Park Ranger

The Park Ranger position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, Georgia, delivers visitor services, interpretation, environmental education, and outreach programs that promote stewardship of refuge resources. The position supports wildlife-dependent recreation, visitor facilities, and partnerships with volunteers and community stakeholders to advance conservation, enhance visitor experiences, and foster public engagement.

The Park Ranger at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge plans, coordinates, and implements programs and activities that promote public understanding and appreciation of refuge resources while supporting the protection and conservation of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. This position supports visitor services, resource interpretation, environmental education, public outreach, and compatible wildlife-dependent recreation; contributes to the effective operation and maintenance of visitor facilities and programs; and helps foster partnerships with volunteers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. At the full-performance level (GS-9), duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Plans, develops, and implements a balanced Visitor Services program, including interpretive and environmental education activities and compatible wildlife-dependent recreation. Administers the volunteer program including recruitment, onboarding, training, and leading volunteers on various work projects. Assists with the planning, design, and routine operation of visitor facilities - including visitor centers, trails, and exhibits - and contributes to short-term operational plans and maintenance coordination. Conducts visitor use studies, surveys, carrying-capacity analyses, and program evaluations to improve policies, procedures, and the overall effectiveness of visitor services. Develops and manages communication products (e.g., social media, web content, publications, interpretive materials) and builds partnerships with community groups, organizations, and agencies to support refuge visitor services initiatives.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.