JOB SUMMARY: This position is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Visitor and Resource Protection Division. This is a Merit Promotion Announcement. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 10/29/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. MAJOR DUTIES: This National Park Service (NPS) position is in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection (VRP) at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM), and based in Gatlinburg, TN. The incumbent serves as the Backcountry Specialist for GRSM, reporting to the Chief Ranger. The primary duty of this position is the implementation of the Backcountry Management Plan. Ensures that wilderness values for the park's proposed, recommended wilderness areas are managed consistent with law and policy. Incumbent serves as primary staff advisor on backcountry-and wilderness management, providing guidance to the park management team on related issues. The incumbent investigates and analyzes backcountry problems and recommends solutions to park management. This includes analyzing levels of use, patterns, and other visitor behavior to adjust backcountry quotas and camping restrictions to accommodate protection of natural resources and positive visitor experiences. Annually reviews and updates changes to the Backcountry Management Plan and public informational materials (on-line and publications) to ensure accurate, up to date information. Responsible for development of a monitoring program that provides objective, replicable, and applicable information to those participating in decisions affecting-the backcountry. Proposes comprehensive program that integrates work of professional trail crews and volunteer workers and has the purpose of reconstructing, constructing, and maintaining the Park's official system of backcountry trails, campsites, and shelters Supervises one PFT GS-09, two PFT GS-06's and up to five PFT GS-05's as well as volunteers involved with the Backcountry Office operation, the Adopt a Campsite program and the annual spring trail clearing effort. Responsible for personnel management of the Backcountry Office. AREA/DUTY STATION INFORMATION: At 522,427 acres, GRSM is one of the largest parks in the eastern United States. The Park contains 384 miles of roads; 930 miles of backcountry trails; 104 designated backcountry campsites; over 300 miles of boundary; 66 species of mammals; 200 species of birds; 39 species of reptiles, 43 species of amphibians; 68 species of fish; 730 miles of fishable streams; 342 structures, 97 of them historic; 10 auto campgrounds; and 3 major developed areas with concession operations. The park is in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina and is surrounded by five counties and National Forest land. Duty station is near Gatlinburg, TN located within an hour drive of Knoxville. The area provides a wide range of residential communities, good schools, and recreational opportunities. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.