Park Ranger (Protection), Gs-0025-05 Job in Porter County - 94608434 - ZAUXXEFPLJGOC

Job Title:
Park Ranger (Protection), GS-0025-05

Department:
Department Of The Interior

Agency:
National Park Service

Job Announcement Number:
SROC-INDU-11-415587

SALARY RANGE:
$20.28 - $20.28 /hour

OPEN PERIOD:
Thursday, December 30, 2010 to Wednesday, December 21, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0025-05

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Temporary NTE 1039 HOURS

DUTY LOCATIONS:
3 vacancies - Porter, IN

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
United States Citizens

JOB SUMMARY:

Experience your America by building a fulfilling career by joining the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

Salary is subject to change upon receipt of the 2011 salary charts.

Do you want excitement and challenge in your job?   Become a Park Ranger (Protection) protecting the National Park Service resources.   As a Park Ranger in this position, protecting the resources will be your main focus. You will patrol backcountry areas, protect park resources and visitors, apprehend violators, enforce park rules and regulations, provide emergency services, manage wildlife/human interactions on the roadways or in campgrounds, and encourage visitors to develop a sense of stewardship for park resources.   You will also provide information to visitors about park resources.

The Seasonal Recruitment Operations Center is currently accepting applications to fill 3temporary positions at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.   Appointments made under this announcement are limited to 1039 hours (six months) in a service year. Appointments may be terminated at any time and can be extended if workload and funding allow. Anticipated Entry on Duty:  May 1, 2011.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan and is comprised of approximately 15,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, and oak savannah forest throughout a three county area.Protecting the park from boundary encroachments, poaching, injury to endangered species, pollution, and unauthorized construction are important management goals. The park encompasses 15 miles of shoreline and hosts one of the most diverse plant communities in the National Park System. Swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping all occur within the park.

At Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, experience the Midwest and great lakes region while enhancing your professional development in various disciplines within the ranger profession. Work independently and have the flexibility and discretion to become involved in a wide variety of ranger activities.Become part of a pro-active, self-initiated, driven team of resource and visitor protection/law enforcement professionals.

You will be afforded the opportunity to experience a variety of resource and visitor protection opportunities, including; law enforcement, ARPA, SAR, EMS, resource stewardship, cultural and natural resource management, overt and covert special operations, and water/beach front operations.Become involved in elementary to complex criminal investigations related to criminal activities against persons, property, and park resources.Become a part of our elite ranger operation while expanding personal goals and overall professional development. Indiana Dunes is in the Chicago locality pay area.

This announcement is being advertised under delegated examining procedures and is open to all U.S. citizens.

More positions may be filled than indicated in this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the date of the issuance of the certificate.

APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL CONSIDERATION.

PLEASE CLICK "PRINT PREVIEW" TO VIEW FULL ANNOUNCEMENT.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Background and/or Security Investigation required.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a NPS Type II Law Enforcement Commission.
• Must possess or be able to obtain state issued driver's license.
• Must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) prior to start date.
• Pre-employment medical exam and drug testing are required.

Additional Duty Location Info:
3 vacancies - Porter, IN

This position is located within the Resource and Visitor Protection Division of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.Responsible for the day-to-day operation, protection and supervision of public activities in the lakeshore.

Serves as field patrol person for law enforcement and visitor protection.This includes patrol of park resources to detect violations of law and policy; lead and participate in search and rescue operations; provide first aid assistance; provide visitor information and liaison with adjacent landowners.

Provides initial response to incidents, writes warnings and citations, makes arrests, initiates search and rescue operations, provides first aid and makes written reports of all activities.Patrols on foot, by vehicle in a variety of terrain, and by water.Provides emergency response assistance to other park employees as needed.

This is a uniformed position in accordance with the approved uniform standards for the National Park Service.

Employee may be required to respond to a callback to duty after working hours in the event of emergencies.

Upon employment, must be able to immediately obtain a Type II NPS Law Enforcement Commission.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Rigorous field work requires above average physical performance, endurance and superior conditioning.   This includes prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar strenuous activities requiring agility and dexterity.

Duties often involve working in isolated outdoor environments while exposed to severe weather conditions.   Dangerous persons must be physically confronted, subdued, and apprehended many of whom are known to carry weapons.   There is a high-stress component associated with much of the incumbent's work assignment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Duties require extended periods of outdoor work and exposure to conditions including temperatures well below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.   Investigations are conducted on foot, in four-wheel drive vehicles, or other forms of conveyance in remote back country settings. Emergency service and law enforcement work requires entry into hazardous environments, exposure to dangerous persons, animals, and substances, and potential exposure to infectious diseases. Long periods of surveillance work may be required in cramped or unpleasant locations and under unpleasant conditions. A wide range of personal protective equipment and clothing is required to be used and work, some of which may be uncomfortable, hot or inconvenient to wear.   Adherence to specific safety procedures and other precautions is required.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate that you possess the following Selective Placement Factors and the specialized experience and/or the education as described below:

Selective Placement Factor (Mandatory Screen Out):  Law Enforcement Commission.

Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria to be considered for these positions:

• Current possession of a valid NPS Type II Law Enforcement Commission.
• Previous possession (within the past three years) of a NPS Type I or II Law Enforcement Commission.
• Completion within the past three years of a NPS approved Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP). NOTE: This is not regular police officer training. Please visit http://www.anpr.org/academies.htm for additional information on schools and academies that offer the training required to be eligible for an NPS Type II Law Enforcement Commission.
• Current enrollment in a NPS approved SLETP.

Applicants must certify in their supporting documents the possession of at least one of the above criteria.

