Seasonal Hiring: Frequently Asked Questions

Updated September 2016

How do I know if I am qualified?

Each job announcement will state the minimum qualifications and requirements for the position. This can be either experience or education or a combination of both. In addition, many jobs have additional requirements known as “selective placement factors,” which are skills you must bring to jobs. Jobs may also have “Quality Ranking Factors" (QRF), which are desirable but not required.

What is SLETP?

All of our seasonal Protection ranger positions require completion of the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) in order to be eligible for a commission for the position. See the “qualifications” section of the job announcement for information about SLETP and where the classes are offered.

I am having trouble with the system, can I fax directly to your office?

We are unable to accept any application documents in this office. All documents must be submitted either online or via fax according to instructions found in the “how to apply” section of the vacancy announcement.

I want to know my application status.

You can check the status of your submitted documents through USAJobs or Application Manager. An acknowledgement email is sent when documents are received by the system. Faxed documents can take up to 48 hours to process to your record.

I got a referral email, what does that mean?

You have been found qualified and have been referred to selecting official for consideration. Not all applicants who are referred are contacted for interviews.

How do I get referred?

The referral process begins after the job closes. The process includes a review of all application materials by HR specialists who ensure that self-assessment scores are supported by information applicants have provided. Applicants who meet all the requirements and are deemed qualified are referred to the park for interviews.

How is my score determined?

The score is based solely on the answers provided in the assessment questionnaire. If applicants are found to have exaggerated their scores and/or do not provide sufficient documentation, HR specialists will lower the applicant’s score and you may be removed from consideration for providing false information. We cannot raise scores.

My experience is not directly related to the job, how can I get more qualified?

Consider volunteering at a park or searching for internships through NPS partners. Volunteer experience is qualifying for experience. Remember to provide the number of hours that were volunteered or worked as an intern.

How do I appeal my rating?

If you feel you have been incorrectly rated, you may send an appeal via email. A specialist will respond to your appeal.

It seems like it is taking forever.

The federal hiring process can take a number of weeks. Once a list of candidates is sent to the park, they have up to 180 days to make a selection. Once a tentative selection has been made a background check must be conducted.

Why do veterans get higher scores?

By law, for numerically ranked certifications, qualified veterans can receive up to an additional 10 points added to the score on their self-assessment as well as priority consideration.

Can my documents transfer between announcements?

You will need to upload or fax in your documents (transcripts, DD-214, etc.) for each announcement that you apply for, they do not transfer over.

Are there medical standards for LE positions?

If you are calling about a specific vacancy, contact the Point Of Contact on that announcement. If you have a general question about medical standards, contact any park in which you are interested and ask to speak to the Chief Ranger, who is the park’s LE expert and he/she will be able to answer the question directly.

Closing Date…REMINDER

Remember that your application needs to be submitted prior to the closing date. All announcements will close at 11:59pm EST. If you have questions regarding your application or if you are having technical problems with the system, please try to call or email within 48 hours of the closing date so we can help you. We check our voicemail/email daily and will try to return all calls/emails within 24 hours. Once the announcement has closed we cannot change any information.