Supervisory Park Ranger (P)

Summary This position is located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in the Division of Visitor, Fire, and Resource Protection. Occupancy of government quarters is required. Responsibilities The incumbent has primary responsibility for law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services, visitor services operations, and natural resources management, in the large, heavily used front-country and wilderness areas of the parks. Serves as a Commissioned Law Enforcement Ranger responsible for performing law enforcement duties including detection, investigation, apprehension, detention and prosecution under provisions of applicable laws, rules and regulations enacted to ensure the protection and safe use of National Park Service resources. The primary duty of this position is the supervision and enforcement of the criminal laws of the United States through investigation, apprehension, education and detention of individuals suspected or convicted of violating these laws. Appropriate enforcement to protect park natural, cultural, historical and human resources constitutes the basic reason for the existence of this position, occupies a substantial portion of the Rangers working time and is assigned on a regular and recurring basis. Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to undergo periodic medical examinations throughout employment. Prior to appointment, the people selected for these positions must be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The PEB is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run – measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press – measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run – measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach – measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition – measures body fat. Prior to appointment, selectees will be tested in all five components, and must pass the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run in the 25th percentile. A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the National Park Service from another component, bureau or Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR 575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive. A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks represent an extraordinary continuum of ecosystems (96% designated wilderness) arrayed along the greatest vertical relief (1,370 to 14,505 feet elevation) of any protected area in the lower 48 states. They are the highest, most rugged reaches of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (including Mount Whitney at 14,500 feet elevation) and feature the worlds largest trees – Giant Sequoias. Sequoia National Park is the nations second oldest national park (established September 25, 1890) and encompasses 404,863 acres. Kings Canyon was established on March 4, 1940 and encompasses 458,847 acres. Both parks provide a wealth of recreational opportunities via 835 miles of trails, wild and scenic rivers, alpine lakes, and caves, along with a full range of overnight lodging prospects to choose from that include 14 campgrounds. For area information visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/getinvolved/workwithus.htm. Air Quality: Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months – generally May to October. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males New employees of the Department of the Interior must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of net pay within 30 days of entrance on duty. A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service). Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Selectee will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency. Selectee must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicants successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. You will be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 2 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. The position to which you will be appointed is subject to a financial disclosure reporting requirement and you will be required to complete a new entrant Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of your appointment. Qualifications All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/17/2024-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either “full-time” (or “40 hours a week”) or “part-time” with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Selective Factors: Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify: Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 10/17/2024. Must possess a current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, National Registry Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification, or National Registry Paramedic certification by 10/17/2024. State certification is acceptable but must obtain a National Registry Certification within 6 months of appointment. Must have a current, valid State Drivers License by 10/17/2024. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid drivers license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operators License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid drivers licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. This is a secondary-administrative law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements, but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under CSRS, an employee must transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions). You must let this office know if you are in a Primary position. – AND – Applicants must possess 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-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) that includes: (1) leading the investigation of alleged violations of laws or regulations related to the protection, conservation, use, or management of natural/cultural resources; (2) protecting individuals against threats to personal safety; (3) developing and/or implementing policies related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; (4) collaborating with other law enforcement and/or emergency agencies. 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. CTAP/ICTAP 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. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Education There is no educational substitution for this grade level. Working Conditions: While periods of time may be in an office setting, most of the work is performed outdoors in extremes of weather and climatic conditions. The work is performed at various hours of the day and night and for prolonged periods during emergency situations. The incumbent is frequently exposed to high-risk and potentially dangerous situations in law enforcement and emergency situations requiring use of a wide range of personal protective gear, adherence to specific safety procedures and other precautions. Long periods of surveillance work may be required in cramped or unpleasant locations and under stressful conditions. Shift work is often required. Incumbent is required to operate motor vehicles of various types and be a passenger in aviation assets. Law enforcement and other emergency operations will require entry into hazardous environments, exposure to dangerous persons, animals, substances and potential exposure to infectious diseases. Travel in government aircraft may be required. This air travel may affect employees private life insurance policies, which often contain clauses excluding life insurance coverage for aviation, SCUBA diving, skydiving and other hazards. Work occurs in elevations ranging from 1000ft-14,505ft. Climatic conditions vary from summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in lower elevation areas to temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit at higher elevations during the winter season. Emergency response – such as response for law enforcement, search and rescue, fire, or emergency medical services – involve stressful situations and expedited response to often hazardous or unsafe situations. Safety of personnel is a primary concern in such circumstances. Emergency medical care may involve risk of exposure to potentially lethal blood-borne pathogens and requires the use of personal protective equipment. The incumbent is required to be, and will be, exposed to potential carriers of communicable diseases and blood borne pathogen, on a regular basis. This exposure is the result of having to provide law enforcement and emergency medical care. The incumbent is also exposed to high frequency noise during search and rescue, law enforcement and emergency medical care activities. Firefighting work is predominately outdoors in all types of weather, anytime of day, and possibly for extended periods of time. The incumbent is subject to temperature extremes, wind, rain, snow, full sun and subject to extreme heat, burns, falling objects, exposure to smoke and noxious fumes. The work environment itself involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations and unusual environmental stress requiring a range of safety and other precautions. Additional Information For more information about this position, please contact: Dave Fox, Deputy Chief Ranger, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks davefox@nps.gov This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. Physical Demands: Indoor work is generally performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. Office duties require periods of sitting and the physical ability to operate computers and other common office equipment. There will be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items. Field work regularly includes long periods of standing, hiking and climbing in uneven, steep, rough, slippery and rugged terrain. Strenuous exertion is frequently required in law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, medical and related emergency activities. Lifting or carrying equipment weighing over 50 pounds, such as firefighting or search and rescue equipment is required. Duties involve performing physically rigorous assignments in isolated outdoor environments while exposed to severe weather conditions. Physical fitness requirements must be met on a continuing basis. There is a physical, mental and emotional high-stress component to much of the incumbents work assignment. The incumbent will be required to participate in the NPS physical fitness program. Travel in light fixed-wing aircraft and/or helicopters may be required. Structural firefighting work routinely involves physically rigorous assignments and strenuous activity. The incumbent must maintain excellent physical condition to carry out assigned responsibilities including the ability to an arduous duty physical and handle a variety of heavy and cumbersome firefighting equipment. Emergency firefighting situations often require clear reasoning and decisive action under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress. Work typically requires the daily operation of a motor vehicle (automobiles, pick-up trucks) on steep mountainous roads. Skill and knowledge to operate vehicles in a variety of conditions (i.e. – rain, fog) over a variety of mountain roads including highways, narrow roads with various surfaces, and on steep winding grades. Work includes driving to sites up to 100 miles from park headquarters. Incumbent must be able to perform occasional travel assignments. Telework: The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are unsuitable for telework.