Become a Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist with the National Park Service

Are you looking for a career that combines leadership, financial management, and a love for the outdoors? The National Park Service (NPS) is hiring a Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist at the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, Maryland. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of American history and natural resources while managing critical revenue-generating operations.

Job Responsibilities

As the Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist, you will oversee the daily administrative and financial functions of a complex fee collection operation. Your key responsibilities will include:

Operations Management: Overseeing campgrounds, cabin camps, and special use permit processes.
Leadership: Managing a team of seasonal staff and volunteers, including recruitment and performance oversight.
Financial Oversight: Handling, tracking, and depositing large volumes of revenue, ensuring accurate accounting and compliance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
System Implementation: Coordinating the use of automated reservation and fee collection systems.
Policy Development: Researching and analyzing operational data to recommend policy improvements.

Comparison: Qualifications vs. Education

Path	Requirement
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level, involving fee operation supervision and financial tracking.
Education	A Master’s degree (or equivalent graduate study) in a field relevant to the position’s mission.
Combination	A mix of graduate education and relevant work experience totaling 100% of the requirement.

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent federal hiring requirements to be considered. You must be a U.S. citizen, possess a valid driver's license, and pass a background investigation. Because this role involves public trust, you will be expected to uphold high standards of integrity, particularly when handling government funds and sensitive records.

Salary Overview and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $70,623 to $91,815 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional growth and training.
Uniform allowance to ensure you remain compliant with park standards.

Application Tips for Success

To ensure your application stands out, pay close attention to your resume. It must not exceed two pages, and it must explicitly state your hours worked per week for every position listed. Missing documentation, such as the required SF-50 forms for former federal employees or transcripts for those qualifying by education, will result in an incomplete application status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the primary location for this job? A: The role is based in Thurmont, Maryland, within the Catoctin Mountain Park division.

Q: Is travel required for this position? A: Yes, you may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1-2 nights per month.

Q: Are there physical requirements for this role? A: Yes, the role may involve standing for long periods, walking, and light lifting, often in outdoor conditions.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, community-focused leader. By applying your financial and organizational expertise to the National Park Service, you ensure that Catoctin Mountain Park continues to serve the public effectively. Take the next step in your public service journey and submit your application before the July 29, 2026 deadline.

Why This Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career in national park stewardship! We are seeking a dedicated professional to manage fee operations and enhance visitor experiences at the iconic Catoctin Mountain Park.

Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist Job Overview

As a Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist for the National Park Service, you will play a vital role in the financial health and visitor management of Catoctin Mountain Park. This position oversees the complex collection of recreation fees, donations, and special use permits, ensuring that resources are managed in compliance with federal regulations like the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). You will provide leadership to seasonal staff and volunteers, identify operational trends, and implement systems that ensure efficiency and excellence in park services.

Requirements for Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Valid state-issued driver's license for government vehicle operation.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently or previously a federal employee.
Subject to background investigation and adjudication.
Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
Must be able to wear a uniform and comply with NPS standards.
Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist

Experience supervising fee collection staff or similar administrative operations.
Proficiency in managing, tracking, and auditing revenue and cash operations.
Technical experience with fee collection equipment such as POS systems and traffic counters.
Background in issuing special use permits and facilitating commercial use authorizations.
Strong ability to analyze data and identify trends to optimize operational policy.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Health and Life Insurance options
✓Retirement program including TSP
✓Paid holidays and leave accrual
✓Uniform allowance
✓Telework opportunities (subject to approval)
✓Training and professional development

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Recreation Fee Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJobs account.
Review the full vacancy announcement for detailed documentation requirements.
Prepare your federal-style resume (maximum two pages).
Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including SF-50 forms and transcripts, via the agency site.
Submit your application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week for every position to receive credit for experience.
Submit your most recent performance appraisal; if unavailable, provide a written explanation.
Do not include personal photographs or Adobe Portfolio files in your submission.
Double-check your SF-50 forms to ensure they clearly reflect your career status and highest grade held.
Use the 'Update Application' feature in USAJobs if you need to revise your submission before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, the National Park Service has determined these duties are suitable for telework, pending supervisor approval.

What is the probation period?

As a new appointee, you will be required to serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate your performance and contribution to the agency's mission.

Can I submit my application via email?

No. The National Park Service does not accept hard-copy or email application packages; all submissions must be processed through the USAJobs system.

Job from National Park Service

The National Park Service, a branch of the Department of the Interior, is dedicated to preserving the unimpaired natural and cultural resources of the National Park System. The Catoctin Mountain Park team, located in the National Capital Region, works tirelessly to provide safe and memorable experiences for millions of visitors. By joining the NPS, you become a steward of public land, ensuring that facilities remain maintained and accessible for future generations.