Launch Your Career: Seasonal Landscape Architect with the National Park Service
Are you a design professional with a passion for public lands? The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking a dedicated Landscape Architect to join the team at the Missouri National Recreational River in Yankton, South Dakota. This position offers a unique chance to blend technical expertise with environmental stewardship.
Job Responsibilities
As a Landscape Architect, you will provide critical advisory services and design support. Daily duties include:
- Site Analysis: Conducting visual inventories and visitor use site analysis.
- Design Work: Creating conceptual site plans for camping areas, trails, and river access points.
- Project Management: Drawing site plans, sections, and perspectives.
- Collaboration: Partnering with park staff and local stakeholders to protect cultural resources.
Position Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Yankton, South Dakota |
| Schedule | Seasonal (Not to Exceed 1039 Hours) |
| Grade | GS-07 |
| Travel | Minimal (Code 1) |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet specific education and experience benchmarks, including:
- A professional degree in landscape architecture or a combination of education and experience.
- Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.
- Ability to provide transcripts validating your academic background.
- U.S. Citizenship and the ability to pass a suitability background check.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers an hourly rate between $26.85 and $33.05. Beyond the hourly compensation, employees benefit from a professional work environment, a uniform allowance, and the rare opportunity to build a portfolio within the National Park System.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Excess length leads to automatic rejection.
- Quantify Your Time: Clearly state the hours per week for every position to ensure your experience counts.
- Beat the Clock: With a 50-applicant cap, submit your materials as soon as possible.
If you are ready to contribute to the beauty and functionality of the Missouri National Recreational River, apply today to start your journey with the National Park Service.
Why This Landscape Architect (Seasonal) Job Matters
Shape the future of our nation's scenic waterways as a Seasonal Landscape Architect with the National Park Service in Yankton, South Dakota.
Landscape Architect (Seasonal) Job Overview
Join the National Park Service at the Missouri National Recreational River. This seasonal role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural landscapes across 126 linear stream miles. You will perform advisory landscape management, create conceptual site plans for trails and campgrounds, and assist in documentation and project coordination directly supporting the Park Superintendent.
Requirements for Landscape Architect (Seasonal)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must pass a background investigation and suitability adjudication.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must register for Selective Service.
- Must be at least 16-18 years old depending on education status.
- Possession of a valid State-issued driver's license.
- Must wear an official uniform.
- Participation in direct deposit.
- Successful completion of E-Verify employment check.
Preferred Qualifications for Landscape Architect (Seasonal)
- Professional degree in landscape architecture or design.
- Combination of education and experience that includes original landscape design.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
- Completion of 1 year of graduate-level study in a related field.
- Proficiency in GIS/GPS, cultural resource documentation, and compliance reporting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay.
- ✓Uniform allowance provided.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Interior.
- ✓Exposure to unique, congressionally authorized National Park lands.
- ✓Non-competitive rehire eligibility for future seasons.
💡 How to Apply Landscape Architect (Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Landscape Architect (Seasonal) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two single-sided pages.
- Gather academic transcripts and supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-50 if applicable).
- Submit the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the 50-applicant cap or closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Explicitly state 'full-time' or '40 hours per week' for all relevant experience.
- Submit your application early, as the announcement may close after the first 50 applicants.
- Include transcripts that clearly show your name, school, major, and degree conferral date.
- Ensure all documents are free of personal photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical season for this position?
The season generally runs from March to October, though it may fluctuate based on weather, funding, and specific project needs.
Can I qualify with a mix of education and experience?
Yes. If you have not completed a full degree, you can combine years of experience in landscape design with completed education to meet the requirements.
What happens if I reach the 1,039-hour limit?
The appointment is capped at 1,039 hours per service year. Once reached, your eligibility for this temporary appointment ends for that year.
Job from National Park Service
The National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, is tasked with preserving the natural and cultural legacy of the United States. Working at the Missouri National Recreational River means protecting 126 miles of free-flowing river, spanning diverse federal, state, and private lands. You will be part of a team dedicated to ensuring these landscapes remain vibrant for future generations.