5 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired as a Park Ranger
The National Park Service will provide you with very general
employment information but when you read through the vacancy
announcements and application instructions on USAJobs, you’ll
realize that “general employment information” just doesn’t cut it.
Wading through the federal hiring process isn’t for sissies.
It takes patience, determination and persistence.
But the payoff is pretty darn good . . . better than average pay,
fantastic fringe benefits, opportunities for advancement and growth
and the chance to live and work in America’s national parks.
Here are five things you can do to increase your chances of getting
hired:
1. Read the entire vacancy announcement and follow the
instructions. If it says that your application package must
be sent via snail mail, don't try to email or fax in your
application. Your ability to read, interpret and comply with
regulations and instructions, is indicative of how successful you
will be as an employee of the federal government. Red tape is
just par for the course. Get used to it.
2. Instead of submitting a resume, fill out the
OF-612,
Optional Application for Federal Employment. Why? (1)
This ensures that you are submitting all the information that is
required on a federal job application, and (2) the human resources
people who will be rating your application are familiar and
comfortable with this form. It makes their job easier.
You should also include the form
DI-1935,
Applicant Background Survey. I recommend submitting the
DI-1935 even if the vacancy announcement doesn't specifically
request them. Unless you have flawless penmanship, use a
computer or typewriter to complete these forms.
3. If the vacancy announcement calls for
KSAs, then, YES, you must complete them. Put each KSA on a
separate sheet of paper. Type the KSA at the top of the page
and your name, social security number and the job announcement
number at the bottom of each page. For
more helpful information about writing your KSAs, consult the Park
Ranger Career Handbook.
4. If grammar and spelling don't come easily to you, find an
English major to proofread your application and KSAs. This is
especially important if one of the KSAs happens to be "The ability
to communicate effectively in writing."
5. Park ranger jobs don't require a college degree if you have
sufficient experience. Volunteer at a national park to gain
the valuable "specialized experience" that is called for in the
vacancy announcement. Find opportunities to polish and
demonstrate your public speaking ability. Joining Toastmasters
International is a great way to do this. Become certified in
first aid, CPR, first responder, wilderness survival, etc.
OK — I know this article is titled “Five Ways to Increase Your
Chances . . . “ but here’s your bonus for reading this article to
the end.
The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana
University has developed a number of
free training courses that you can take
on-line to become more familiar with the National Park Service.
6.
Logon today, complete the courses and
add this training to your resumé.
The competition for park ranger jobs can be stiff, but if you're
persistent, professional and willing to travel, you can go far in a
National Park Service career.
Good Luck!
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