Become a Leader in Interpretation and Community Engagement at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on the preservation and education of our nation’s cultural and natural heritage? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Interpretation, Education, and Community Engagement Program Manager at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Ajo, Arizona. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team, manage high-stakes operations, and connect visitors with the stunning biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.
Job Responsibilities
As the Program Manager, you will serve as a core member of the monument’s leadership team. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Program Leadership: Directing all interpretive, educational, and outreach activities.
- Fiscal Management: Developing and overseeing multi-year budgets, managing expenditures, and prioritizing funding requests.
- Team Management: Directly supervising permanent staff, including Park Rangers and Fee Technicians, and coordinating with seasonal staff and interns.
- Public Information: Acting as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the monument.
- Operational Oversight: Managing commercial use programs and visitor center operations.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-11 level. This experience must demonstrate your ability to manage interpretive programs, lead staff, and handle complex financial tasks.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen or National |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-11 equivalent |
| License | Valid State Driver’s License |
| Schedule | Requires weekends, holidays, & on-call |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $91,205 to $118,569 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay guidelines. Employees also receive a comprehensive package of federal benefits.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Federal retirement planning (FERS).
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Professional growth through NPS-led training.
- Uniform allowance for field-based duties.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your 2-page resume clearly outlines your accomplishments with specific data points. Always include the hours worked per week for every position listed. Be prepared to submit your most recent performance appraisal—if it is not from the last 18 months, provide a written explanation.
Serving as the Interpretation, Education, and Community Engagement Program Manager is a career-defining role. If you are ready to apply your leadership skills to protect and share the legacy of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, submit your application package before November 2, 2026.
Why This Interpretation, Education And Community Engagement Program Manager Job Matters
Lead the story of the desert: Join the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument team as an Interpretation, Education, and Community Engagement Program Manager.
Interpretation, Education And Community Engagement Program Manager Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated professional to lead the Interpretation, Education, and Community Engagement program at the beautiful Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Ajo, Arizona. As a key member of the management team, you will shape the visitor experience, oversee educational outreach, manage the park’s fee program, and serve as the Public Information Officer, all while protecting the unique natural and cultural resources of this Sonoran Desert landscape.
Requirements for Interpretation, Education And Community Engagement Program Manager
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period is required.
- Must be able to work on-call, weekends, holidays, and evenings.
- Must obtain a government travel charge card.
- Must undergo a background investigation and suitability adjudication.
- Resume must not exceed 2 single-sided pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Interpretation, Education And Community Engagement Program Manager
- Proven experience managing visitor center operations or formal/informal interpretive programs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise diverse staff members.
- Experience in fiscal management, including budget development and expenditure oversight.
- Strong interpersonal skills for building community and stakeholder partnerships.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Uniform allowance provided.
- ✓Potential for telework opportunities with supervisor approval.
💡 How to Apply Interpretation, Education And Community Engagement Program Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Interpretation, Education And Community Engagement Program Manager Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Prepare a resume that is exactly 2 pages or less, highlighting specialized experience with hours worked per week.
- Collect required documents, including your most recent performance appraisal and applicable SF-50s.
- Complete the online application questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of 11/02/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes dates in month-year format and explicitly states the hours worked per week for each position.
- Do not use supplemental pages or attachments intended to bypass the 2-page resume limit.
- Verify that your SF-50s clearly show your tenure and grade levels.
- Preview the application questionnaire link to prepare your responses in advance.
- Double-check that all required supporting documentation is uploaded to avoid an incomplete application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement?
No, this position requires specific specialized experience and does not allow for the substitution of education.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located in Ajo, Arizona. However, some duties may be suitable for telework with supervisor approval.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than 2 pages?
Per the application instructions, resumes longer than two single-sided pages will not be accepted or reviewed.
Do I need to be a current federal employee?
No, this position is open to various hiring paths including Land and Base Management and Career Transition programs.
What is the work environment like?
While the role involves office-based administrative work, it also requires outdoor field visits. You must be prepared for extreme desert heat and rugged terrain.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages a vast network of natural resources and cultural sites. Within the DOI, the National Park Service carries the vital mission of protecting these landscapes for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations. Working at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to be a steward of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a hub of biological diversity.