Visitor Services Assistant (Seasonal)

National Park Service; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service in Springfield, IL is hiring Visitor Services Assistants. You will answer questions, guide visitors, and monitor park operations during roving patrols. The role includes public programs, coordination with partners, and handling inquiries with a focus on safety and preservation.

The position is open to the first 100 applicants with a closing date of 2026-10-26. Entry on Duty is anticipated between March and May 2027, with work schedule dependent on the position.

Qualifications

• Provide visitor services including patrol, roving, fixed post assignments and public programs.
• Operate two-way radio equipment and respond to visitor inquiries.
• Educate visitors on rules, safety, and park resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide visitor services including patrol, roving, fixed post assignments and public programs.
• Participate in day-to-day operation of a seasonal contact station and site monitoring.
• Monitor relations with park partners, concessions, and stakeholders during roving patrols.
• Respond to visitor inquiries and direct visitors to appropriate resources.
• Assist in medical or other emergencies up to your training level.

Job description

• Schedule: Work schedule is dependent on the position.

Visitor Services Assistants serve as representative to answer questions and offer guidance. Monitor sites and maintain relations with park partners and concessions while on roving patrols. Likely Entry On Duty: March - May 2027. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the Visitor Services Assistant Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Provide visitor services including patrol, roving, fixed post assignments and public programs. Participate in day-to-day operation of a seasonal contact station. Site monitoring, and resource protection. Operates two-way radio equipment. Responds verbally to visitor inquiries, offering information and guidance.

Public can include individuals who are distressed, confused, frustrated, difficult or even hostile. Monitors special use permits and maintains good relations with partner organizations, concessions and stakeholders. Educates customers regarding rules, regulations, and safety concerns to ensure visitor safety and resource preservation. Direct visitors and the public with problems, questions, or complaints to appropriate resources.

Assists in medical or other emergencies up to level of training. Additional duties for GS-05: Provide informal interpretation and public orientation to a park or recreation area (e.g. current events, resource management or environmental projects, and overview of areas natural, cultural, and/or historical resources).

Provide information to the public using information or materials on management policies and legislative updates on issues affecting the natural, historical, and/or cultural preservation of the area. Operate general computer software programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, or database (e.g. Excel, Access, Word, or similar operating systems). Gather information from reporting parties concerning accidents/incidents within the area to notify appropriate personnel.

Assess a situation to determine the appropriate response in accordance with policy guidelines.

Requirements & Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and that (1) deemed your education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or (2) given full credit for courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $19.52 – $25.37/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Work schedule is dependent on the position. position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.