Program Support Specialist (GS-12) – Everglades National Park

Are you looking to advance your administrative career while contributing to the stewardship of one of America's iconic natural ecosystems? The National Park Service (NPS), under the Department of the Interior, is currently accepting applications for a Program Support Specialist (GS-12). Located in Homestead, Florida, this crucial leadership role serves the South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) within Everglades National Park.

Positioned at the GS-12 federal pay grade, this full-time role commands a yearly base salary between $95,326 and $123,927. It represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced administrative managers, procurement liaisons, and budget professionals who want to make a tangible impact on agency operations.

About the Agency: National Park Service & SFNRC

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is responsible for conserving America’s natural resources and cultural heritage. As a major bureau under the DOI, the National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of present and future generations.

This position is embedded specifically within the South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) at Everglades National Park. The SFNRC provides scientific guidance, environmental monitoring, and ecological restoration research essential to maintaining the unique habitats of South Florida. By providing high-level operational, financial, and personnel coordination, the Program Support Specialist ensures scientists and park administrators have the resources required to fulfill their conservation goals.

Job Responsibilities & Core Duties

As a Program Support Specialist, you will act as a primary operational engine for the SFNRC leadership team. The main duties associated with this role include:

Financial Management & Budget Execution: Directing financial planning initiatives for the SFNRC. Overseeing and tracking departmental expenditures while keeping open communication channels between SFNRC personnel and the Director.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Planning, drafting, coordinating, and executing formal administrative SOPs. This requires interpreting complex federal administrative policies to ensure local procedures align perfectly with agency mandates.
Procurement & Contracting: Directing all SFNRC acquisition activities necessary to obtain essential supplies, specialized equipment, materials, and service contracts. Ensuring all paperwork is properly documented, justified, and submitted through authorized acquisition channels.
Agreement Management: Coordinating the preparation and tracking of interagency assistance agreements and contracts in close coordination with the Major Acquisition Buying Office.
Human Resources Support: Functioning as the primary HR liaison for the center. Providing sound guidance on personnel issues to management and staff.
Supervision & Leadership: Directly supervising a team of management analysts and administrative support assistants, while collaborating closely with dedicated budget analysts.

Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-12 position, applicants must satisfy both general federal eligibility requirements and specific technical criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

General Eligibility Checklist

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Security Clearance: Subject to a background investigation and favorable suitability adjudication.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered.
Driver's License: A valid state driver's license must be maintained throughout employment.
Travel Requirements: Willingness to undertake overnight travel up to 2 nights per month.
Charge Card Authority: Must obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card.
Mandatory Certification: Must successfully earn a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification within two years of appointment.

Specialized Experience Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service. Qualifying specialized experience includes high-level performance in:

Budgeting and financial oversight for large units.
Creating organizational administrative procedures and standard operational policies.
Functioning as an HR advisory liaison for management teams.
Managing procurement, contracting, or assistance agreements.
Facilities management oversight.

Note: Education substitution is not permitted at the GS-12 grade level for this job series.

Salary & Compensation Overview

The position offers compensation under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale at Grade 12.

Compensation Element	Details
Pay Grade	GS-12
Minimum Annual Salary	$95,326
Maximum Annual Salary	$123,927
Rate Interval	Per Annum (PA)
Duty Location	Homestead, Florida
Supervisory Status	Yes (Supervisory Probationary Period May Apply)
Promotion Potential	None (Full Performance Level GS-12)

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be offered on a case-by-case basis at agency discretion.

Benefits & Perks

Federal employment with the National Park Service offers a comprehensive safety net and competitive employment rewards, including:

Health & Wellness: Choose from dozens of medical options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, plus dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
Retirement System: Dual-tier retirement scheme combining the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension with immediate agency contributions and matching (up to 5%) in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid Time Off: Accrue 13 to 26 days of annual leave per year (based on service length), 13 days of sick leave annually, and enjoy 11 federal holiday days off.
Life Insurance: Comprehensive group coverage options under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) framework.

Application Step-by-Step & Essential Formatting Rules

Applying for a federal vacancy requires strict attention to detail. Missing any requirement could lead to an immediate disqualification.

