Park Ranger (Whitewater Rescue) - Department Of The Interior : Job Details

Park Ranger (Whitewater Rescue)

Department Of The Interior

Job Location : Glen Jean,WV, USA

Posted on : 2025-01-01T07:04:15Z

Job Description :

Summary

This position is located in the New River Gorge National River (NERI) Resource and Visitor Protection Division. Duties of the position are to promote safe use of the rivers, perform search and rescue operations, aid in emergency medical services, and maintain the park's fleet of watercraft and equipment.

The seasonal Entry-on-Duty period for is April/May 2025 but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. The anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2025.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

12/23/2024 to 01/06/2025

* Salary

$39,576 - $51,446 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 5

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

* Glen Jean, WV

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Temporary - NTE: 1039 HOURS

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Competitive

* Promotion potential

None

* Job family (Series)

* 0025 Park Ranger

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Not Required

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

* Credentialing

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

* Bargaining unit status

* Announcement number

NE-1612-NERI-25-12623694-DE

* Control number

825557300

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This job is open to

* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.

Clarification from the agency

Open to agency career transition assistance plan (CTAP) and interagency career transition assistance plan (ICTAP) eligibles.

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Duties

Position responsibilities include river patrols on all waters and tributaries in the three National Park System areas under the administration of a NERI Superintendent, which include over 90,000 acres and 90+ river miles. The selectee for this position will be responsible for providing whitewater river patrols on the New, Gauley, Meadow and Bluestone Rivers up to Class V+ whitewater river sections.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

* Safety patrols, rescue and recovery, and education in safe boating practices and etiquette.

* Monitor for compliance of camping regulations, sanitation and refuse, and resource stewardship along remote river shoreline camping and recreation areas accessed only by boat.

* Involved in extensive contact with heavy commercial boating activities, as well as increasingly numbers of private boaters and overnight boat campers.

* River equipment utilized includes paddle and oar-powered rafts, motorized catarafts, duckies and kayaks.

* Will work closely with land-based Visitor Use Assistants & commissioned law enforcement rangers in managing riparian river zone recreation and resource stewardship efforts throughout all river segments of the park.

* Responsible for training and maintenance of river skills for all Ranger Division personnel assigned collateral river responsibilities.

* Assists others in safely planning and engaging in potentially high-risk recreational sports.

* Provides general planning information, safety suggestions and park regulations.

* Responsible for responding to emergencies either personally or via obtaining appropriate assistance, and for providing basic first aid.

* Creates bulletin board displays, temporary exhibits, and other non-personal interpretive services.

* Creates interpretive props, worksheets, and other visual aids and written information.

* Assists with program administration, including record-keeping and correspondence.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* U.S. Citizenship required.

* Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.

* Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.

* Pre-employment physical is required.

* DIRECT DEPOSIT: Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.

* DRUG TEST: 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 operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required.

* VEHICHLE OPERATION: You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.

* UNIFORM: You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.

* WORK SCHEDULE: You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

* MEDICAL CERTIFICATION: You will be required to possess a current Emergency Medical Responder certification.

* You will be required to possess a current Commercial Whitewater Trip Leader certification for the state of WV or equivalency as determined by the NPS.

* Due to the rigorous duties involved, a Moderate Duty Work Capacity Test is required prior to employment. This test consists of being able to walk 2 miles carrying a pack with 25 pounds within 30 minutes. Incumbent will be participating in search and rescue operations.

* You will be required to possess or obtain a current Department of Interior Motorboat Operator certification.

* MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-01/06/2025-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

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 FACTOR: WHITEWATER CERTIFICATION: This position performs the duties of a Park Ranger (Whitewater Rescue) to include protecting visitors and resources in relation to the recreational use of the rivers (i.e., promoting safe use of the rivers, performing search and rescue operations, aiding in emergency medical services, maintaining the park's fleet of watercraft and accessory equipment, and providing NPS presence on the rivers). Incumbent is required to respond to emergency situations related to park and visitor safety during periods outside of scheduled tour of duty, and possession of a certification as a Commercial Whitewater Trip Leader as specified in guidelines established by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, or equivalent certification issued by a recognized public or other accredited institution is required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.

