Lead the Legacy: Become the Superintendent of Mesa Verde National Park
Few opportunities in public service offer the chance to steward a landscape as significant as Mesa Verde National Park. As the designated Superintendent, you are not merely a manager; you are a guardian of history, a leader of experts, and a voice for one of the most culturally vital regions in the United States. The National Park Service is seeking a dynamic professional to step into this high-level leadership role and guide the park through a complex, evolving environmental and social landscape.
Job Responsibilities
As Superintendent, your scope of work is vast. You will be responsible for:
- Operational Leadership: Planning and directing all management programs, from visitor services to resource protection.
- Community Relations: Representing the NPS in high-level communications with Congress, local officials, and Tribal Nations.
- Cultural Stewardship: Overseeing the complex preservation of historic landscapes and unexcavated ruins.
- Resource Management: Securing and allocating the financial and human capital necessary to fulfill the agency mission.
- Executive Mentorship: Empowering senior managers and fostering collaboration across organizational boundaries.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate exceptional executive capability. Key requirements include:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
- Documentation: Successful background investigation and drug testing/fitness screening.
- Logistics: Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to travel occasionally.
Candidate Comparison Table
| Criteria | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| Experience | 52 weeks at GS-14 level or private sector equivalent |
| Education | No substitution allowed |
| Residency | Relocation to the Four Corners region required |
| Financial | Must file financial disclosure report |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-15 level, offering a salary range of $147,945 to $192,331 per year. This compensation reflects the high degree of responsibility and the specialized nature of the executive management duties required for the role.
Benefits
Joining the Department of the Interior comes with a robust benefits package, including health and life insurance, the federal retirement system (FERS) with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions, paid time off, and potential relocation assistance for those moving to the region.
Application Tips
Your application is the first step in demonstrating your leadership potential. Keep your resume concise—strict two-page limits are enforced. Ensure every entry clarifies your level of responsibility and the number of hours worked per week. Focus on achievements that show you are a "multiplier of leadership" rather than just a manager.
Serving as the Superintendent of Mesa Verde is a career-defining role. If you are prepared to manage a complex, world-class asset and inspire the next generation of park stewards, we invite you to submit your application by November 17, 2026.
Why This Park Manager (Superintendent) Job Matters
Lead the stewardship of a UNESCO World Heritage site and shape the future of one of America's most iconic national treasures as the Superintendent of Mesa Verde National Park.
Park Manager (Superintendent) Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Superintendent for Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument. In this executive-level role, you will lead high-performing teams, manage complex cultural and natural resource protection programs, and represent the agency to Congress, Tribal Nations, and the public. Based in the stunning Four Corners region of Colorado, this position is perfect for a seasoned land management executive ready to empower others and preserve history for future generations.
Requirements for Park Manager (Superintendent)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must possess at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level.
- Must undergo a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
- Must maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Must file a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Park Manager (Superintendent)
- Experience in the development and implementation of policy regarding park protection and resource conservation.
- Demonstrated history of leadership within a park, recreation, or complex land management operation.
- Proven record of working collaboratively with Tribal Nations and diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to direct large-scale facility management and maintenance programs.
- Proficiency in managing financial and human resources within a federal environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Relocation expense reimbursement for eligible candidates.
- ✓Uniform allowance.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Telework options available with supervisor approval.
💡 How to Apply Park Manager (Superintendent) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Park Manager (Superintendent) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, including specific hours worked per week and grade level details.
- Complete the online application and all required questionnaires via the USAJOBS portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as veterans' preference paperwork or proof of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility.
- Submit your application package prior to the 11:59 PM (ET) closing date on November 17, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your two-page resume on your most relevant leadership experience that directly mirrors the GS-15 expectations.
- Use the 'month-year' format to clearly define your 52 weeks of specialized experience.
- Verify your eligibility status early, especially if applying under CTAP or ICTAP programs.
- Remove any personal photographs from your resume or documents to ensure compliance.
- Test your ability to navigate the online application well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this position does not allow for the substitution of education for the specialized experience requirement.
What is the expected commute for this position?
Most employees working at the park headquarters can expect a 45-minute to one-hour commute from nearby communities like Cortez, Mancos, or Durango.
What is the tenure for the probationary period?
You will serve a one-year probationary period where your performance and alignment with agency goals will be evaluated.
Does the park provide housing advice?
While the NPS does not provide tax or legal advice, the region offers a variety of housing options in nearby Cortez, Mancos, and Durango.
Job from National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) preserves the natural and cultural resources of the United States. At Mesa Verde, this mission takes on profound importance. Known for its ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and expansive, undeveloped landscapes like the nearby Yucca House National Monument, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Dark Sky Park. Employees here contribute to the preservation of over 1,000 species and an archaeological record spanning 700 years of human history.