Park Ranger; Protection

Summary

Position located in Gulf Islands National Seashore, Visitor and Resource Protection Division. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 01/28/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 EST on the closing day will receive consideration.

Perform a variety of resource and visitor protection duties including but not limited to enforcement of federal and state laws, vehicle and foot patrol, front country patrol, back country and wilderness patrol, emergency response, emergency medical services, search and rescue, visitor stewardship and orientation, wilderness management, boundary enforcement, protection of natural and cultural resources (wildlife, plants, archaeological sites, historic building), and wildland fire suppression.

Collateral duties may include EMS, UTV, boating, traffic counter, radar coordinators and other duties as assigned.

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Subject to pre‑employment physical and drug testing.
• Must possess a Type II (seasonal) or higher Law Enforcement Commission.
• Will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.
• Must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• Will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. Position subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• Must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties and pass a medical examination (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, mobility). Periodic medical examinations throughout employment.
• Must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) consisting of agility run, bench press, 1.5 mile run, sit and reach, and body composition. Must pass agility run, bench press, and 1.5 mile run at least 25th percentile.

• Must be able to operate a government or private motor vehicle; valid driver's license required. Must submit Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. Provide certified driving records from all states.
• Must wear uniform and comply with NPS uniform standards; uniform allowance provided.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, shift work.
• May be required to travel overnight up to 10 nights per month.
• May be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel or purchase authority.
• Must be at least 21 years old.

• Must currently possess, previously held within past three years, or be able to obtain a valid Type II (seasonal) or higher NPS Law Enforcement Commission by 01/28/2026.
• Emergency Medical Responder or higher certification required. Must obtain by 01/28/2026.

Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following minimum qualifications by the closing date.

At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS‑04 grade level in the Federal service. Experience should include technical, administrative, scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park‑related work. Specify hours per week worked.

Successful completion of a four‑year degree above high school, majoring in 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 related field. Provide transcripts.

Combination of education and experience as described. Compute percentage as described. Provide transcripts.