AND

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least 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: 1)park guide or tour leader; 2)law enforcement or investigative work; 3)archaeological or historical preservation research work; 4)forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; 5)management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; 6)or other similar work. YOU MUST INCLUDE HOURS PER WEEK WORKED.

EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or 24 semester hours of course work in a related field. Related course work are subjects such as 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.

Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. To combine education and the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a bachelor's degree, in excess of 60 semester hours, and divide by 60 semester hours (or equivalent) 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 and detail experience in resume. YOU MUST INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: Quality ranking factors are knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) identified on the vacancy announcement for the positions to be filled, that could be expected to significantly enhance performance in a position, but unlike selective factors, are not essential for satisfactory performance. Answering these questions on the occupational questionnaire will not screen you out if you do not possess these skills / certifications.

The selectee serves as a Park Ranger (Whitewater Rescue). The selectee must possess or be able to possess the ability to navigate and train others in the navigation of hazardous whitewater in the New and Gauley Rivers by oar-powered and motorized watercraft without assistance of supervision. Proficiency in performing technical river rescues is also required of the incumbent. Incumbent will be participating in search and rescue operations and therefore is required to possess or obtain a first responder or advanced first aid certification.

* MOTORBOAT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

* EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE CERTIFICATION

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.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

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.

ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS: This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).

If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.

The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.

Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical Demands: The work includes sedentary office work, but the majority of the work is extremely strenuous, such as river patrol, search and rescue, etc. The position frequently requires the carrying of heavy loads, traveling over rugged terrain and operating oar-powered watercraft.

WORKING CONDITIONS: he work is primarily performed outdoors, with some indoor office work involved. Outdoor work can involve exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes in combination with long periods of being wet; requires lengthy periods of time without access to sanitation facilities; exposure to poisonous and/or irritating plants, reptiles and insects; exposure to hazardous conditions encountered during river patrol and search and rescue. Whitewater on the New and Gauley Rivers range from Class 1 to Class 5+ on a scale of difficulty ranging from 1 to 6 and are hazardous to navigate.

TELEWORK: The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework.

* Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of three categories:

* Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position

* Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job

* Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.

You will be evaluated on the following competencies:

* Emergency Medical Response

* First Response

* Interpersonal Skills

* Motorboat operator certification

* Oral Communication

* Problem Solving

* Technical Competence

* Benefits

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Review our benefits

* Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/06/2025:

* Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, 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. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.

* Complete All Required Assessments.

* Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:

* Veterans Preference Documentation:

* If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.

* If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.

* If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-###-#### to establish proof of disability.

* Documentation that you meet the Selective Factors.

* College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.

* Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above (85) on the rating criteria for this position.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

* How to Apply

To apply for this position: You must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/06/2025. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

* Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.

* Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting Start Application.

* Click here for USAJobs Help with How to create an application

* To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link:

* Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.

* Select documents you want included in this application.

* Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.

* Select if you want to include your demographic information.

* After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select Continue to Agency Site.

* Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.

* Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.

* Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.

* Review and Submit Application.

* While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting + next to the job title for this position.

* You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.

* To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select + next to the job title for this position. Select Update Application for this job.

* Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Agency contact information

Marcia Mims-Washington

Phone 267-###-#### Email [email protected]

Address New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

PO Box 246

Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.

To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.

* Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Criminal history inquiries

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

* Financial suitability

* New employee probationary period

* Privacy Act

* Reasonable accommodation policy

* Selective Service

* Signature and false statements

* Social security number request

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Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/06/2025:

* Complete All Required Assessments.

* Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:

* Veterans Preference Documentation:

* Documentation that you meet the Selective Factors.

* College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

How to Apply

WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

* Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.

* Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting Start Application.

* Click here for USAJobs Help with How to create an application

* To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link:

* Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.

* Select documents you want included in this application.

* Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.

* Select if you want to include your demographic information.

* After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select Continue to Agency Site.

* Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.

* Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.

* Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.

* Review and Submit Application.

* While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting + next to the job title for this position.

* You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.

* To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select + next to the job title for this position. Select Update Application for this job.

* Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents fro

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