Become a Leader in Conservation: Supervisory Park Ranger at Big Thicket National Preserve

Are you a seasoned law enforcement professional with a passion for preserving America’s natural wonders? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as a Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) at the Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze, Texas. This is a premier leadership opportunity for those dedicated to public safety, resource management, and the protection of our nation’s most unique biological landscapes.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection, you will be the primary advisor to the Superintendent. Your core duties include:

Strategic Leadership: Planning, directing, and executing all park programs related to visitor and resource protection.
Personnel Management: Directly supervising protection staff, establishing work schedules, and coordinating operations across multiple land units and water corridors.
Policy Development: Formulating national policies and standards for law enforcement suitability and security.
Resource Allocation: Managing staffing requirements, equipment needs, and budgetary resources to support the division’s mission.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet rigorous federal standards:

Age and Fitness: Candidates must be at least 21 years old and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB).
Commission Status: You must hold or have held a Type I Law Enforcement Commission within the last three years.
Documentation: A 2-page resume is mandatory, alongside a current performance appraisal.
Background: Ability to successfully complete a federal background investigation and drug testing.

Requirements Comparison Table

Criteria	Requirement Type
Age	Minimum 21 Years
Commission	Current or Recent Type I LE
Resume Length	Maximum 2 Pages
Physical Exam	Mandatory for Entry
License	Valid State Driver’s License Required

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $91,985 to $119,583 per year. Beyond base pay, the NPS provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers (5 U.S.C. 8336/8412).
Full medical and life insurance coverage.
Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
Uniform allowance and professional development opportunities.

Application Tips

The competition for this role is high. Ensure your application stands out by:

Tailoring your resume: Use the required 2-page format effectively to highlight your specialized law enforcement experience.
Double-checking documents: Ensure all SF-50s and performance appraisals are included to avoid disqualification.
Formatting: Use at least a 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins for your resume to ensure it is readable by HR scanning systems.

Serving as a Supervisory Park Ranger at Big Thicket is more than a job—it is a responsibility to protect a vital 'biological crossroads.' If you have the leadership experience, the drive to protect our resources, and the desire to join a world-class federal agency, we encourage you to apply by the August 10, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job Matters

Protect the biological crossroads of America: Lead protection efforts as a Supervisory Park Ranger at the Big Thicket National Preserve.

Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking an experienced, dedicated leader for the position of Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection/Chief Ranger) at the Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze, Texas. In this vital role, you will oversee the division responsible for visitor safety, resource protection, and federal law enforcement activities across 113,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. You will provide critical policy guidance to the Superintendent and lead a team of protection professionals in managing this unique biological corridor.

Requirements for Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Possess or have held a Type 1 National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission within the last three years.
Possess a current, valid state driver’s license.
Meet specific physical fitness standards, including passing the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB).
Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and drug test.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)

Demonstrated experience in a primary law enforcement position.
Strong leadership skills with experience managing field operations and staff.
Advanced knowledge of administrative and financial management within a federal agency.
Experience in developing and implementing law enforcement policy.
Excellent communication skills for stakeholder partnering and inter-agency coordination.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or CSRS coverage
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Uniform allowance
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
✓Ongoing professional training and career development

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
Gather all required documentation, including the most recent performance appraisal and relevant SF-50s.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of August 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the 2-page resume limit; excess pages will not be reviewed.
Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience in month/year format and hours worked per week.
Provide a narrative statement if your most recent performance appraisal is unavailable.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Big Thicket National Preserve known for?

It is known as a 'biological crossroads' in Southeast Texas, featuring diverse ecosystems including forests, bayous, and wetlands with unique biodiversity.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Telework is limited to emergency or natural disaster situations only; this is largely an on-site, field-based leadership role.

What is the Physical Efficiency Battery?

It is a standardized fitness test for law enforcement officers consisting of an agility run, bench press, 1.5-mile run, sit-and-reach, and body composition analysis.

Can I substitute my education for experience?

*A: No. This position requires substantial specialized experience in law enforcement.*

What is the work environment like?

*A: The role involves a mix of administrative office work and field supervision. You will work in a hot, humid, and sometimes dangerous environment, requiring peak physical conditioning.*

Job from National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) operates under the Department of the Interior to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of our country. Big Thicket National Preserve, often referred to as a 'biological crossroads,' encompasses over 113,000 acres across Southeast Texas. As a Chief Ranger here, you will be part of a mission-critical team ensuring that these ecosystems—and the visitors who enjoy them—remain safe and protected for future generations.