Application Steps

Review Announcement: Read the full posting and click the application questionnaire preview link to understand required responses.
Draft Your Resume: Write a targeted federal resume. CRITICAL: Resumes must NOT exceed two single-sided pages, must use a minimum 10-point font, and must feature at least 0.5-inch margins on all sides. Resumes over two pages will be automatically rejected.
Detail Hours Worked: Explicitly state whether experience was full-time or part-time, along with exact weekly hours worked (e.g., "Full-Time, 40 hours/week").
Compile Documentation: Attach your latest signed performance evaluation (within 18 months), applicable non-award SF-50 forms, and DD-214/VA disability letters if claiming veteran preference.
Submit Online: Complete the application on USAStaffing before 11:59 PM ET on November 7, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I submit a multi-page federal resume exceeding 2 pages?

No. For this specific job opening, any resume longer than 2 pages will not be reviewed, leading to a non-qualifying rating.

Q: Is telework or remote work an option for this role?

No. The position listing states that this role is not designated for telework or remote work.

Q: What certifications are mandatory?

While you do not need it upon entry, you must successfully complete and maintain a Project Management Professional (PMP) credential within 2 years of your hire date.

Q: Are award SF-50 forms acceptable proof of experience?

No. Award SF-50s do not contain the necessary statutory information to verify specialized experience or time-in-grade. Submit non-award SF-50 forms showing permanent position tenure.

The Program Support Specialist (GS-12) vacancy at Everglades National Park offers an exceptional career path for skilled administrative, budget, and procurement professionals. By managing critical operational aspects of the South Florida Natural Resources Center, your leadership will support scientists and conservation leaders working to preserve crucial ecosystems. Review your resume strictly against the two-page guidelines, gather your official documents, and submit your application prior to the November 7, 2026 deadline.

Why This Program Support Specialist Job Matters

Step into a pivotal administrative leadership role supporting environmental preservation as a Program Support Specialist with Everglades National Park.

Program Support Specialist Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking a qualified Program Support Specialist (GS-12) to join the South Florida Natural Resources Center in Homestead, Florida. This full-time position carries a competitive annual salary ranging from $95,326 to $123,927. The selected candidate will direct financial planning, oversee procurement, manage standard operating procedures, serve as a human resources liaison, and supervise administrative team members.

Requirements for Program Support Specialist

U.S. Citizenship or National status required.
Must pass a background investigation and background adjudication.
Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Participation in Direct Deposit is mandatory.
Successful completion of E-Verify employment verification.
Possession and maintenance of a valid state driver's license.
Ability to travel overnight up to 2 nights per month.
Must obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase charge card.
Must obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification within 2 years of appointment.
Resume must adhere strictly to a maximum 2-page length, minimum 10-point font, and 0.5-inch margins.
At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Specialist

Demonstrated experience in financial management and budget tracking for large operational units.
Extensive background in federal acquisition, procurement policies, and interagency assistance agreements.
Proven supervisory experience managing management analysts and administrative support assistants.
Hands-on expertise developing and implementing complex organizational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Prior experience serving as a human resources advisor or liaison to leadership teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension combined with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k)-style investments with agency matching.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
✓Possibility of recruitment or relocation incentives for eligible candidates.
✓Comprehensive coverage under Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).

💡 How to Apply Program Support Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement and carefully preview the online questionnaire.
Format your federal resume to strictly adhere to the 2-page limit, using 10-point font or larger and 0.5-inch margins. Ensure weekly work hours are explicitly listed.
Gather required supporting documents, including your latest performance appraisal (signed within 18 months), non-award SF-50s showing tenure and grade, and military service documentation if applicable.
Click the 'Apply Online' link to log into USAJOBS and navigate to the application system.
Complete the application questionnaire, upload all required attachments, and submit the complete package before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 7, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Strictly abide by the 2-page resume limit; resumes exceeding two pages will be rejected automatically.
Ensure every position on your resume lists whether it was full-time or part-time, along with exact hours worked per week.
Submit non-award SF-50 records to verify your time-in-grade and federal employee tenure; award SF-50s are not accepted for qualification tracking.
Prepare your resume content to address core competencies: Administration, Contracting, Financial Management, Organizational Awareness, and Personnel Management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The position is graded at GS-12 with a salary range of $95,326 to $123,927 per year.

Where is this job located?

The physical duty location is at the South Florida Natural Resources Center within Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida.

Is remote work or telework allowed?

No, this job announcement indicates that telework and remote work are not eligible for this position.

Is there a certification requirement after hiring?

Yes, the selected employee must obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification within 2 years from their appointment effective date.

When does the application period close?

Applications must be fully submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 7, 2026.