Park Ranger (Preventative Search and Rescue) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service in the United States is seeking Park Rangers (Preventative Search and Rescue) for the Seasonal Staffing Office-Pacific West Region. The typical entry-on-duty period is March–July 2027, with variability due to weather, project needs, or funding.

The role focuses on PSAR patrols, visitor safety education, emergency response, and supporting field operations. Training and certification enable operating patrol vehicles and assisting with logistics and gear management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct PSAR patrols by foot, vehicle, or other means in park resources including backcountry, front country, and wilderness areas.
• Provide visitors with information to ensure safety and obtain cooperation.
• Respond to emergencies and provide medical care within training and certification.
• Operate emergency or patrol vehicles when trained and authorized.
• Assist with equipment management and logistics for PSAR activities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to wilderness and PSAR staff and volunteers.

Job description

Open: October 19, 2026 — Closes: October 26, 2026

Summary

Park Rangers (Preventative Search and Rescue) perform duties associated with preventing search and rescue incidents from occurring. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Seasonal Staffing Office-Pacific West Region is March - July 2027 but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Major Duties

Some of the PSAR Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Conduct regularly scheduled and special purpose PSAR patrols by foot, vehicle, or other appropriate means of various park resources such as backcountry, front country and/or wilderness areas, park trails, campgrounds, parking lots, shorelines, rivers, docks, roads, concessions, and assist with traffic and visitor management as needed. While on patrol, provide visitors with information and education to ensure their safety, obtain their cooperation, and facilitate safe visitor use of park resources. Respond to emergency incidents and provide emergency medical care within the scope of current training and certification. May assist with motor vehicle crashes, litter carryout, search and rescue operations, helicopter operations, visitor assists, and other emergency responses. May operate emergency or patrol vehicles when trained and authorized. Assist with the management and maintenance of division equipment, including rescue gear, medical supplies, communications equipment, office equipment, patrol vehicles, emergency vehicles, equipment caches, and related facilities. Provide administrative, operational, and logistic support to PSAR-related educational activities conducted by the organization. Additional GS 7 duties but are not limited to: Independently determine new patrol routes and prepare for patrol(s), accounting for the specific needs, topography, and requirements of each patrol. Additional GS 9 duties but are not limited to: Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to wilderness, PSAR, and other visitor safety staff and volunteers; assist with coordinating field activities and ensuring work is carried out safely and consistently with established procedures.