Lead Ranger
Job Description
Announcement Type
TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
Position Type
Permanent
USACE Organization
South Pacific Division (SPD) - Sacramento District
Locations (City, State)
Raymond, CA
Position Overview/Duties
Position Description: Lead Ranger, GS-0401-11, Raymond, CA
Position Overview:
The Lead Ranger serves as the Senior Park Ranger and Natural Resources Specialist, reporting directly to the Resource/Park Manager at a project office with extensive park facilities and high annual visitation. The incumbent leads and manages the development and execution of park programs that focus on four key functional areas: recreation management, natural resources management, visitor assistance, and interpretation. The Lead Ranger coordinates and supervises Program Rangers assigned to each functional area and ensures the effective management and operation of park resources. The position requires a thorough understanding of all functional areas and a high level of technical expertise, especially in resolving complex and routine challenges related to park operations and resource management.
Responsibilities
Major Duties Include:
- Planning Processes (40%)
- Program Development: Develops, plans, and implements park programs related to recreation management, natural resources management, visitor assistance, and interpretation. Reviews and integrates program documents such as safety, security, fish and wildlife management, fire protection, law enforcement, and more into the Operational Management Plan (OMP).
- Program Coordination: Coordinates with Program Rangers and other team members to ensure effective delivery of program services. Monitors work progress and resolves administrative or management issues as they arise.
- Policy and Procedure Implementation: Develops guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training manuals for recreation and resource management activities. Assesses and monitors program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on observed trends in park usage and public needs.
- Community Engagement: Coordinates efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to support the successful execution of park management programs. Prepares environmental assessments or impact statements as required.
- Administrative Processes (25%)
- Contract Administration: Oversees contracts related to park operations, using subordinate rangers to act as quality assurance representatives. Ensures contractors meet technical requirements, reviews deficiencies, and ensures corrective actions are initiated.
- Property and Equipment Management: Serves as the Hand Receipt Holder, ensuring proper accountability of park equipment, vehicles, and materials. Conducts inventories, disposes of surplus items, and manages the property book.
- Coordination with Agencies and Groups: Acts as a representative for the Corps, working with local agencies, law enforcement, and private entities to address issues such as land use, recreation, and maintenance. Participates in inter-agency meetings and resolves common problems affecting park operations.
- Visitor and Employee Safety: Directs safety inspections of park facilities and recommends measures to prevent accidents and improve safety for both visitors and staff.
- Project Processes (35%)
- Natural Resources Management: Oversees the conservation and preservation of natural resources at the project site, including land, wildlife, and ecosystems. Develops management plans and standards to promote biodiversity and protect endangered species.
- Ecosystem Assessment: Implements ecosystem assessment programs to evaluate the impact of public use on park resources. Coordinates with state and federal agencies to protect and restore natural habitats.
- Cultural and Historic Resources: Ensures proper protection of cultural and historic resources in accordance with regulations. Coordinates management efforts with relevant agencies and stakeholders to preserve and maintain cultural heritage sites.
- Public Engagement and Education: Attends public meetings and events to promote the park’s goals and increase awareness of Corps functions. Develops and implements public education programs to improve community understanding of natural resource management and park policies.
- General Duties (5%)
- Public Relations: Promotes positive public relations through effective communication and collaboration with local and regional stakeholders. Represents the park in meetings, public hearings, and community events.
- Training and Development: Ensures all staff members receive adequate training in their functional areas, including environmental management, recreation programs, and safety protocols.
Job Requirements
Conditions of Employment & Notes:
- Driver’s License: The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license and motorboat operator’s license.
- Drug Testing: Position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with AR 600-85.
- Uniform: Required to wear the prescribed uniform as per ER 1130-2-550.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to acquire first aid, CPR, and blood-borne pathogen training.
- Travel: Occasional overnight travel (approximately 10%) for training, conferences, or rotational assignments.
- Training: Must receive at least 24 hours of personal protection, unarmed self-defense, situational evaluation, and tactical communication training within two years of employment.
Other Conditions and Requirements
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in competitive service.
Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Park Management, Recreation Management, Environmental Science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Minimum Experience Requirement: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in park and recreation management or natural resource management, which includes:
- Supervising and leading teams in park operations, maintenance, and resource management.
- Developing and implementing plans for resource management, safety, and recreation activities.
- Coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the successful execution of park programs.
- Reviewing and developing policies and procedures related to natural resources, recreation, and public safety.
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 25% of the time.
- This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
- 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 possession of operating vehicles.
- Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
- Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
- This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
- This position requires the following training/certifications prior to employment or within a specified period of time after appointment.
- This position requires you to obtain a Government Small Boat Operators License upon employment.
- Ability to acquire designation as ordering officer under the Government Purchase Card program.
- The incumbent must receive a minimum of 24 hours of personal protection/unarmed self-defense, situational evaluation and tactical communication training within two years of employment.
Incumbent must possess or be able to acquire first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and blood-borne pathogen training.
- The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid and current state driver's license and motorboat operators license. This license/registration must be in good standing and issued by any one of the 50 states or its territories.
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.
