Advance Your Career: Administrative Officer at Wind Cave National Park
Are you a seasoned administrative professional looking for a meaningful career path within the federal government? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently seeking an Administrative Officer (GS-12) to serve at the historic Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. This position offers the rare opportunity to balance high-level operational management with the beauty of one of America’s premier national parks.
Job Responsibilities
As an Administrative Officer, you will serve as a key advisor to park leadership. Your day-to-day responsibilities will be diverse and mission-critical:
- Budgeting: Formulating and executing the annual budget to ensure programs are adequately funded.
- Financial Oversight: Monitoring expenditures, managing payroll, and ensuring compliance with financial audits.
- Procurement: Navigating complex federal contracting and procurement processes to secure necessary services and supplies.
- HR Management: Handling employee relations and providing guidance on human resource protocols.
Requirements
This is a professional-level role requiring specific qualifications:
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Documentation: Submission of a concise, two-page resume that explicitly details your duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Compliance: Successful completion of background checks and adherence to all ethics prohibitions.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation Table
| Position Level | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Administrative Officer (GS-12) | $89,508 - $116,362 |
Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:
- Be Precise: When listing past jobs, provide the exact hours worked per week.
- Formatting Matters: Respect the 2-page limit. Extra pages will be disregarded.
- Performance Records: Include your latest performance appraisal to receive proper consideration.
Becoming an Administrative Officer at Wind Cave National Park is a fantastic way to apply your management expertise toward a public mission. If you are prepared to lead in a dynamic federal environment, submit your application before the August 19, 2026, deadline.
Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters
Join the team at Wind Cave National Park and lead the administrative backbone of one of America's most iconic natural treasures.
Administrative Officer Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a highly skilled Administrative Officer (GS-12) to join the team at Wind Cave National Park. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee essential business functions, including complex financial management, procurement, human resources, and budget formulation. This position is central to the operational efficiency of the park, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the agency's conservation and public service mission in South Dakota.
Requirements for Administrative Officer
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must pass a background investigation for a Moderate Risk (MR) position.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card.
- Willingness to complete a one-year probationary period.
- Completion of required USA Hire Assessments.
Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer
- Proven experience in federal budget formulation and execution.
- Strong background in federal procurement, contracting, and auditing processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage employee relations and human resource functions.
- Expertise in property management and internal control oversight.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement programs (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job
- Carefully review the entire job announcement.
- Prepare a 2-page federal resume detailing specialized experience.
- Gather required documents, including recent performance appraisals and SF-50s.
- Apply online through the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete all assigned USA Hire Assessments within the provided deadline.
- Monitor application status via the USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week for all positions.
- Adhere strictly to the 2-page limit and font size requirements.
- Submit your most recent performance appraisal; if unavailable, provide a written explanation.
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for a standardized, compliant format.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the required online assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this position does not allow for the substitution of education in place of the required specialized experience.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to agency policy and managerial approval.
What is the primary location for this job?
This position is located in Hot Springs, South Dakota, serving the Wind Cave National Park.
Do I need a security clearance?
While not a traditional high-level clearance, this position is a Moderate Risk (MR) role requiring a suitability/fitness adjudication.
Is relocation assistance available?
Yes, relocation incentives are available for qualified candidates.
Job from National Park Service
The National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, is dedicated to preserving the ecological and historical integrity of the nation's lands. Working at Wind Cave National Park means contributing to the stewardship of one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems, alongside expansive prairie landscapes. The agency prides itself on a culture of excellence, public service, and resource protection.