OF-306 (Fill out required information, you will sign this on your first day)
W4
Direct Deposit Forms
Statement of Prior Federal Service
Disability, Health Insurance, etc. forms
What to Expect on Your First Day
Complete remaining onboarding forms with your supervisor and administrative staff. This requires you to bring 2 forms of acceptable ID such as a valid driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or social security card.
Take your Oath of Office
Meet other members of your Team
What to Expect within the First Week
Receive a Tour of the Park
Learn about the park, your division, work schedule, leave schedule, etc.
Activation of your PIV card, dependent on timely arrival of PIV card
IT support and access to government computer, email, etc.
QuickTime (timesheet) training, dependent on timely access to a government computer
Discussion with supervisor over position expectations and performance standards. Review Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP).
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Image credit: National Park Service
Policies and Required Training
The National Park Service is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory work environment and culture. Employees are expected to treat their coworkers, volunteers, and the public with dignity and respect.
Public service is a public trust. Federal government employees are expected to maintain a high standard to follow all laws and uphold ethical principles above private gain.
Depending on your position, federal government employees are restricted in their partisan polical activity in regards to their official duties and while representing the federal government (e.g. in uniform). To summarize the Hatch Act, a federal employee may not:
Use his or her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election.
Solicit, accept, or receive political contributions at any time
Engage in partisan political activity while a work, including while on duty, in a government building, while wearing a government uniform or insignia, or while using a government vehicle.
Most of these trainings you can only access with a government computer and time will be scheduled during the workday for you to complete these. Please refer to these as a checklist of trainings you can expect to do within your first 6 months of employment:
Ethics Training/Standards of Conduct
No FEAR Training (Anti-Harassment)
Information Management and Technology Awareness Training (IMT Training)
Learn About Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Purpose: The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River protects, conserves, and enhances the free-flowing character, exceptionally high water quality, and the scenic, recreational, ecological, cultural, and geological values of the Upper Delaware River valley through collaborative partnerships and cooperation with state and local government entities.
For more information about Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, its fundamental resources and values, interpretive themes, significance statements, and other key components, please see our Foundation Document.
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River was designated by Congress as a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and as a unit of the National Park Service via the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978.
Learn more about the history of the Upper Delaware River and its surrounding communities on our History page.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) are defined by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act as the characteristics that make a river worthy of special protection. It has been determined that the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River has ORVs in all categories--cultural, ecological, geological, recreational, and scenic.
Examples of some of the features of the Upper Delaware which have been named as ORVs include but are not limited to:
Archaeological evidence and sites related to a variety of people, cultures, and events including pre-contact indigenous cultures
Site of the Battle of Minisink
Historic buildings and bridges
Remnants of the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) canal
Original Lackawaxen home of Zane Grey, a prolific 19th-20th century American author.
The river's exceptional water quality
Animal habitat, including but not limited to habitat for bald eagles, the endangered dwarf wedgemussel, and migratory shad
Sandstone cliffs and exposed ancient bedrock
Scenic views at areas such as the Hawk's Nest and Jensens Ledges
Opportunities for paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and skiing, among other activities
View of the river valley from Jensen's Ledges on the Bouchoux Trail
NPS
Familiarize Yourself with the Upper Delaware River Community
The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) is a partnership of local, state, and federal government agencies working together to protect and manage the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The UDC was established to help bridge the National Park Service with local communities, landowners, and local governments in the Upper Delaware River Corridor.
To learn more about the Upper Delaware Council, you can visit their website.
USAJobs: The official website to apply for all federal government positions.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The Employee Assistance Program offers professional, confidential counseling and consultation that can help employees and their families. These valuable services are available at no cost to DOI employees and eligible family members. It can be accessed via phone or online.
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River Employee Wellness Program: The Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River Employee Wellness Program is the park's individual health and wellness program. Employees who wish to participate can sign up after they onboard at the park. New employees are welcome to review the program before they start their position to gauge personal interest in the program.
