Application PathsThere are several opportunities open every year to work with Kenai Fjords National Park. Most apply for jobs at Kenai Fjords through the government hiring site USAJOBS or through Local Hire Authority. If opportunities are released through both paths, it is recommended to apply through both if you qualify. USAJOBSThe Department of Interior, National Park Service, and Kenai Fjords National Park primarily utilize USAJOBS to post seasonal and permanent position openings. USAJOBS is the federal government's official source for federal jobs and employment information. You can find current openings through USAJOBS at the bottom of the main jobs page or by filtering your search on the USAJOBS website for jobs at Kenai Fjords. Local Hire AuthorityIf you have lived or worked in or near Kenai Fjords National Park you may qualify for Local Hire Authority. Applications are released and processed separately directly through Kenai Fjords National Park and the Alaska Region Human Resources (HR). Check our Local Hire Authority jobs page to see if you qualify, instructions for how to apply, tentative openings, and current positions available. Find Key Points for applying below.Disability EmploymentIn addition to applying through traditional or competitive process, people with disabilities can be appointed to Federal jobs non-competitively through a process called Schedule A. Learn how to use the Schedule A Authority, the difference between the competitive and non-competitive hiring processes, and how to conduct a job search in the Federal government. The National Park Service is committed to advancing and promoting accessibility in our workforce through reasonable accommodation. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment that enables a qualified individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform their essential functions, and/or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. As such, the NPS adheres to the guidance from the Department of the Interior outlined in Personnel Bulletin (PB) 21-03. Re-HireIf you are interested in using Re-Hire eligibility for seasonal 1039 openings, please reach out to Kenai Fjords National Park HR at 907-422-0514. InternshipsThere are typically multiple opportunities to work with Kenai Fjords as an intern through partner organizations. Applications are accepted exclusively through these partners and typically open between January and March for summer openings. While partner organizations may vary from year to year, one of the best places to check is opportunities open in Alaska through the Student Conservation Association. Youth OpportunitiesUnique opportunities exist for local youth to work summers at Kenai Fjords National Park. Learn more about and how to apply by visiting pages on local youth opportunities. VolunteerFor information on volunteering at Kenai Fjords visit our Volunteers page. Key Points For Federal ApplicantsSeasonal, term and permanent federal jobs at Kenai Fjords National Park may be hired through either or both USAJOBS and Local Hire Authority depending on the announcement. Applicants are encouraged to apply through both national USAJOBS and Local Hire Authority announcements if they qualify. Tips For Applying Through USAJOBSAfter reviewing a vacancy announcement on USAJOBS, if you are interested in the position and believe you meet the qualification requirements, applications go through the USAJOBS website. It is recommended to create an account, resume, and upload any documents early, so that it is ready to go when the vacancy announcement is posted. Vacancy announcements are often posted for a very limited time and can close early when a limited applicant quota is met (indicated in announcement). Preparing a Federal ResumePreparing an application for a federal government job is a little different than preparing one for other employers. You can follow our tips below, and read through the Office of Personnel Management guide for Writing an Effective Federal Resume for more details.
In addition, most announcements also require that you submit your information in response to a list of knowledges, skills, and abilities directly related to the position being filled. Other forms may also be required, such as school transcripts, required certifications, documentation supporting veteran's preference or reinstatement eligibility. Don’t forget these attachments if they announcement says they’re required. Each announcement contains all the details about application procedures and deadlines and lists all the forms and information required for a complete application package. The Importance of the Self-AssessmentMany USAJOBS applications require a self-assessment questionnare to finalize your application submission. These questions will ask you to rate your experience with specific competencies for the job and grade level it is at. These questions help the HR person reviewing your application determine if you are "best qualified" for the position, and whether you are ultimately passed on to the Hiring Mangager (the person and team making the final decision to hire you). Therefore, it is in your best interest to not be bashful or humble in your answers, as long as you have adequate evidence of your experience/education in your resume. When it asks whether you are an expert, you do not have to imagine being an expert in a broader context such as the entire NPS or the world. Rather, consider if you have the expertise at the level of the job you are applying for (for example, being an expert at a particular skill that would be expected of working at a level GS-05 Park Ranger). After You ApplyDepending on the position, HR may have to review hundreds of applications, and it can take a while. Look out for e-mails notifying you if you are deemed eligible for the position and if you are subsequently referred to the hiring manager. If you are referred to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for an interview. The entire application process can take a few to several months depending on multiple factors including the intended start date of the position. Questions?For USAJOBS, each job announcement has the contact information for the HR Specialist near the bottom and visit our Employment FAQ. For local hire, follow contact instructions on our Local Hire Authority jobs page. Local Hire Authority OpportunitiesRefer to our Local Hire Authority page for current and future job openings for those who have lived or work in Seward, Alaska and other communities surrounding Kenai Fjords National Park.Current Job OpportunitiesFind nationally posted opportunities during open application times on USAJOBS.gov below. |
Last updated: October 18, 2024