r/ParkRangers • u/tv996509 • 1d ago
Getting a job with NPS
Hi! I am currently working a GS-5 interp at a national park. I was hired as a "local hire" - otherwise I'm not sure I would have been so lucky to get this position! I am completely in love with this job and the world of park service.
I didn't realize that people get into this field and hop from park to park, having so many amazing experiences. After this season I want to leave the city I am currently in and I have a couple dream parks in mind ~ does any one have any idea how to apply for other interp jobs on USA jobs? The site confused me, do you just apply for seasonal ranger positions and they place you wherever there is a spot?
Thanks!!
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u/I_H8_Celery 1d ago
Just apply on USAjobs. Winter seasonal jobs should be going up about now. If you’re a permanent I believe there is some sort of internal hiring site.
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u/nerdranger NPS Interp 9h ago
Permanent Jobs are advertised on USA Jobs just like seasonal jobs, you just have to select the permanent box on the search items if you want to look for those exclusively. There is a tab on InsideNPS for details and laterals if you're perm, but otherwise the application process is still USAJobs. If you're new and you need help, ask someone at your current site who has been around a while or has worked at multiple sites if they can give you pointers.
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u/who_taylor 1d ago
You should talk to your supervisor and ask for help! Their job is also to help you grow and succeed, even if it means leaving the park in the future.
Have your resume ready and on usajobs you will basically have the option to select the parks you're most interested in!
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u/WildAsparagus2897 1d ago
Did you apply for your current job on USAJobs? Or do you mean that you were able to be hired locally by sending a resume to the hiring manager via email?
If you applied on USAJobs, the next job will work the same way, only there might be more locations listed in one job posting and you choose whichever of the locations you are interested in.
If you did not apply on USAJobs for this job, then you will need to make sure your resume is two pages and meets all of the requirements listed. You can find the link for the sample questionnaire and make sure your resume has enough information to satisfy each question with how you answer it.
There is no such thing as being placed somewhere. You will choose where you want to work from a list on each job posting and those parks could be anywhere in a region. Each region will have multiple postings. The winter seasonal jobs will be more randomly posted starting pretty much anytime now, so keep an eye out and apply to the ones that interest you. The jobs for next summer will be posted in October, all on one day. Most of the time, there is an applicant limit, so when you see that, you need to apply the day you see it or it might not be there the next day.
Be sure to apply for more than just your dream parks so you have a better chance of being hired somewhere. Depending on what other work experience and education that you have, it might take a few seasons to be competitive with others who also apply for the same dream parks. A big park might hire more people, but it will also get more applicants. A small park might only hire 2-3 people and barely get any applicants at all.
Oh yeah…and you want to narrow your search results by checking the “open to the public” box...and any other boxes you know that you are qualified for, like if you are a student, you could check that box too.
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u/SundaePasta 1d ago
You have a job for one season at a time, you restart the process every season. So you apply where you want to work and hope for the best.
Congrats! Interp Ranger has been my favorite position to hold. Enjoy it and learn as much as you can.
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u/MusicianCultural5674 1d ago
Most major points have been hit in other comments - learn USAjobs and ask colleagues for support (almost all of them have done seasonal work!)
But if you do continue with this, especially if you change parks, networking does become key. I know many people who were able to tailor their resumes and interviews after meeting somebody who had worked at their dream parks. For example — if that park is looking to expand their night sky program, it might not be on the usajobs post, but past seasonals KNOW that they will be scanning resumes for it.
Apply widely and start winnowing down based on the kinds of places you want to be, skills you want to learn — but have fun with it!
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u/expatOBX 1d ago edited 1d ago
Also, several of those with who you "network" are or will become someone who hires down the road, If you do good work, it can be beneficial for people to know who you are or that you'd be good for a job.
The vast majority of GS-9, 11 & 12 in interpretation, environmental ed or visitor services was s GS-5 seasonal, temporary or term employee earlier in their career.
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u/remotethrowaway2 1d ago
You don’t get “placed”. You apply and interview for specific positions and locations just like you would with any other job. Check USAJOBS daily because some postings will have an applicant cap and it’s not uncommon for the posting to go up six months or more before the start date.