Backcountry and Noncommercial River Permits Program Manager

National Park Service; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service seeks a Backcountry and Noncommercial River Permits Program Manager within the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection. The role oversees backcountry overnight permits, non-commercial river nautical use, and the Tuweep permitting program.

The incumbent will supervise staff, coordinate with park units and external offices, and promote open communication of permitting policies to local communities and partners. Incentives up to 15% may be authorized.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs staff in the backcountry noncommercial river permit operations.
• Ensure equal opportunity for all employees and volunteers supervised; responsible for on-the-job safety; develop effective working relationships and coordinate work efforts with personnel of other organization units.
• Coordinates remote permitting offices within the park (North Rim, Lees Ferry, Pearce Ferry, Tuweep) and cooperating permitting offices outside the park (BLM/Arizona Strip offices, Pipe Spring NM, USFS North Kaibab Ranger District).
• Plans work to be accomplished, sets priorities, and schedules work to be completed.
• Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities.
• Provide public orientation of backcountry regulations, current park events resource management projects and management policies.
• Serves as a Park representative with the Intermountain Regional Special Use Coordinator, Washington Special Use Coordinator, and other vested organizations.
• Writes correspondence and informational releases to explain permitting policies and to promote cooperation/support with local constituencies and within the park.

Job description

Open: August 20, 2026 — Closes: August 26, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Backcountry and Noncommercial River Permits Program Manager with National Park Service. This position is located within the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection. The employee manages Backcountry overnight, Non-commercial River nautical use and Tuweep permitting programs Incentives up to 15% may be authorized.

Major Duties

Supervises and directs staff in the backcountry noncommercial river permit operations. Ensure equal opportunity for all employees and volunteers supervised; responsible for on-the-job safety; develop effective working relationships and coordinate work efforts with personnel of other organization units. Coordinates remote permitting offices within the park (North Rim, Lees Ferry, Pearce Ferry, Tuweep) and cooperating permitting offices outside the park (BLM/Arizona Strip offices, Pipe Spring NM, USFS North Kaibab Ranger District). Plans work to be accomplished, sets priorities, and schedules work to be completed. Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities. Provide public orientation of backcountry regulations, current park events resource management projects and management policies. Serves as a Park representative with the Intermountain Regional Special Use Coordinator, Washington Special Use Coordinator, and other vested organizations. Writes correspondence and informational releases to explain permitting policies and to promote cooperation/support with local constituencies and within the park.