Summary

Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

  05/05/2025 to 05/19/2025

  This job will close when we have received 350 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

• Salary

  $49,739 - $81,480 per year

  Salary does not include locality pay. For specific wage information, reference the OPM Salaries and Wages link in the Duties section.

• Pay scale & grade

  GL 5 - 9

• Help

  Location

  Many vacancies in the following location:

  • Location Negotiable After Selection

• Remote job

  No

• Telework eligible

  No

• Travel Required

  25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

  Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

• Appointment type

  Permanent

• Work schedule

  Full-time

• Service

  Competitive

• Promotion potential

  9

• Job family (Series)

  • 0025 Park Ranger

• Supervisory status

  No

• Security clearance

  Not Required

• Drug test

  Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

  Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

• Trust determination process

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

• Financial disclosure

  No

• Bargaining unit status

  Yes

• ---

  Announcement number

  WO-1614-VRP-25-12726775-ST

• Control number

  836411100

This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service

  Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

• Land and base management

  Current or former employees of a base management agency.

• Veterans

  Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

• Military spouses

  Military spouses relocating under PCS orders or whose spouse is 100% disabled or died while on active duty.

• Individuals with disabilities

  Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

  Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Videos

Duties

Selected candidates will attend training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. Completion of Ranger Specific Basic Training (RSBT) and Land Management Police Training (LMPT) is required. Completion of the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) is also mandatory. FTEP may or may not occur at the candidate's employing park. Training occurs on-site at FLETC and students are housed in dormitories or hotels at no cost to the trainee. Students are employed and paid by their park while attending training. See the "Additional Information" section for more information.

For more information about becoming a Park Ranger prior to applying to this announcement go to the Become a Law Enforcement Ranger website.

Park Ranger (Protection) Standard Duties:

• Enforce Federal laws, regulations and policies; patrol front country and backcountry sites.
• Emergency response (utilizing Incident Command System) including medical services, search and rescue, and wildland/structural fire suppression.
• Facilitate visitor stewardship and orientation; wilderness management; boundary enforcement; protection of natural and cultural resources (e.g. wildlife, plants, archaeological sites, and historic buildings).
• Assist with preliminary investigations of felonies, crimes, and violations of park rules, public use, safety requirements, and motor vehicle accidents.
• Crowd control activities; proactively protects park resources from all forms of degradation.

• The incumbent will independently conduct law enforcement investigations into misdemeanor violations.
• Under the supervision of a Type I commissioned personnel, investigate felony violations and fatalities.

• The incumbent will independently conduct law enforcement investigations into misdemeanor, felony violations and fatalities.
• The incumbent will provide specialized knowledge of resource protection, resource education, and public use management.

• Prior to selection or appointment, you MUST be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measures body fat. Prior to appointment, selectees will be tested in all five components, and must pass the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run in the 25th percentile. Learn more about the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) here.
  • You can look up required scores for your age and gender for PEB here.
  • Learn more about the Medical Standards Program here.
  • Learn more about FLETC Physical Performance Requirements (PPRs) here.
• If selected, you will initially report to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, Georgia. You will be required to successfully complete law enforcement basic training which is approximately 18 weeks in duration. Upon FLETC basic training completion, you will be detailed to a designated park for 11 weeks to complete required FTEP on-the-job training. You will be officially assigned to your permanent duty location once FLETC training is successfully completed.
• To learn about Ranger-Specific Basic Training and Land Management Police Training go to this Reference
• Occupancy of government quarters may be required.
• Government housing may be available.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position and recommendation by the supervisor.
• Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) Statement: The salary annotated on this announcement does not include the cost-of-living allowance, nor locality pay.
  • 2025 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Locality Pay Tables
  • Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances to calculate locality pay.
  • Click here for the OPM Salaries and Wages to calculate locality pay.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation & favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Complete the initial online & USAHire Assessment.
• Subject to a pre-employment medical exam & drug test; must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery.
• Must successfully complete agency-sponsored training to obtain an NPS Type I Law Enforcement Commission.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appt.
• Selectee(s) will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties & maintain firearm proficiency.
• Selectee(s) must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation & favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• 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.
• Will be required to wear a uniform & comply with the NPS uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• If you are a new employee in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Must not have reached your 37th birthday prior to employment.
• Exception to mandatory age requirement: Applicants who have prior Federal service in a primary covered position sufficient to complete 20 years of service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57 OR if an applicant is a qualified veteran and is preference eligible, in which case the mandatory entry age is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Help

  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.

• As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  The following documents are required & must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 5/19/2025.

  1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held & duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, & the resume must reflect either full-time or 40 hours per week. If a part-time work schedule is reflected, the hours must be annotated to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
  2. Complete All Required Assessments.
  3. Merit Promotion Eligibility Documentation:
     • Federal employees must submit a copy of their latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" that reflects career or career-conditional tenure showing position title, series, grade & tenure (please do not submit an Award SF-50 as it does not provide the needed information) and, if different, an SF-50 showing highest permanent grade ever held or you may not be considered under the merit promotion process. Time in grade will be determined by reviewing your resume & required SF-50's.
     • If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess the one-year time-in-grade, as required by this announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade, such as a Within Grade Increase.
     • Federal employees must also submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed if hours worked per week are not included on your resume.
     • Veterans Preference Documentation (e.g. DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, etc)
     • Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
  4. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable:
     • Veterans Preference Documentation:
       • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service & Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
       • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
       • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
     • Performance Appraisals and Awards - Required for ALL applicants:
       • All applicants must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record & signed by a supervisor. If submitting a performance appraisal not dated within the last 18 months, a statement as to why it is the most recent must be submitted. If no performance appraisal is available, applicants must submit a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
  5. Documentation you meet the Selective Factors. Failure to submit the required documents will result in loss of consideration.
  6. College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.
  7. Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85.0 on the rating criteria.
  8. Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority. Applicants who are eligible to be considered based on a Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority (i.e. Schedule A, VRA, Peace Corps, Americorp Vista, former PLC member, certain Military Spouses, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Pathways Interns who have met the eligibility requirements for noncompetitive conversion, etc.) must submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
  9. Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation. The application process is as follows:

  1. Click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12726775
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
  8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

  For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments.
  
  To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  
  To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
  
  Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
  
  Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

  Agency contact information

  Seasonal Staffing Office

  Email

  seasonal_staffing_office@nps.gov

  Address

  Visitor and Resource Protection
  1849 C Street, NW
  Washington, DC 20240
  US

  Next steps

  Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
  
  Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
  
  To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.
  
  Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

• The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

How to Apply

Next steps

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request