Educational Technician (Seasonal) @ National Park Service

Job Summary

This position teaches education programs in-person in classrooms & in the park, as well as via distance learning channels primarily for school, youth & other organized groups to students. Open to the first 325 applicants. Anticipated Season: March - Sept 2027 (Shenandoah). Anticipated Season: May - Nov 2027 (Acadia). Applicants must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the 10/26/2026 to be considered.

For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026 (unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement). Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed. To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one or all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: Possess one (1) full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

This experience includes activities such as: presenting curricula-based education programs; the research and developmental of curricula-based support materials and activities; performing administrative and development of curricula-based support materials and activities. You must include hours per week worked, start and end dates (MM/YY). -OR-EDUCATION: Have four (4) years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree. You must include transcripts. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must document your course work and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit.

You must submit a copy of your transcripts that identifies each course of college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade received, and date completed. If you are qualifying based on education and you do not submit specific course work information as described previously, your application will be rated not qualified for consideration. (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected). -OR-COMBINATION: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.

One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. For example, six (6) months of specialized experience (50% experience) and 90 semester hours of qualifying education (50% education). You must include transcripts. You must include hours per week worked, start and end dates (MM/YY). To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one or all of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: Possess one (1) full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

Specialized experience is work such as planning and implementing a comprehensive, curriculum-based education program serving elementary through college students independently to research, develop, and present education programs and global concepts using a hands-on approach. You must include hours per week worked, start and end dates (MM/YY). -OR-EDUCATION: Have one (1) full year of directly related graduate education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. You must include transcripts.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must document your coursework and/or degree completed in your resume or other application materials you submit. You must submit a copy of your transcripts that identifies each course, the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade received, and date completed. If you are qualifying based on education and you do not submit transcripts, your application will be rated not qualified for consideration. (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected). -OR-COMBINATION: Have an equivalent combination of directly related graduate education and experience.

This may be computed by first determining your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required above; then determining your directly related graduate education as a percentage; and then adding the two percentages which must equal or exceed 100% to qualify. You must include transcripts. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: Individual Occupational Requirements. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

• GS-05 Duties: As a GS-05 Educational Technician, you will spend the majority of time modifying, developing, and delivering curriculum-based education programs via distance learning to schools and educational groups throughout the United States.
• Leads on-site educational programs for pre-K through 12th grade students or home-school equivalent.
• You are responsible for following established curriculum objectives in a manner that is age-appropriate for the audience.
• Specifically, when programs are written for a range of grades, you will use simpler language and more concrete explanations of concepts for younger students.
• Conducts basic research of topics for the purpose of providing education programs.
• Researches and develops curriculum under the direction of the GS-09 Park Ranger (Interpretation) to meet the needs of the intended audience.
• Leads tours of up to 40 people.
• Provides information and orientation to visitors about the park's resources and services.
• GS-07 Duties: As a GS-07 Educational Technician, you will spend the majority of time presenting curriculum-based education programs for diverse, K-12 school groups (approximately 50% of time).
• Programs include those associated within or outside the park's boundaries, as part overall education strategy, consistent with school academic standards and park interpretive themes.
• Uses appropriate educational methods and techniques, adapts programs as necessary for needs of the audience, and ensures participant safety.
• Collaborates and communicates with partners and educators from school districts.
• Works directly with teachers, schools, non-profit groups, and other organizations to schedule, deliver and enhance educational programs.
• Assists in curriculum-based program development, including planning, researching, writing, and/or modifying activities, materials and interactive learning tools for use with school groups, based on audience characteristics and park themes and priorities.
• Assists in preparation of print and digital materials for education programs, including writing, editing, updating, and production of curriculum, brochures, student and teacher handouts, workshop announcements, bulletins, logistical information, teacher guides, assessment and evaluative materials, promotional and public relations materials.
• Trains and directs seasonal park staff, partner staff and volunteers to assist in preparation and presentation of educational programs and activities, engagement of students, and safety.
• Organizes, maintains, inventories, replenishes, and coordinates repair of equipment and materials used in presenting education programs.
• Assists in organizing and presenting training workshops, often in collaboration with partner groups, for teachers and others.
• Workshops prepare teachers for field trip logistics, train teachers to conduct classroom activities, support park interpretive themes, and promote stewardship of park resources.
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather from snow, wind, and rain to sun and heat.
• Work involves standing for long periods of time, walking over rough and uneven terrain and living in close quarters with co-workers.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Position Sensitivity and Risk: Some positions may require a Moderate Risk Position Sensitivity And Risk. Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement. You will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing. You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards.

A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work. You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required in such cases. You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and:

• (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
• (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
• (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or
• (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.