Selective Placement Factor (Mandatory Screen Out): Driver’s License

Possess a current valid state driver's license in good standing. Upon tentative selection, you will be required to submit driver's license information. If you do not meet the requirements of this selective factor, you will be rated ineligible for these positions.

In addition to the above selective placement factors described above, applicants must meet the following experience and/or education requirements:

For the GS-05 grade level

EXPERIENCE:  You must show one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the federal service.   Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience could include Park Guide or tour leader; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; or other similar work.

OR

EDUCATION: You must possess a 4 year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of related course work.  One year of full time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.  Related course work are subjects such as 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.

OR

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience regardless of whether compensation was received or whether the experience was gained in a part-time or full-time occupation.   Full-time work is generally considered 40 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position, the starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the number of hours scheduled to work per week. 

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- 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. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled.

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts with your name, school name, credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. If you cannot obtain a copy of your transcripts you may submit a list of courses, with course name, credit hours, and grade point average.   Transcripts do not need to be official but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify then you will need to provide official transcripts before you enter on duty.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.  Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html  All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements. You must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Please include in your resume your commission number with expiration date or your anticipated graduation date from an approved NPS Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy. 

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, Wednesday, December 21, 2011.  Unless otherwise stated in the vacancy announcement.

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 25^th 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 25^th percentile in each of the identified components being measured.

Minimum Age - Prior to appointment, applicants must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years old.

This is a drug testing designated position.   The individual selected for this position will be subject to and must pass a drug test prior to entrance on duty.   Incumbents may be subject to random testing.

Medical Exam - Prior to appointment, the applicant must meet the requirements of the Director's Order #57, Occupational Medical Standards, and have passed a medical examination given by an authorized government physician.   All applicants must pass the physical examination before assuming their protection duties.

Applicants must currently possess or be eligible to receive a National Park Service Level II Law Enforcement Commission.   Applicants must have successfully completed a seasonal law enforcement program within the last three years from an approved institution to qualify for a commission.   The Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) maintains a web site with a list of approved seasonal law enforcement schools at www.anpr.org/academics.htm.

Selectee will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.   Therefore, must be free of any domestic violence convictions.

Applicants must possess a valid state driver's license. This position requires that you operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit a completed GSA Form 3607, Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.  Your employment, after your tentative selection, will be contingent upon receipt of these documents in a timely manner and that those documents establish, to the satisfaction of the selecting official, that you possess a valid driver's license.

Must wear the National Park Service uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.

May be assigned to work nights, early mornings, rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.

Occasional travel may be required.

Overtime is required.

All federal employees are required to have federal payments (salary) made by direct deposit.

Under the Requirements of the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), all new Federal employees, must have a background investigation. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Selectee will be required to perform emergency medical services, and is required to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Applicants who meet the qualification requirements specified above for this position will be evaluated and a score assigned, based upon the responses provided on the job-specific questionnaire that is required as part of the application process for this position. The questions are related to the following competencies required for successful performance in this position:

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click on the following linkView Occupational Questionnaire

To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation, and responses to the assessment questionnaire will be conducted. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your competencies. 

Basis for Rating: Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates. Candidates will be ranked into 3 categories:

• Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position.
• Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job.
• Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Veteran's Preference applies to category rating. Within each quality category, veteran's preference eligibles are listed first, including CP, CPS, XP, and TP.   In addition, veterans who have a 10% or more service-connected compensable disability (CP or CPS) are placed at the top of the highest quality category.

BENEFITS:

Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave and annual leave. 

To find out more about benefits listed above click here : http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/benefits.asp

OTHER INFORMATION:

If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 92 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP / CTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a legible copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.

For more information on seasonal employment with the National Park Service, visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/personnel/seasonal.htm

If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).

Temporary appointments are not eligible for promotion.

Do not submit photographs with your application.

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the National Park Service.

HOW TO APPLY:

To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete application package, which includes ALL of the following parts:

1.     Your resume or application form

2.     Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, and

3.     Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section below)

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, December 21, 2011WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.

1. To begin the application process on-line, click the Apply Online Button at the bottom of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJobs account. Follow the prompts to complete the Assessment Questionnaire.

2. Please be sure to click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

3. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page, http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf. using the following VACANCY ID: JY415587. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

Note:  To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you can not apply online:

1.   Click the following link to view and print the Assessment Questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and 

2.   Print the 1203FX form http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf to provide your response to the Assessment Questionnaire, and

3.  Fax the completed 1203FX form along with your resume and any required supporting documentation to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

·Resume or application showing detailed relevant experience. Your experience must verify the answers given on the Assessment Questionnaire.

·Qualifications Documentation, if applicable, for any Selective Placement Factor(s) or Quality Ranking Factor(s) such as copy of Law Enforcement commission, driver's license, EMT certification, First Responder certification, etc

·(if qualifying based on education) Transcript or list of college courses, with credits, major(s), and grade point average or class ranking (official transcript will be required prior to appointment if you are selected).

·Response to Assessment Questionnaire.

·Veterans Preference documentation (legible copy of DD-214 or equivalent that shows honorable discharge, SF-15 and VA Letter, as appropriate), if applicable.

·CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable. 

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

SROC Hiring
Phone: (877)554-4550
Email: SROCHIRING@NPS.GOV Agency Information:
Seasonal Recruitment Operations Center
Please do not mail hard copy documents
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
USA

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Print vacancy announcement for reference or if vacancy announcement is closed go to (USAJOBS) to check application status.

Once your complete application is received, we will verify your responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire against the other supporting application materials you submit, and your final score will be assigned. Based on applicant scores, the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified when referral has been made and what the final outcome is. We expect to make a selection within 45 working days of the closing date of this announcement.