Park Ranger Interpretation (Seasonal)-FUL

Department of Interior; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Park Ranger (Interpretation) at Chesapeake Bay watershed sites delivers audience-centered interpretive programs, using a range of media to engage visitors and foster stewardship.

The position requires conducting research on natural and historical subjects, developing talks, tours, and demonstrations, and coordinating activities with partners and volunteers. Entry on duty is anticipated March–September 2027; applications are due by 10/23/2026.

Qualifications

• At least one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 with interpretive programs and public engagement.
• Master's degree or 2 years of graduate study in natural/resource-related field; transcripts required.
• Volunteer experience credit can count toward qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present audience-centered interpretive experiences using varied skills and media.
• Conduct site/topic research, evaluate sources for relevance and bias.
• Engage the public through formal programs (walks, talks, tours) and informal demonstrations.

Skills

Audience engagement

Public speaking

Research skills

Education

Graduate degree or 2 years of grad study in related field

Job description

The Park Ranger (Interpretation) provide a variety of park ranger duties across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Anticipated Season Entry on Duty: March - September 2027. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the 10/23/2026 to be considered. For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/23/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of specialized experience for this position includes but is not limited to: experience that involved developing and presenting a wide variety of audience and learner centered interpretive experiences using a variety of interpretive skills, techniques, and tools delivered in person and through interpretive media and technology; conduct site or topic based research on different scientific and/or historical subjects and evaluate many different sources for their relevance, validity, and bias; engage the public through formal structured programs (e.g. walks, talks, tours, presentations, demonstrations, etc.) and informal presentations. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree majoring in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. One year of full-time graduate study is defined as 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours in a college or university. You must include transcripts. -OR-Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example: 6 months of specialized experience as described above (50% of experience requirement), and 1.5 years (27 semester hours) of graduate level college study in a directly related field of study as described above (50% of the education requirement). The percentages must total at least 100. You must include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.