Description: Introduction to working with federal, state and local governments and the legislative process: the structure of the federal government and how the NPS functions within that structure; and regulations and NPS responsibilities for working with non-NPS partners such as the Nature Conservancy, NPCA, Trust for Public Land. Emphasis includes developmental experiences in working with external organizations.

ENTRY LEVEL

I. Public Policy and the Agency

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the federal legislative process, and how the NPS functions within that structure

Knowledge of scope and importance of outside constituencies with which the NPS partners

Understanding of how government works at the local, state and national level

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL

I.Public Policy Implementation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to gain cooperation with other agencies and implement interagency understandings to accomplish common goals

Knowledge of regulations and ethics concerning partnerships with non-NPS constituencies

Complete developmental assignment with an external organization or congressional office (i.e., detail, collateral duty, etc.)

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

I.Public Policy Implementation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to initiate contact, work with other agencies and governmental entities at local, state and national level; and implement interagency/intergovernmental agreements

Skill in establishing partnerships with non-NPS constituencies

Ability to understand the federal budget process and its relationship to the NPS

Ability to identify and keep up to date on key politicizes/priorities and economic, political and social trends which affect the organization

Ability to affect results at a national program level to attain Servicewide goals