Become a Steward of History: Lead Mesa Verde National Park
Are you a visionary leader with a commitment to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the United States? The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a career-defining opportunity for a Park Manager (Superintendent) to lead the operations of Mesa Verde National Park and the Yucca House National Monument. This is a chance to shape the strategy, protect ancient landmarks, and engage with the diverse communities that treasure these protected spaces.
About the Agency: The National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) serves as the guardian of the nation’s most iconic landscapes and historic sites. As a member of the Department of the Interior, the NPS mission is rooted in the preservation of values, education, and inspiration for all generations. Working for the NPS means joining a team dedicated to stewardship, integrity, and fostering meaningful connections between people and the land.
Job Responsibilities
As the Superintendent, you will serve as the top executive at Mesa Verde. Your duties will transcend traditional management, requiring you to act as a mentor, a diplomat, and a strategist. Key responsibilities include:
- Executive Leadership: Guiding senior management and fellow leaders to ensure high-performing teams.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Representing the NPS in vital communications with Congress, Tribal Nations, and local public/private partners.
- Resource Protection: Overseeing the conservation of natural and cultural assets, including UNESCO-recognized archaeological sites.
- Operational Management: Managing complex facility maintenance, law enforcement, and visitor service programs to ensure the safe and effective functioning of the park.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level GS-15 position, candidates must meet rigorous professional criteria:
- Specialized Experience: You must demonstrate at least one full year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in federal service. This experience should involve managing complex park, conservation, or land management operations.
- Documentation: Your 2-page resume must clearly reflect your specialized experience, including time in grade and hours worked per week.
- Background: Candidates must successfully undergo a high-risk background investigation.
- Legal Compliance: Possession of a valid driver’s license and registration for Selective Service (if applicable) is mandatory.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the scope of this executive role.
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salary Floor | $147,945 per year |
| Salary Ceiling | $192,331 per year |
| Pay Interval | Per Year |
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical and insurance plans.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation and sick leave policies, with the potential for approved telework arrangements.
- Relocation: Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates living outside the local commuting area.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal leadership role requires precision. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:
- Strict Adherence: Your resume must be two pages or less. Longer documents will not be processed.
- Clear Records: When detailing your experience, ensure you provide clear dates in month-year format and indicate your full-time or part-time hours.
- SF-50s: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your most recent SF-50 clearly displays your tenure and promotion potential.
- Proof of Performance: Include your most recent performance appraisal (signed within the last 18 months).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there an opportunity for career advancement? A: This is a high-level GS-15 position with significant responsibility; it is considered an executive-level role within the NPS.
Q: How does the agency handle remote work? A: The duties are suitable for telework; however, this is a position that requires regular physical presence at the park, and specific telework agreements are subject to supervisory approval.
Q: What is the significance of Yucca House National Monument? A: It is an important, undeveloped NPS unit that protects a large, unexcavated Ancestral Pueblo village, administered by the Mesa Verde management team.
Taking on the role of Superintendent at Mesa Verde National Park is more than a job; it is a commitment to the enduring legacy of the Ancestral Pueblo people and the preservation of our collective heritage. If you are prepared to lead with accountability and integrity in one of the most stunning locations in the American West, we invite you to review the full details and submit your application today.
Why This Park Manager (Superintendent) Job Matters
Lead the stewardship of a UNESCO World Heritage site and shape the future of conservation at Mesa Verde National Park.
Park Manager (Superintendent) Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as the Superintendent for Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument. Located in the breathtaking landscape of southwestern Colorado, this role is for a high-level executive tasked with overseeing complex land management, preservation of archaeological treasures, and fostering deep relationships with Tribal Nations. As a GS-15 leader, you will not only manage operations but serve as a mentor and coach, guiding professional teams to protect our nation's most significant cultural landscapes for generations to come.
Requirements for Park Manager (Superintendent)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must pass a comprehensive background investigation and suitability adjudication.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must adhere to agency uniform standards.
- Must hold a government-issued charge card for official travel and purchase requirements.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Must submit a 2-page maximum resume detailing specialized experience.
- Must file a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Park Manager (Superintendent)
- Extensive executive-level experience in land management, conservation, or park administration at a level equivalent to GS-14.
- Demonstrated history of building collaborative partnerships with Tribal Nations, local governments, and Congress.
- Proven capability in managing large-scale facility maintenance, natural resource protection, and visitor services programs.
- Expertise in coaching senior management and fostering high-performing organizational cultures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Relocation expense reimbursement (if eligible)
- ✓Uniform allowance
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options
- ✓Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
💡 How to Apply Park Manager (Superintendent) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Park Manager (Superintendent) Job
- Review the full announcement carefully to confirm eligibility.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Attach your 2-page resume and required supporting documents (SF-50, performance appraisals, etc.).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 17, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; excess content will not be reviewed.
- Explicitly state hours worked per week for every position held to ensure your experience is credited correctly.
- Use month-year format for all dates of employment.
- Submit your most recent performance appraisal; if unavailable, provide a written explanation.
- Double-check that all required SF-50s are included to prove your federal experience and tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
No, this position requires specific professional experience and does not allow for education-based substitutions.
What is the work schedule like?
While it is a full-time position, the Superintendent may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime, especially during emergencies or special events.
Is this position eligible for relocation assistance?
Yes, relocation expenses may be paid for eligible selectees moving from outside the local commuting area, subject to federal regulations.