0
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Park Ranger (Interpretive)
Dates: 10/22/2012 - 11/19/2012

[Printer-friendly text version]

Department: Department of the Interior

Agency: National Park Service      

Job Announcement Number: NPS-NCR-NACE-13-762672GB

JOB SUMMARY:

Experience your America and build a fulfilling career by joining the National Park Service. Become a part of our mission to unite our past, our cultures and our special places, to establish important connections to the present and build a rich and lasting legacy for future generations. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.

This vacancy announcement is being amended to extend the closing date from November 5, 2012 to November 19, 2012.

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:

Current Career or Career-Conditional Employees of the National Park Service only.

This position reports to the Chief of Interpretation, Education, Recreation, and Visitor Services at the National Capital Parks-East (NACE), National Capital Region, National Park Service, Washington, DC.

The Interpretive Specialist at NACE provides technical guidance for a complex, multifaceted personal and non-personal services program which includes exhibits, publications, messaging, formal and informal interpretation, interpretive training and development. The Interpretive Specialist is responsible for working with park leadership to develop interpretive strategies and programs. Additionally, the Interpretive Specialist will work with field supervisors and managers throughout the park on interpretive planning, employee development, and programmatic quality and consistency.

NACE consists of 16 units and additional associated partner and concession sites spread across the urban and suburban areas of the District of Columbia and Maryland. NACE contains a wide range of natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources. Park visitors are ethnically and culturally diverse, coming from all parts of the world, and speaking many different languages. The various sites have strong connections with local communities as well as attract national and international visitation. Due to the proximity to the Capital, park sites often have high political interest and are visited by U.S., state, local, international, departmental, and agency dignitaries and staff.

Non-personal services are delivered throughout and outside the park via a wide variety of methods and media. Multiple sites with NACE have visitor centers or contact stations and provides information and education. Other facilities and services currently include trails; wayside exhibits; bulletin boards; directional and informational signs; numerous publications including a quarterly event calendar, foreign language translations, various themed Junior Ranger booklets; different films and AV program. The services managed by the Interpretive Specialist embrace all of the park's major interpretive themes and sub-themes, some of which are complex and require sensitivity in appropriate treatments.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. Citizenship
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Svs.
• Relevant experience and/or education (See Qualifications and Evaluations)
• Suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation
• Incumbent must wear a National Park Service Uniform
• Possess and maintain a valid State or District of Columbia driver’s license

DUTIES:

• Plans, directs, coordinates, implements, and evaluates the effectiveness of Park interpretive programs that includes presentation to the general public and educational outreach.
• Assigned program responsibilities involve a variety of specialized functions including visitor assistance, interpretive program management, limited public relation, and program promotion.
• Application of leadership skills, knowledge, and abilities; and knowledge of the physical methods, concepts, procedures, and practices pertaining to the park's interpretive program management.
• Coordinates the development of park publications and exhibits. Identifies publications and exhibits needs and funding sources, performs research from which to write texts and locate graphics; reviews text, manuscripts and plans and designs that are developed in-house or by outside sources.
• Possess analytical and public speaking skills and the application of considerable tact and diplomacy in order to technically supervise all assigned interpretive management program elements.
• Identifies non-government funding sources for interpretive services and prepares grant requests. Makes recommendations and drafts justifications for NPS funds.
• Evaluates the various interpretive programs and develops proposed changes to accommodate changing visitation use trends.
• Plans, conducts, and evaluates visitation surveys to determine factors such as use patterns, frequency of visits, demand for facility expansion, etc. Continually monitors facilities and resources for indication of over-use of abuse.
• Present programs to diverse audiences to build support for management goals.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service which is in or related to the position to be filled and which provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Park Ranger GS-11.  Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: park guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; law enforcement or investigative work; archaeological 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. 

In addition, specialized experience includes coordinating, managing or directing interpretive programs; developing long range program plans; developing educational programs; managing interpretive staff or other similar work.

To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. 

OR

Three full academic years of progressively higher education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the occupation.  (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.)

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Time in Grade Requirements:  Applicants who have held a non temporary General Schedule position within the last 52 weeks must meet the Time in Grade restriction by the closing date of the announcement.

If you are qualifying based on education, please submit a legible copy of your college transcripts so that we can verify your course work. It need not be an official transcript; however, if you are selected, you may be required to submit an official transcript prior to entering on duty.

Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

REQUIREMENTS:

Appointment will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. Under the requirements of the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), all new Federal Employees must pass a background investigation. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

New employees of the Department of the Interior must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of net pay within 30 days of entrance on duty.

NPS uniformed position. Employee will be required to wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.

Applicants must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license or District of Columbia driver's license.

This is not a drug tested position.

Applicant must be able to work alternative work schedules, shift rotations, including night shift, holidays, and weekends.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

We will review your application, including an online assessment questionnaire, to ensure you meet the job requirements and assess your ability to perform this job.  Your ratings are subject to change if discrepancies exist between your responses and your supporting documents.

All applicants will be rated on the following Skills or Competencies:

• Interpretive Program Development
• Assess and make recommendations to Interpretive and Visitor Services program areas.
• Plans and carry out complex management of interpretive programs & events.
• Knowledge of Interpretive training programs.
• Oral and Written Communication.
• Skill in using computer hardware and software applications to create site bulletins, news releases, newsletters and other releases, and other public information documents.

If you meet the qualification requirements based on your online application and are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for further review.

BENEFITS:

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits 

Annual and Sick Leave: Most Federal employees earn both annual and sick leave. For additional information visit: http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run and provide you with the appropriate forms.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/ Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible visit http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. 

Travel, transportation and relocation expenses will be paid if the person selected for the position is from outside the local commuting area and is otherwise eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses under the Federal Travel Regulations.

HOW TO APPLY:

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST on Monday, November 05, 2012.

To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register and submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.

To return to a previously saved or incomplete application you may use the following link: https://applicationmanager.gov/.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your application materials to (478) 757-3144:

Follow these steps to apply by FAX:

1. Complete the official FAX coversheet http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf
2. Use Vacancy ID 762672
3. Print and complete a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX http://www.opm.gov./forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf
4. Document your responses to the assessment questionnaire (click here to View Occupational Questionnaire).
5. FAX your resume, assessment questionnaire (OPM Form 1203-FX), and supporting documents (See Required Documents below) to (478) 757-3144.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional)
2. Completed Assessment Questionnaire
3. SF-50 for proof of Merit Promotion eligibility, or documentation showing VEOA eligibility,  if applicable
4. Documentation of eligibility for appointment under a Special Hiring Authority
5. ICTAP/CTAP Documentation (see "Transition Assistance Plan" in online questionnaire) if applicable documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment (e.g. severely disabled, eligible veterans, etc.), if applicable
6. College transcripts, if applicable

NOTE: If you receive an email stating that there was a technical problem uploading your documents, you should fax the applicable documentation to OPM at 478-757-3144.  Be sure to use the fax cover sheet that was linked in the vacancy announcement, include the appropriate Office Code (OV) and VIN (six digit code) so that the fax is processed properly and promptly.  For further questions regarding applying options online or by fax, please contact OPM at ApplicationManagerHelpDesk@opm.gov.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Dafina M. Williams
Phone: (202)619-7059
Fax: (202)619-7240
Email: DAFINA_WILLIAMS@NPS.GOV

Agency Information:
NPS National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive SW Room 244
Washington, DC 20242

Fax: (202)619-7240

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.

Contact Information
Name: Dafina M. Williams
Phone Number: 202-619-7059
Email: DAFINA_WILLIAMS@NPS.GOV