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Open: November 2, 2026 — Closes: November 17, 2026
Summary
You will serve as a Park Ranger (Interpretation) for Niobrara National Scenic River. This position interprets resources, connect visitors, support learning, and manage heritage resources. This position is also open to public under announcement CAHO-26-13053704-DE-KG. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Major Duties
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: GS-05 Engages the public through presenting a series of formal structured programs (e.g., walks, talks, tours, presentations, demonstrations, events, and virtual interactions) and informal contacts/conversations. Provides effective interpretive and educational programs that encourage the development of a riverine stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations. Lead ranger for the Junior Ranger Program. Plans and arranges for visitor service functions and assists with planning and logistics for special events. Applies skill in communications, as well as exercises diplomacy in external and internal relations. Develops interpretive content for posting on social media sites. GS-07 Develops and presents formal educational programming for a variety of age groups. Coordinates development and implementation of a variety of cultural history projects that include subject areas such as ethnic history, local folklore, historical sites and buildings, possible demonstration projects, and interpretive efforts regarding park history. Develops training materials and programs and provides direction and training to lower graded rangers in the implementation and utilization of interpretive materials. Plans, designs, develops, and improves interpretive materials, specifically digital content (e.g., the web, social media, mobile technology, live broadcast or distance programming, podcasts, virtual tours) to introduce, inform, engage, and strengthen relationships between the public and their national parks. GS-09 (Full Performance to also include all duties listed at GS-05/07 levels) Prepares portions of the interpretive planning and budgeting program documents. Develops portions of a cultural history resource management plan. Identifies local cultural or historical sites and structures; recommends preservation, restoration, and/or maintenance needs. Monitors walks, talks, and cultural history demonstrations conducted by lower graded rangers, critiques these activities, and recommends individual or program improvements. Coordinates the operation of a mobile visitor center and an interpretive contact station. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. The employees of the National Park Service care for special places that are the heritage of all Americans. Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Park ranger - interpreters connect people to parks. They play a key role in ensuring that visitors have a meaningful, satisfying, and safe park experience, help visitors decide how to spend their time in the park, and inform them about the wonders that await their discovery. Park ranger - interpreters are specially trained to engage the public so that each park visitor can find a personal connection with the meanings and values found in the places and stories of that park. They help visitors explore the many dimensions of parks by introducing them to a variety of perspectives. By providing the opportunity for visitors to care about the places they visit, they promote stewardship and the opportunity for those visitors to care for park resources. National parks are among the most remarkable places in America for recreation, learning, and inspiration. The work done by park ranger-interpreters through effective interpretive and educational programs encourages the development of a personal stewardship ethic and broadens public support for preserving and protecting park resources, so that they may be enjoyed by present and future generations.