Become a Park Manager at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The National Park Service (NPS) invites experienced leaders to apply for the position of Park Manager (Superintendent) at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This vital role offers a unique opportunity to steward one of America’s most historic gateways, managing land and cultural resources that define our national heritage. If you have the vision to lead a diverse team and the expertise to coordinate complex resource management programs, we encourage you to apply for this career-defining opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As the Superintendent, you will serve as the primary leader for the park, which spans Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Key duties include:
- Strategic Leadership: Overseeing a staff of approximately 45 employees with varied schedules and expertise.
- Program Evaluation: Planning and implementing natural and cultural resource management programs.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Representing the park to state and federal governments, members of Congress, and local community partners.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing the annual work plan, setting organizational goals, and ensuring the efficient execution of park-wide priorities.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- Compliance: Must pass a background investigation and E-Verify check.
- Logistics: Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain a government charge card.
Comparison Table: Career Progression
| Feature | GS-13 (Required Experience) | GS-14 (Target Position) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Program Coordination | Full Park Superintendency |
| Autonomy | High | Executive |
| Impact | Unit-level | Agency-wide |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $125,776 to $163,514 annually. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and professional growth opportunities.
Application Tips
Submit a concise, two-page resume that highlights your leadership accomplishments. Ensure you explicitly state your hours worked per week, as this is critical for the HR department to verify your experience level. Review all required documents, including performance appraisals, to prevent delays in your application process.
Serving as the Superintendent at Cumberland Gap is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the preservation of American history. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on this rewarding challenge, apply today to help lead the future of our National Park System.
Why This Park Manager (Superintendent) Job Matters
Lead the preservation of history at Cumberland Gap—an iconic crossroads of American heritage.
Park Manager (Superintendent) Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Park Manager (Superintendent) for Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. In this high-impact role, you will oversee a diverse range of natural and cultural resource management programs while representing the service to federal, state, and local partners across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a landmark site that serves as a cornerstone of our national identity.
Requirements for Park Manager (Superintendent)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Ability to pass a background investigation and suitability adjudication
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after Dec 31, 1959
- Possession of a valid driver's license
- Commitment to wearing a uniform according to agency standards
- Availability for on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card
- Submission of a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment
- Successful completion of E-Verify employment check
Preferred Qualifications for Park Manager (Superintendent)
- One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service
- Demonstrated expertise in park or land management, including natural/cultural resource conservation
- Proven track record in administrative and technical supervision of large, multidisciplinary staffs
- Experience in coordinating policy and land-use programs with local, state, and federal stakeholders
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan
- ✓Paid holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Uniform allowance
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Flexible telework arrangements
💡 How to Apply Park Manager (Superintendent) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Park Manager (Superintendent) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure eligibility.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two single-sided pages.
- Gather all required documentation, including the most recent performance appraisal and applicable SF-50s.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account and navigate to the application portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents.
- Submit your application before 11:59 PM (ET) on November 17, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; documents exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Clearly state hours worked per week for all previous positions to ensure proper credit for experience.
- Use the month-year format for all dates of employment.
- Ensure your SF-50 documentation clearly displays your tenure and grade levels.
- Preview the questionnaire early to understand the specific competencies being assessed.
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 telework allowed for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to supervisor approval.
What is the nature of this appointment?
This is a temporary promotion or detail not to exceed one year, with the possibility of extension up to five years.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service are committed to preserving the natural and cultural legacy of the United States. By joining the Cumberland Gap team, you are becoming part of an organization dedicated to the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of present and future generations. The NPS values unique perspectives and recognizes that the success of our parks relies on the dedication of our professional staff.