Park Ranger Careers

I’m not a big fan of Dubbya but I was pleasantly surprised by his recent budget proposal for the National Park Service.  As part of the Centennial Challenge initiative aimed at getting parks in better shape for the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, the President has proposed a $3 billion investment in national parks over the course of the next ten years.

In addition, the proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 (October 1, 2007 thru September 30, 2008) includes funding for 3,000 new seasonal positions.

A press release issued by the National Park Service says that the President’s budget proposal will provide a solid foundation for park base funding.  “With $140 million in increases at the park base level, this budget supports core mission responsibilities like interpretation and education programs, staff at visitor centers, park safety, and maintaining resources and facilities in good condition.”

This is good news for you Park Ranger Wannabees.  In fact, it’s some of the most positive NPS news I’ve heard in the last ten years. 

For more information about the NPS Centennial Challenge, go to:  http://www.nps.gov/2016/

UPDATE:  Just came across this Federal Times article with more info about this budget initiative.

UPDATE #2:  03-22-2008 

Well, it looks like DubYa made good on his promise to provide funding for 3,000 new Park Ranger jobs in 2008 and Congress went along with it.  These will be mostly seasonal positions and will extend beyond the Park Ranger ranks to include Visitor Use Assistants, Park Guides, Bio Techs and Maintenance Workers.

These jobs are being announced on USAJobs and, with the exception of the Maintenance Worker positions, applications are being rated and ranked by a central office in Denver.  They are using an electronic questionnaire instead of KSAs (Hallelujah!  Some progress, at last.) 

Here’s a link to application instructions. 

The NPS has also updated their seasonal employment webpage.  It is an improvement but still pretty vague.