Park Ranger, GS-0025-9/11 (64863)

Announcement Type

TARP - Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp/VIOP)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

Northwestern Division (NWD) - Omaha District

Locations (City, State)

Yankton, SD

Position Overview/Duties

Serves as the Senior Ranger and Team Leader of the Interpretive Services and Outreach Programs (ISOP) and Visitor Center at Gavins Point Project. Exercises effective direction, control and operation of the ISOP Programs and Visitor Center activities including artifacts, archives, exhibits, publications special events, the Volunteer Program and historical and educational presentations/seminars to the visiting public and others. Also presents off-site programs for schools and other entities. Applies a comprehensive knowledge of conservation, natural, historical, paleontological and cultural resources management, Visitor Center management exhibit methods/techniques and archival principles, and the development and operation of Interpretive and Outreach Programs. Serves as the senior advisor to the Lake Manager on public information for the respective programs. Prepares the interpretive services and outreach sections of both the operational management and master plans. Disseminates general, historical, archaeological, special event and resources information relative to the Corps and the Projects' missions, resources and activities. Recruits volunteers. Designs exhibits and develops site-specific information on the Projects' Internet website. Exercises extensive decision-making authority. Addresses and resolves numerous situations and incidents which frequently have novel or unconventional problems and challenges associated with the assigned programs' high number of participants, visitation, intensity of visitation and public relations impact (interest /reaction). Completes the budget planning, formulation and execution phases of the Interpretive Services and Outreach Programs, and Visitor Centers.

1. Interpretive Services/Outreach Programs
Serves as the Project's Senior Interpretive Services and Outreach Programs technical authority. Applies a broad background and experience in the various program areas and an extensive, in-depth understanding of applicable Corps of Engineers policies, practices and procedures. Plans and implements the Projects' Interpretive Services and Outreach Programs. Develops, coordinates and directs a broad range of interpretive and environmental education programs and coordinates associated recreation activities and special events. Informs and educates the public and various interest groups, schools and organizations about the Corps of Engineers on a local, regional and national basis as well as informs them about the natural, cultural and environmental features of the region. Works with local community groups and other agencies to plan/arrange special events, interagency meetings and public and technical meetings.
2. Visitor Center Management
Manages the Visitor Center and establishes policies for its operation. Maintains records and prepares required reports. Prepares annual budget and recommends expenditures. Develops long and short-range plans for the operation of the Projects' Visitor Centers. Plans, develops, and directs Visitor Center programs which enhances public understanding of the Army and Corps' multidimensional roles and their national contributions. Enhances public understanding of the Projects' purpose/operation, its archaeological, historic, paleontological, man-made, natural and cultural features. Develops public awareness programs for the proper and safe use of Project resources and fosters the spirit of personal stewardship of public lands and resources. Plans and develops new Visitor Center exhibits and renovation of existing exhibits including static displays, visitor interactive displays, power point programs and video and Internet presentations. Conducts visitor use surveys to assess visitor satisfaction, perceptions and recommendations for subsequent planning and implementing program and operational changes. Develops staffing and operations plans and submits it for approval to the Lake Manager. Prepares contract specifications and a synopsis of various projects for contract bid. Coordinates volunteer activities and ensure compliance with applicable statutes, rules and regulations. Assesses the need for future Visitor Center and visitor information facilities.
3. Administration/Public/Information
Prepares the ISOP Programs and Visitor Centers operating budget and coordinates the expenditure of funds. Identifies current and future financial and educational needs of the respective programs. Exercises authority/ accountability for assigned property and facilities. Develops public relations programs for the Visitor Center and ISOP Programs and represents the Projects at various meetings. Serves as the principal staff advisor to the Lake Manager and staff on matters pertaining to the Visitor Centers and subject programs.
4. Team Leader/Personnel Administration
Serves as Team Leader of the Interpretive Services and Outreach Programs and the Visitor Center. Leads team members and assures that their work is completed by performing a variety of support duties/responsibilities.
5. Visitor Assistance.
Patrols Projects' land and water to ensure compliance with Federal regulations. Issues warnings and United States District Court Citation Notices for violation of regulations as appropriate. Appears in court periodically. Responds to emergency calls and takes appropriate action to protect visitors and resources. Resolves traffic problems. Provides first aid to visitors and seeks local EMS and fire departments' assistance when required. Investigates complaints or suggestions/recommendations from the public and other Corps personnel concerning the Projects' visitation, utilization, conservation and resource development. Recommends resolution of regulatory enforcement problems including independent coordination with the local police, fire, and rescue organizations.

Other Conditions and Requirements

This job opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY. This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with noncompetitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. This Program may only be utilized for noncompetitive placements, to include voluntary reassignments, promotions not-to-exceed 120 days, voluntary changes to lower grade, details, and deployment opportunities. Employees interested in permanent or temporary promotions longer than 120 days must apply through USAJOBS, or other approved merit procedures or hiring authorities. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP.

Other Requirements:
• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations, and staggered scheduled work shifts.
• Incumbent is required to wear the prescribed Park Ranger uniform.
• This position requires the following training/certifications prior to employment or within a specified period of time after appointment: Visitor Assistance Training within one year of appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications

Candidates will be evaluated IAW OPM Requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.