Become a Park Manager with the National Park Service
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for preserving America’s natural and cultural treasures? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently looking for an experienced Park Manager to lead operations at the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This high-level position offers the unique chance to shape the management of a historic corridor that serves as a gateway to the nation’s capital.
Job Responsibilities
The Park Manager role is multifaceted, requiring a balance of operational excellence and strategic leadership. Key duties include:
- Developing annual goals, objectives, and financial plans.
- Providing supervisory oversight for facility maintenance, visitor services, and resource management teams.
- Representing the Superintendent and the NPS to federal, state, and local entities.
- Ensuring the protection of historic resources and maintaining public trust.
Core Competencies
| Competency | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Directing cross-functional teams and managing organizational change. |
| Financial Management | Developing and auditing budgets and operating plans. |
| Technical Competence | Ensuring compliance with federal park policy and law enforcement standards. |
| Organizational Awareness | Navigating complex stakeholder relationships across government agencies. |
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship, successful background checks, and proof of one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent. Applicants must submit a concise, two-page resume that clearly demonstrates their qualifications and hours worked per week.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the pay scale designated for this high-responsibility role.
Benefits
Employees of the National Park Service enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and life insurance coverage.
- Federal retirement plans.
- Generous leave accrual programs.
- Professional growth opportunities.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your application package is complete and formatted correctly. Pay close attention to the 2-page resume limit. Always include your most recent performance appraisal, as the selecting official will review these to provide due weight to your accomplishments.
Serving as a Park Manager at the George Washington Memorial Parkway is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the preservation of American history. If you possess the experience and leadership capability to guide this organization, we encourage you to apply by September 10, 2026.
Why This Park Manager Job Matters
Lead the preservation and management of one of the nation’s most historic gateways—the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Park Manager Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a seasoned leader to serve as a Park Manager for the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean, Virginia. This pivotal role involves overseeing 7,156 acres of protected land, historic sites, and Potomac River shorelines that have served as the gateway to the Nation’s Capital since 1932. You will be responsible for high-level strategic planning, operational oversight, and representing the agency to external partners, all while maintaining the delicate balance between public accessibility and resource conservation.
Requirements for Park Manager
- U.S. citizenship or national status.
- Completion of a background investigation with favorable adjudication.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Participation in mandatory direct deposit for salary.
- Successful passage of E-Verify employment check.
- Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must wear and maintain required uniform standards.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase credit card.
- Willingness to file a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
- Registration with Selective Service (if born after 12-31-59).
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
Preferred Qualifications for Park Manager
- Proven track record in facility maintenance and visitor service management.
- Demonstrated expertise in administrative program accountability and budget planning.
- Extensive experience in law enforcement, investigative, or public safety operations.
- Strong background in natural or cultural resource preservation.
- Demonstrated success in community partnership facilitation and stakeholder relations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Uniform allowance provided.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Park Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Park Manager Job
- Carefully review the entire job announcement.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Attach a 2-page resume clearly detailing your specialized experience and hours worked per week.
- Upload required supporting documents, including your most recent performance appraisal and any relevant SF-50 forms.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on September 10, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit and 10-point font minimum.
- Use month-year format for all work history; include day-month-year if needed to verify 52-week experience requirements.
- Do not include personal photographs in your application.
- Submit your most recent performance appraisal; if unavailable, provide a written explanation.
- Double-check that your specialized experience is explicitly linked to your past roles to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, this position requires specific professional experience and does not permit the substitution of education for that experience.
What happens if I submit more than one resume?
The hiring office will only review the most recent resume submission.
Is a probationary period required?
Yes, as this is a supervisory role, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period to evaluate your performance and fitness for the position.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service are dedicated to protecting the nation's natural resources and honoring our cultural heritage. Working for the NPS means contributing to a mission that spans generations, ensuring that landmarks like the George Washington Memorial Parkway remain vibrant and accessible for the public.