How to become a National Park Ranger

Author as a National Park Ranger

Do you like being outdoors and working with people? Do you have a passion for natural resources? If so, becoming a National Park Ranger may be for you!

Things You'll Need

• a college degree (or be in the process of getting one)
• writing skills
• tenacity
• high level of comfort with acronyms

Instructions

1. Get to know the website USA Jobs (http://www.usajobs.gov/) upside down and inside out. All federal jobs must be posted on this website.

   Use the FAQ page to help learn the language (http://www.custhelp.usajobs.gov/cgi-bin/usopm.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=E4MnRkoj). The Federal government uses lots of acronyms and forms named by letter-number combinations.

2. Do a search for "National Park Service" jobs (part of the Department of Interior) after clicking on "agency search" near the top of the USAjobs website.

   All of the jobs available within the National Park Service (NPS) will pop up. Don't get hung-up on the job title of "Park Ranger" because all of the of the positions with titles like "Park Guide" or "Visitor Use Assistant" actually do a lot of what people think Park Rangers do. Most NPS Rangers start in a different position and work up to Park Ranger. The most important thing is to get your foot in the door of the NPS doing something you think you would enjoy and be good at.

   FYI there are two kinds of Park Rangers in the NPS: Interpretive and Law Enforcement.

3. Read the job descriptions closely and pick one (or a few) that you are qualified for and would enjoy. Work experience goes a long way. So if your highest degree is a bachelors, but you see a GS-9 job (which generally requires a masters degree) you think you can qualify for based on experience, go ahead and apply.

   Read the application directions and follow them to the letter.

   Consider using the OF-612 form instead of a traditional Resume, the application reviewers are familiar with this form and the standard format helps them get through the applications more efficiently. Technically, the form shouldn't give you an advantage but it shows you have some familiarity with government workings.

   If your application calls for answering KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) essay questions don't be frank. Unless there is a page limit designated, write every relevant experience down you can think of, draw from school, volunteering, life, and work. Don't hesitate to repeat these qualifications in each KSA if appropriate.

4. Wait and wait and wait. You will eventually get a letter(bad) or a phone call(good) letting you know your fate. Applications are graded on a 100 point scale. Veterans can get bonus points. And only the top few are handed over to the interviewing/hiring people at the park.

   If you are turned down, call and request your score. It helps to know so when you make changes next time you can gage to see if it improves your score. Keep trying! The NPS is a fun and rewarding place to work!

5. Noncompetitive Status:

   Students and recent Peace Corps volunteers get the coveted noncompetitive status. They can be hired by a park without having to go through the USAjobs hiring rigamarole. So if you are a student, get out and volunteer for a national park and if you impress them they may just hire you!