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Open: May 29, 2026 — Closes: June 5, 2026
Summary
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Park Service, Midwest Region, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in Empire, Michigan. For more information on the position, please contact Merrith Baughman at merrith_baughman@nps.gov.
Major Duties
Prepare and present a variety of formal and informal interpretive programs. Oversee and monitor a park wide volunteer program that is in line with Department of Interior Volunteer Policy. Serve as a liaison with volunteer-based park partners; and communicating across park divisions in all aspects of volunteer supervision. Implement a park wide volunteer program by recruiting volunteers and interns, creating and maintaining VIP training and orientation program, managing the program's budgetary process, preparing annual reports, monitor program effectiveness, coordinate the recognition of volunteers. As a Park Ranger (Interpretation), the responsibilities of this position include researching, planning, and presenting a variety of interpretive programs related to Lakeshore history, environmental education, and natural and cultural resources; coordinating special events; and assisting with the training of seasonal interpretive staff. This position also serves as the park's Volunteer (VIP) Coordinator, overseeing and monitoring a dynamic program that aligns with Department of the Interior Volunteer Policy; serving as a liaison with volunteer-based park partners; and communicating across park divisions on all aspects of volunteer supervision. Responsibilities include recruiting park volunteers and interns; creating and maintaining multiple VIP training and orientation programs (including new VIP orientation, VIP refresher training, and training for VIP supervisors); managing the program's budget processes; preparing annual reports; developing and maintaining a program monitoring system to track and analyze VIP program effectiveness; and coordinating volunteer recognition efforts. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work from approximately 10.5 months in pay status, and you will be in a non-pay status (about a 1.5 months - Mid-November to Late-December) for the remainder of the year. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion and can involve extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or in caves, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Some employees may engage in firefighting, search and rescue, and other strenuous activities; these employees may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 50 pounds over long distances. Employees who participate in all-risk operations will be required to meet fitness requirements on a continuing basis. Work Environment: The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, climates, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc. Some employees may be engaged in all-risk operations and be exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations which require a range of safety and other precautions. Area Information: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore include the scenic and recreational assets of over 64 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and the nearby North and South Manitou Islands. Park features include massive sand dunes; pristine, undeveloped beaches; forested hills; quiet rivers, and secluded inland lakes; the geological history of continental glaciation; and the stories of American Indian, maritime, agriculture, and recreation history. Cultural resources include nationally recognized maritime structures and artifacts from the U.S. Lighthouse and Life-Saving Services era and a variety of cultural landscapes. The Lakeshore contains outstanding examples of ancient glacial landforms, along with diverse natural resources in various ecosystems. High dunes form the background for some of the best examples of mature beech/maple hardwood forests in the National Park Service. Government housing is NOT available. For more information, see the parks website: www.nps.gov/SLBE
