Park Ranger (Protection) (Temporary)

US National Park Service; Christiansted (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. National Park Service is seeking a Park Ranger (Protection) on a temporary basis to help enforce laws, protect visitors and resources, and maintain safety across public lands.

This GS-07 level position requires passing the Physical Efficiency Battery, meeting age and law-enforcement commission requirements, and readiness for up to two years of service. Start projected between October and December 2026.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service.
• One full academic year of graduate education related to the occupation (18 semester hours).
• Equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Volunteer experience credit is provided for qualifying activities.

Responsibilities

• Apply laws and regulations to protect visitors and resources.
• Maintain a safe visitor experience through patrols and emergency response.
• Conduct investigations related to park operations and incidents.

Skills

Firearm experience

Law enforcement duties

Apprehension

Detention

Physical fitness

Education

Graduate education related to occupation

Job description

Park Ranger (Protection) (Temporary) apply laws and regulations to protect both visitors and resources of our public lands and ensure a safe visitor experience through patrols, emergency response, and investigations.

Projected Entry on Duty: October- December 2026. This is a temporary position expected to last 1 year but may be extended up to a maximum of two years based on agency needs and potential funding.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/13/2026 -unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. 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.

1. Mandatory Requirements for Park Ranger (Protection)

A. Mandatory Minimum Age Requirement:

This position has a mandatory requirement that applicants must be 21 years of age or older.

B. Mandatory Law Enforcement Commission:

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria by the entrance-on-duty (EOD) date to be considered for these positions:

• Currently hold or have previously held (within the past three years), a National Park Service Seasonal (Level II) or full (Level I) law enforcement commission, or equivalent within the past three years.
• Successful completion a Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program during the last three years but have not yet received a National Park Service Seasonal (Level II) Law Enforcement Commission.
• Will successfully complete a Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program by the entrance on duty date from one of the approved participating academies found at https://www.anpr.org/career/prlea. NOTE: This is not regular police officer training.

You MUST certify in your supporting documents the possession of at least one of the above criteria. Include your commission number with expiration date, or your anticipated graduation date from an approved NPS Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy within your resume.

C. Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB):

Applicants are required to pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) prior to entering law enforcement positions. The duties of this position require arduous physical exertion involving walking, running, lifting, standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. The Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures the upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures the flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measures the body fat. Prior to appointment, applicants will be tested in all five components, but only the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run will be measured for a passing score in the 25th percentile (age and gender adjusted) of these components. These procedures will ensure that law enforcement officers are capable of performing strenuous physical training and law enforcement duties. Applicants shall be disqualified for appointment if they fail to meet any physical requirements. Probationary or seasonal employment is subject to termination for failure to meet the 25th percentile in each of the identified components being measured.

2. Specialized Experience and/or Education

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following:

• A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service. Specialized experience must have been performing law enforcement duties for the protection, conservation, use, and management of natural and/or cultural resources in park areas or similar operations, which involved the application of law enforcement authorities and procedures to protect visitors and resources. Law enforcement duties include apprehending, detaining, and firearm experience.
• -OR- B. You must possess one full academic year of graduate education related to the occupation (one year of full-time graduate education is defined as 18 semester hours).
• -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education.

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.