Administrative Officer: Leading Operations at the National Park Service
Are you a seasoned administrative professional with a passion for public service? The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an Administrative Officer at Big Bend National Park. This GS-13 position is critical to the mission of our national parks, ensuring that the complex business and administrative functions supporting our natural resources are executed with precision.
Job Responsibilities
As an Administrative Officer, you will serve as a key member of the park's leadership team. Your primary goal is to ensure the park’s revenues and spending are in alignment. Responsibilities include:
- Financial Oversight: Managing payroll, bills of collection, and third-party drafts.
- Strategic Planning: Helping the leadership team develop park-wide programs and internal controls.
- Operations Management: Serving as the lead contact for the Operations Formulation System.
- Compliance: Ensuring all business practices meet federal audit standards.
Operational Comparison
| Feature | Management Focus |
|---|---|
| Financial Systems | Balancing revenues and expenditures |
| Procurement | Oversight of contracts and property |
| HR Support | Manages human resource functions |
| IT Integration | Maintains surveillance over business systems |
Requirements
This position requires a high degree of accountability and specialized experience. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Specialized Experience: At least one full year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
- Documentation: Ability to provide detailed resumes reflecting hours worked per week and relevant SF-50 documentation for current or former federal employees.
- Probationary Period: You will be expected to complete a one-year probationary period evaluating your performance and commitment to the agency mission.
- Driver's License: Potential for operation of motor vehicles requires a valid state-issued license.
Salary Overview
The salary for this GS-13 position ranges from $106,437 to $138,370 per year. This rate is based on the "Rest of US" locality pay scale and may vary depending on final duty station assignments within the National Park Service network.
Benefits
Employees of the National Park Service enjoy a robust federal benefits package:
- Health insurance plans that include family coverage.
- Life insurance and long-term care options.
- Federal retirement planning (FERS).
- Generous leave programs, including annual and sick leave.
- Professional training and leadership development opportunities.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your application package is complete. The agency is limiting the application pool to the first 50 applicants. Do not submit photos of yourself or Adobe portfolio files, as these will not be viewed. Focus your resume on the specific competencies required: Administration, Financial Management, and Procurement.
Serving as an Administrative Officer for the National Park Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the preservation of our nation's treasures. If you have the managerial experience and the desire to lead, apply before the window closes on August 10, 2026.
Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters
Take the lead in national preservation efforts by managing the vital administrative operations that keep Big Bend National Park running smoothly.
Administrative Officer Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a seasoned Administrative Officer to join the team at Big Bend National Park. This pivotal leadership role involves managing complex business operations, ensuring internal controls, and balancing park revenues. The position offers a unique chance to influence organizational policy and operational success, with a negotiable duty station at various National Park Service facilities.
Requirements for Administrative Officer
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license.
- Financial disclosure reporting (OGE Form 450) required.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements for current or former Federal employees.
- Submission of most recent performance appraisal.
- Adherence to background investigation and suitability requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer
- Demonstrated experience in payroll and timekeeping management.
- Proven background in federal procurement and contracting.
- Strong proficiency in fiscal auditing and internal controls.
- Experience with the Operations Formulation System.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional training and development
- ✓Telework flexibility subject to supervisory approval
💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job
- Ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages.
- Log into your USAJobs account to begin the application.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including SF-50s and performance appraisals.
- Submit your package by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJobs dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Check your resume for specific hours-per-week worked for each job listed.
- Remove any photographs from your uploaded documents to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly label your supporting documents using the dropdown system provided.
- If you lack a performance appraisal, provide a written explanation.
- Check that your resume uses at least a 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely for this position?
While this position allows for telework flexibility with supervisor approval, the duty location must be at a National Park Service facility with confirmed available space.
What is the application deadline?
The position closes on August 10, 2026, or after the first 50 applications are received, whichever comes first.
Is education a substitute for the required experience?
No, there is no substitution of education for the specialized experience required for this GS-13 position.
What is the duty location?
The location is negotiable after selection, provided the site is an NPS facility with available space.
Do I need a college degree?
While education is valued, this role requires specific specialized experience at the GS-12 level that cannot be substituted by academic degrees.
Job from National Park Service
The National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system. By working at Big Bend National Park, you are contributing to the stewardship of one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. The administrative division is the engine room of the park, responsible for keeping the organization solvent, compliant, and operationally sound.