Park Ranger(I)

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Duties

Any questions please email Annie Kilby at Annie_Kilby@nps.gov.

Open to the first 100 applicants or until 07/24/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Selectees In This Position Lead Visitors On Canoe, Kayak And Mountain Biking Trips In The Preserve. The Duties Of This Position Require Applicants To Perform Strenuous Paddling Of Canoes And Kayaks, Carry Unwieldy Items, And Lift Heavy Loads. Trip Leaders And Participants Paddle Five Or More Miles Across Open Water And Through Narrow Creeks With Tree Lined Tunnels. These Areas Are Subject To Windy Conditions, Challenging Maneuverability, Changing Water Levels, Underwater Obstacles And Tidal Currents. Trip Leaders Must Be Able To Re-enter a Swamped Canoe And Kayak Without The Assistance From Others Or Landing At a Dock Or Dry Land. For Mountain Biking Trips Within The Preserve, Trip Leaders And Participants Ride Ten Or More Miles On Off-road Trails. Selectees Must Be Able To Confidently Ride, Instruct Participants And Be Able To Perform Routine Bike Maintenance In The Field. Due To The Remote Nature Of The Ride. Help Is Not Nearby. Therefore, This Position Has Some Mandatory Requirements:

• Ability to swim and rescue oneself. Selectee must be able to swim adequately enough to return to a swamped canoe or kayak or to land and ability to perform canoe and kayak self-rescue (rescue oneself and re-enter a canoe and kayak without help from others, or use of land or a dock), and be able to direct trip participants with rescue techniques.
• Ability to paddle canoes and kayaks in water subject to windy conditions, challenging maneuverability, changing water levels, underwater obstacles and tidal currents, and carry unwieldy items, and lift heavy loads.
• Ability to ride mountain bikes on off-road terrain with obstacles for long periods of time and ability to perform routine bike maintenance-repair flat tire, tighten break lines and adjust bikes to fit participants safely and comfortably-in the field and without support.
  
  

Conducts basic research of topics for the purpose of providing interpretive programs, both orally and/or in writing. Presents a variety of formal and informal programs including orientation talks, environmental education programs, conducted walks, demonstrations and campfire programs.

Informs visitors about park facilities and resources. Duties are performed on or off-site at locations designated by the park, e.g. visitor centers, campgrounds, historical sites, auditoriums, etc. Learns Park resources by reviewing published maps, park research materials, and other documents previously prepared by park rangers and other professionals and by talking with park staff. Provides assistance in connection with one-time or annual celebrations related to the programs and themes of the park and assists in the operations of special events.

Operates a variety of audiovisual and other equipment used in connection with interpretive material, e.g., projectors, cassettes and video equipment.

As assigned, staffs permit stations for backcountry or wilderness use and educates visitors regarding the requirements for backcountry hiking and camping, the reasons for the regulations, etc.

Selectees can expect to deliver a variety of formal and informal interpretative programming relevant to the audience, utilizing new and creative interpretative techniques in unique settings from cypress swamps to mangrove tunnels. Big Cypress National Preserve offers multiple daily ranger-guided experiences to create opportunities for visitors to experience the Preserve. This is an exciting time to join the Interpretation team at BICY as we are growing our interpretative and public program offerings.

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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 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.
• If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• 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.
• Must have the ability to swim and rescue oneself and ability to perform canoe and kayak self-rescue (rescue oneself and re-enter a canoe and kayak without help from others, or use of land or a dock), and be able to direct trip participants with rescue techniques.
• Must have the ability to paddle canoes and kayaks in water subject to windy conditions, challenging maneuverability, changing water levels, underwater obstacles and tidal currents, and carry unwieldy items, and lift heavy loads.
• Must have the ability to ride mountain bikes on off-road terrain with obstacles for long periods of time and to perform routine bike maintenance-repair flat tire, tighten break lines and adjust bikes to fit participants safely and comfortably-in the field and without support.
  
  

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/24/2024-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

SELECTIVE FACTOR: In addition to standard interpretation qualifications listed below the applicant must have the following:

• Must have the ability to swim and rescue oneself and ability to perform canoe and kayak self-rescue (rescue oneself and re-enter a canoe and kayak without help from others, or use of land or a dock), and be able to direct trip participants with rescue techniques. (PLEASE SHOW ON YOUR RESUME THAT YOU HAVE THIS ABILITY OR YOU WILL RECEIVE NO FURTHER CONSIDERATION)
• Must have the ability to paddle canoes and kayaks in water subject to windy conditions, challenging maneuverability, changing water levels, underwater obstacles and tidal currents, and carry unwieldy items, and lift heavy loads. (PLEASE SHOW ON YOUR RESUME THAT YOU HAVE THIS ABILITY OR YOU WILL RECEIVE NO FURTHER CONSIDERATION)
• Must have the ability to ride mountain bikes on off-road terrain with obstacles for long periods of time and to perform routine bike maintenance-repair flat tire, tighten break lines and adjust bikes to fit participants safely and comfortably-in the field and without support. (PLEASE SHOW ON YOUR RESUME THAT YOU HAVE THIS ABILITY OR YOU WILL RECEIVE NO FURTHER CONSIDERATION)
  
  

Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.

- AND -

To Qualify For This Position At The GS-05 Grade Level, You Must Possess At Least One Of The Following Minimum Qualifications By Close Of The Announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; 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; or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or 24 semester hours of course work in a related field. (Related fields of study include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, 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). You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take education percentage. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.

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.

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.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

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.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

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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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates Will Be Rated And Ranked Using Category Rating Procedures. These Procedures Place Candidates With Veteran's Preference Above Non-preference Eligibles Within Each Category. Veterans With a Service Connected Disability Of At Least 10 Percent Are Listed In The Highest Quality Category, Except When The Position Being Filled Is Scientific Or Professional At The GS-09 Grade Level Or Higher. Under Category Rating, Candidates Will Be Rated And Ranked Into One Of Three Categories:

• Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
• Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
• Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
  
  

You will be evaluated on the following competencies:

• Customer Service
• Interpretation
• Manages Resources
• Physical Strength and Agility
• Teamwork
• Technology Application