The following links are only available when connected to the governmental internal network and/or require your PIV card to access:
InsideNPS: This is the central location for National Park Service information and employee resources, including links to QuickTime, Employee Express, eOPF, uniform ordering website, etc.
QuickTime: This is where you will submit your timesheets and view your most up-to-date leave balance.
eOPF: This is where you can view and download key documents regarding your government service, including your SF50 and award documentation.
Employee Express: This website is where you can get your leave and earnings statement, W2, and other important documentation.
DOITalent: This is the primary page for signing up for trainings and doing online trainings within the Department of the Interior.
Employee Safety, Health, and Wellness SharePoint: This is an internal SharePoint with agency resources related to safety, health, and wellness. This includes information on reporting accidents, resources for employees affected by natural disasters, policy memos, and more.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River staff at the 2024 All Employee Paddle event
NPS
Frequently Asked Questions
Employees are paid via direct deposit. Ensure that you complete the Direct Deposit Form in USAStaffing and any other required forms prior to your start date to assist with timely payment of your first paycheck.
Employees are paid on a biweekly schedule, being required to submit their timesheets every other Friday. Payday is the second Tuesday of the pay period, for work performed in the prior pay period.
Almost all government employees are eligible for healthcare benefits, including seasonal and temporary staff.
Temporary and Seasonal Staff (staff who work 130+ hours/month for at least 90 days): Are eligible for health insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, and social security.
Permanent and Term Staff: In addition to the benefits temporary and seasonal employee receive, they are also eligible for life insurance, retirement benefits, and the federal long term care insurance program.
For more information, please see our Employee Resources section above.
Staff are eligible to earn both paid time off (annual leave) and sick leave. Other types of leave such as family and medical leave, paid parental leave, etc. may have additional eligibility requirements.
Full-time Employees earn 1 hour of sick leave per 20 hours in pay status.
The number of hours of annual leave earned is based on total years of service with the federal government. If this is your first federal position, you can expect to earn 4 hours of annual leave each pay period.
If you have a term shorter than 90 days, you may not qualify to receive certain leave benefits.
Please discuss with your supervisor if you are already aware of any days you may need to request leave for.
Depending on your position, there are different uniform requirements. The iconic “green and grey” uniform with the flat hat is generally only regularly required for public-facing staff, staff with regular public contact, and staff who positions involve representing the park service. Please speak with your supervisor prior to your start date regarding uniform expectations for your position.
All staff are provided with a uniform allowance to purchase any required uniform items. All uniform items are purchased through a specific vendor and uniform ordering system. Any additional equipment needed for your position will be provided by the park.
Upper Delaware also has a uniform cache where employees can take any items they need and donate any items they are no longer using.
If you are wearing the uniform, you must be wearing all elements for the uniform to be in compliance (e.g. hat must have hatband, shirt must have nametag and badges). There are also winter and summer versions of the uniform. You should not be "mixing and matching" summer and winter pieces (e.g. winter hat with shorts). Certain items may only be worn if you are doing specific activities that day (e.g. river shoes should only be worn on days you will be on the river).
Until you receive your uniform items, please discuss with your supervisor on what is considered appropriate work attire.
Notify your supervisor immediately of any work-related injuries or illnesses, including any tick bites received while on the job or performing job-related duties. Your supervisor will make a record into the Safety Management Information System (SMIS) and assist you with workers’ compensation if medical assistance is needed.
Employees receive their Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) electronically through Employee Express. Physical copies are only printed and mailed to specific types of employees, such as those without internet access or those no longer working with the Department of the Interior. We strongly recommend you download an online copy from Employee Express, compared to waiting for a hard copy, if you are able.
The National Park Service is under the Department of the Interior, one of the agencies under the Executive Branch of the United States federal government.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a national park site under the Northeast Region, Region 1 (NER). Its designation is a "scenic and recreational river."
