Park Ranger
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Buford, Georgia, United States
Full Time, Permanent
Pay scale and grade: GS 5 – 9 (Promotion potential 9)
Apply by: 16 November 2026
Salary: $43,078 – $84,857 per year
Applicants may be selected at the GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 level.

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Competitive Positions of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Works under the general supervision of the Operational Project Manager, Supervisory Natural Resources Management Specialist, Park Manager, or Supervisory Park Ranger who outlines the program objectives and goals in terms of their relationship to the project and District.

This job is open to the public. U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

– Coordinate environmental awareness events or water safety programs.
– Conduct outreach activities by working with stakeholders of the Corps mission and operations.
– Draft plans for facility improvements that are consistent with current and future demands.
– Coordinate the short range planning, draft budget development and execution of activities related to park management.
– Prevent unauthorized use, trespass, and destruction of park and project property.
– Enforce Title 36 CFR by educating the public on project purpose, conditions, policies, and regulations.
– Enforce a public safety program for the park or project that includes surveillance, maintenance of boat docks and buoys, and response to emergency situations.
– Protect natural or cultural resources from degradation due to visitor use or illegal activities.
– Deal regularly with the public in high stress emotional and potentially volatile situations.
– Collect recreation use fees, and account for funds in accordance with established regulations and policy.
– Update Project Safety Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and Emergency Operations Plans for the recreation areas.
– Analyze the effectiveness and visitor appeal of the interpretive programs and literature.
– Develop park program improvements related to visitor engagement, including the selection of new media and interpretive displays.
– Convey project and park information to public guests as well as local, state, and federal agencies that request information.
– Meet with public, state, local, and national stakeholders to explain programs, promote interests in the project, and facilitate cooperation.
– Update and review Standard Operating Procedures related to recreation and natural resources management.
– Issue written warnings and or citations to stop volatile behavior and resolve the situation.
– Complete incident reports to describe or document events, resource conditions or violations.
– Coordinate the project volunteer program.
– Plan, promote and execute special programs such as environmental awareness events and safety programs.

Requirements

Conditions of employment:
– Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
– Required to wear prescribed uniform as identified in ER 1130-2-550.
– Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
– Possession or ability to acquire Corps of Engineers boat operator’s license within 2 years.
– Must complete Park Ranger training requirements (including Visitor Assistance Training, CPR, First Aid).
– Must possess or be able to acquire Title 36 Citation Authority within one year.
– Ability to work nights, weekends and/or holidays depending on the needs of the project.
– May be required to work in adverse weather conditions (e.g. heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.).
– During emergencies, the incumbent may be called on short notice.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below.
GS-05 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) Experience in technical, administrative, or scientific work, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, law enforcement, or other park related work; OR Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with twenty-four semester hours of related course work in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, 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.
Specialized Experience for GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes: (1) Assisting in conserving and preserving natural and cultural resources; OR Education: One full year of graduate level education with major study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archaeology, 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; OR Superior Academic Achievement.
Specialized Experience for GS-09: One year of specialized experience which includes: (1) Assisting with park maintenance activities, (2) Assisting with the preparation of park management plans; OR Education: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education with major study in a field related to the work of the position.

Additional information: Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. This is a(n) 18 Engineers and Scientific Career Field position. Telework eligible: Yes – as determined by the agency policy. Travel Required: Occasional travel. Drug test: No. Security clearance: Not Required. Federal service type: Competitive Service. Represented by a union: Yes.

Announcement number: CEDB-27-13097568-DHA. Control number: 890247100.
Agency contact: Army Applicant Help Desk, https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq.