Become a Leader in Resource Protection: Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) at Big Thicket
Are you ready to blend your law enforcement expertise with a passion for nature? The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as the Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) at Big Thicket National Preserve. This critical position offers the chance to lead, manage, and protect one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
The incumbent serves as the Chief of the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection. Key duties include:
- Strategic Leadership: Planning, directing, and coordinating all visitor and resource protection activities.
- Advisory Role: Serving as the principal advisor to the Superintendent on all matters related to park security and safety.
- Supervision: Directly managing protection rangers and coordinating work schedules to meet the Preserve's mission.
- Field Operations: Overseeing law enforcement activities across 3,600 square miles of managed units.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet strict criteria:
- Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old.
- Current or recent Type I Law Enforcement Commission.
- Successful completion of medical and physical fitness testing.
- Ability to maintain a government credit card.
Comparison Table: Role Requirements
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizenship | Required |
| Law Enforcement Commission | Mandatory |
| Physical Efficiency Battery | Required |
| Age Minimum | 21 |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $91,985 to $119,583 per year, commensurate with federal GS-12 pay scales.
Benefits
Employees enjoy federal benefits, including:
- Health and life insurance options.
- Special retirement provisions (CSRS/FERS).
- Uniform allowance.
- Potential relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
Application Tips
- Format: Stick to the 2-page limit. Exceeding this will result in disqualification.
- Clarity: Clearly define your specialized experience, noting hours worked per week.
- Documentation: Ensure all SF-50 forms and performance appraisals are included and current.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an established law enforcement professional to make a lasting impact on our national resources. Apply today through USAJobs before the September 8, 2026, deadline.
Why This Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job Matters
Lead the protection of a biological treasure—join the National Park Service as a Supervisory Park Ranger at Big Thicket National Preserve.
Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job Overview
As the Chief of the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection, you will serve as the lead authority at Big Thicket National Preserve, a unique 113,000-acre biological crossroads in Southeast Texas. This leadership role is vital for overseeing complex law enforcement operations, safeguarding natural resources, and managing visitor safety across dispersed land and water corridors. You will report directly to the Superintendent, guiding the strategic vision for park security and coordinating operations in one of the nation's premier ecological preserves.
Requirements for Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Possess current or previous (within the last three years) Type I National Park Service Law Enforcement Commission or equivalent.
- Successfully pass a medical examination and the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must be free of any domestic violence convictions.
- Complete a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience in law enforcement, investigative work, or park management policy implementation.
- Proven leadership experience in managing law enforcement or protection programs.
- Substantial service history in a primary law enforcement position (for special retirement provision eligibility).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Special Retirement Provisions (5 U.S.C. 8336(c) and 8412(d))
- ✓Uniform allowance
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Interior
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Park Ranger (Protection) Job
- Review the full announcement on USAJobs.
- Prepare a 2-page resume adhering to all formatting requirements.
- Gather supporting documentation, including SF-50s and performance appraisals.
- Submit your application, including all required questionnaires, via the USAJobs portal.
- Ensure all documents are submitted by the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; documents longer than this will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly states hours worked per week for all relevant experience.
- Check for your most recent performance appraisal; if unavailable, provide a written explanation.
- Verify that your SF-50 clearly displays your tenure and grade levels.
- Use the USAJobs Resume Builder for a format that ensures all critical data points are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is based in Kountze, Texas, and is suitable for telework only during emergencies or natural disasters.
Are there fitness standards for this role?
Yes, candidates must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB), which includes assessments in agility, bench press, 1.5-mile run, sit and reach, and body composition.
What is the physical fitness test?
Candidates must pass the Physical Efficiency Battery, which tests strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be offered on a case-by-case basis.
Job from National Park Service
The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, is tasked with the monumental responsibility of preserving the natural and cultural values of the National Park System. Big Thicket, often called a "biological crossroads," contains 113,000 acres of diverse landscapes, from swamps to pine forests, and represents a unique environment that requires skilled protection and strategic management.