Become a Fire Protection Specialist at Everglades National Park

Are you a fire safety professional looking to combine your technical expertise with a unique outdoor experience? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently hiring a Fire Protection Specialist to serve as the lead Park Fire Inspector at the world-renowned Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida. This role is essential for maintaining the safety of historical facilities, protecting visitor resources, and supporting our structural firefighting programs.

Job Responsibilities

As the Fire Protection Specialist, you will be the primary authority on fire and life safety for park facilities. Key duties include:

Inspections: Conducting rigorous fire safety inspections and identifying violations of the International Fire Code.
Operations: Managing structural fire suppression readiness and technical support.
Training: Developing and delivering structural fire and emergency medical training for staff.
Investigation: Assisting in determining the origin and cause of fire incidents and preparing detailed technical reports.
Coordination: Acting as the park representative for emergency communication system integration.

Requirements

To be eligible for this federal appointment, you must meet strict standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Fitness: You must pass a medical exam and drug screen, as this position involves physically strenuous field work.
Certifications: Candidates must hold active IFSAC or NPQS/Pro Board certifications in Fire Instructor I, HAZMAT Awareness, and Fire Inspector II.
Experience: One full year of specialized structural fire experience at the GS-08 level is required.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement Type	Essential Qualification
Core Certification	IFSAC or Proboard Fire Inspector II
Specialized Skill	Structural Fire suppression/prevention
Physical Ability	Ability to pass strenuous medical/physical exam
Administrative	Competency in NFPA/IFC standards

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is set between $61,722 and $80,243 per year, based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. Initial appointment to the federal government typically begins at the lowest step, subject to agency policy.

Benefits

Employees of the National Park Service enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Uniform allowance for required gear.
Relocation incentives for qualified applicants.
Access to professional development training and certification programs.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Adhere strictly to the two-page limit.
Detailed Logs: Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hours/week) for every position to ensure specialized experience is counted.
Certification Proof: Upload your IFSAC/Proboard certificates as separate documents clearly marked.
Document Integrity: Do not upload Adobe Portfolio files as they cannot be reviewed by the agency.

If you have a strong background in structural firefighting and a desire to contribute to the preservation of our national heritage, this role at Everglades National Park is a fantastic opportunity. Review the requirements carefully and submit your application via USAJobs before the November 2026 deadline.

Why This Fire Protection Specialist Job Matters

Protect the natural beauty of Everglades National Park as a Fire Protection Specialist. Join the National Park Service in this mission-critical role where public safety meets environmental stewardship.

Fire Protection Specialist Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated Fire Protection Specialist to serve as the Park Fire Inspector in the iconic Everglades National Park. Based in Homestead, Florida, this role is vital for ensuring the safety of park facilities, visitors, and staff. You will oversee structural fire prevention, lead fire-related emergency response efforts, and provide essential training to teams. This is a unique opportunity to combine your technical expertise in fire safety with a passion for preserving one of the world's most significant natural ecosystems.

Requirements for Fire Protection Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid state driver's license and a clean driving record.
Pass a rigorous medical examination and ongoing periodic health screenings.
Complete a pre-employment drug test and participate in random testing programs.
Obtain a government charge card for official travel and purchasing.
Ability to work in physically demanding environments, including hiking, climbing, and lifting.
Must obtain Fire Investigator certification within one year of entry.

Preferred Qualifications for Fire Protection Specialist

IFSAC or NPQS/Pro Board Fire Instructor I certification.
IFSAC or NPQS/Pro Board HAZMAT Awareness and Operations certification.
IFSAC or NPQS/Pro Board Fire Inspector II certification.
Significant prior structural firefighting experience in federal, local, or volunteer capacities.
Expertise in applying NFPA standards and the International Fire Code.
Experience in writing technical fire inspection and incident reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Eligibility for federal retirement programs.
✓Access to a supportive work-life balance culture.

💡 How to Apply Fire Protection Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Fire Protection Specialist Job

Create a profile on USAJobs and build your federal resume.
Preview the occupational questionnaire to ensure you meet core competencies.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your latest SF-50 and performance appraisals.
Submit your application through the official portal before the closing date.
Monitor your application status via your USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; it must not exceed two single-sided pages.
Clearly label your work experience with the exact hours worked per week to qualify for credit.
Ensure your SF-50s show tenure and grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
Remove any photos from your licenses or badges submitted with your documents.
Double-check that you have uploaded your certifications for Instructor I and HAZMAT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this Fire Protection Specialist role?

The primary mission is to act as the Park Fire Inspector, conducting life safety inspections, managing structural fire prevention programs, and supporting emergency response operations at Everglades National Park.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, you will likely travel 3-5 days per month to perform inspections at various park locations and attend training or interagency meetings.

Job from National Park Service

The National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, preserves the natural and cultural resources of the National Park System. Joining the NPS means becoming part of a community dedicated to conservation and public service, working in environments that span from urban landmarks to vast wilderness areas like the Everglades.