences. Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately 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. This is an excepted service appointment that does not confer competitive status. Government housing may be available. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selectee. Alaska currently does not have a state income tax. Selectee may be moved between duty stations within park boundaries. Physical Demands: The work may require standing or sitting for long periods of time, walking for long distances, climbing, and descending steep inclines, traversing uneven terrain, bending, and lifting moderately heavy items. Mental stress and physical fatigue occur due to the high volume of personal contacts, occasional emergency responses, and repetitive nature of some of the tasks. Work Environment: The work environment can vary considerably dependent upon the specific park or park unit involved. Work may be accomplished in a typical office setting, or outside where the incumbent may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, steep and uneven terrain, and/or hazards such as heavy vehicle traffic. 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.