What are the responsibilities and job description for the Park Ranger (I) Climbing position at National Park Service?
These positions are located in Yosemite National Park, in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division, Wilderness Branch.
Open to the first 125 applicants or until 12/17/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
SELECTIVE FACTORS:
1. This position performs climbing outreach and patrol duties, including multi-day (Grade VI) rock climbs, and expertise climbing 5.11 and A2 routes is required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. Experience MUST be reflected in application materials. Please submit a resume of significant climbs to demonstrate your experience.
2. Selectees must possess a CURRENT Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or higher certification, at time of application. You MUST provide a copy of your certification at the time of application, or you will be disqualified from consideration.
- AND -
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park related work. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked and months/years of employment for each position held.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four full years of education above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study, 24 semester hours of course work, in a related field. Related fields of study include 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 other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Only education that exceeds the first 60 semester hours is creditable towards this requirement. To combine education and experience, first take the qualifying semester hours and convert the to a percentage of the total requirement. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). These skills and abilities include: leading volunteers on group projects; leading teammates during field-based patrol and project work; supervision of volunteers; and/or leading teams on search and rescue assignments. (Note: One grade interval work such as guide, clerk, assistant or technician work (Park Guide or Visitor Services Assistant) in a single grade occupational series at the GS-05 level does NOT qualify for this position, however GS-06 level experience may). You must include hours per week worked and months/years of employment for each position held.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate study in one of the following fields: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, ecology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. One year of graduate education is 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. You must include transcripts at the time of application.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the qualifying graduate level semester hours and convert to a percentage of the total requirement. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts at the time of application.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Climbing rangers conduct several public outreach programs including Ask-A-Climber and Climber Coffee. The Ask-A-climber program interprets rock climbing in Yosemite by having climbing rangers interact with the public. Rangers provide informal interpretive programs focusing on big wall climbing and Yosemite's climbing history. During Climber Coffee, rangers meet with climbers and provide information on current route conditions, preventative search and rescue, wildlife closures, and Leave No Trace climbing principles. Climbing rangers perform basic maintenance on access trails and assist with larger scale volunteer trail projects. Climbing rangers also help oversee the daily activities of the volunteer climbing stewards. Climbing rangers participate in search and rescue operations. Climbing rangers assist in instructing high angle rope rescue courses, self-rescue courses, and climbing safety programs.
Physical Demands: The work involves extensive periods of standing, walking and climbing, in some case over rough surfaces or inclines, carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, etc.
Working Conditions: The work in performed in settings in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness, e.g. high or low temperatures, confined spaces or adverse weather.
Housing: Government housing IS available.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Yosemite National Park is April-May, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2025.
Yosemite National Park, California, known worldwide for its spectacular natural beauty is the backdrop for this position. Sitting astride the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park covers 1,182 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno. Shopping, medical, postal and laundry services are available in the park. Elevation at the Valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet and 2,200 feet in El Portal. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities occurring during the busy season March through October.
Open to the first 125 applicants or until 12/17/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by 11:59 EST when the applicant cut-off is reached (which may be sooner than 12/17/2024).Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
SELECTIVE FACTORS:
1. This position performs climbing outreach and patrol duties, including multi-day (Grade VI) rock climbs, and expertise climbing 5.11 and A2 routes is required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. Experience MUST be reflected in application materials. Please submit a resume of significant climbs to demonstrate your experience.
2. Selectees must possess a CURRENT Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or higher certification, at time of application. You MUST provide a copy of your certification at the time of application, or you will be disqualified from consideration.
- AND -
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park related work. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to, Park Guide or tour leader; environmental educator or teacher; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; or other similar work. You must include hours per week worked and months/years of employment for each position held.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four full years of education above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study, 24 semester hours of course work, in a related field. Related fields of study include 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 other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Only education that exceeds the first 60 semester hours is creditable towards this requirement. To combine education and experience, first take the qualifying semester hours and convert the to a percentage of the total requirement. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). These skills and abilities include: leading volunteers on group projects; leading teammates during field-based patrol and project work; supervision of volunteers; and/or leading teams on search and rescue assignments. (Note: One grade interval work such as guide, clerk, assistant or technician work (Park Guide or Visitor Services Assistant) in a single grade occupational series at the GS-05 level does NOT qualify for this position, however GS-06 level experience may). You must include hours per week worked and months/years of employment for each position held.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate study in one of the following fields: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, ecology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. One year of graduate education is 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. You must include transcripts at the time of application.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the qualifying graduate level semester hours and convert to a percentage of the total requirement. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts at the time of application.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Responsibilities:
These positions are in the division of Visitor and Resource Protection. Incumbents are assigned to the Wilderness Branch as a climbing ranger. Climbing rangers are based in the Yosemite Valley with patrol locations ranging from high visitor use areas to remote wilderness area.Climbing rangers conduct several public outreach programs including Ask-A-Climber and Climber Coffee. The Ask-A-climber program interprets rock climbing in Yosemite by having climbing rangers interact with the public. Rangers provide informal interpretive programs focusing on big wall climbing and Yosemite's climbing history. During Climber Coffee, rangers meet with climbers and provide information on current route conditions, preventative search and rescue, wildlife closures, and Leave No Trace climbing principles. Climbing rangers perform basic maintenance on access trails and assist with larger scale volunteer trail projects. Climbing rangers also help oversee the daily activities of the volunteer climbing stewards. Climbing rangers participate in search and rescue operations. Climbing rangers assist in instructing high angle rope rescue courses, self-rescue courses, and climbing safety programs.
Physical Demands: The work involves extensive periods of standing, walking and climbing, in some case over rough surfaces or inclines, carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, etc.
Working Conditions: The work in performed in settings in which there is regular and recurring exposure to moderate discomforts and unpleasantness, e.g. high or low temperatures, confined spaces or adverse weather.
Housing: Government housing IS available.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Yosemite National Park is April-May, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2025.
Yosemite National Park, California, known worldwide for its spectacular natural beauty is the backdrop for this position. Sitting astride the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park covers 1,182 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno. Shopping, medical, postal and laundry services are available in the park. Elevation at the Valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet and 2,200 feet in El Portal. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities occurring during the busy season March through October.
Salary : $19
