Application Information

Application Paths

There 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.

USAJOBS

The 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.

Find Key Points and Tips For Applying Through USAJOBS below.

Local Hire Authority

If 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 Employment

In 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-Hire

If 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.

Internships

There 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.

Public Land Corps

Have you already worked an internship where you earned a Public Land Corps certificate? If so, you can potentially apply to positions on USAJOBS not open to the public within 2 years of your end of service. The Public Land Corps authority can be filtered under Hiring Paths and Special Hiring Authorities. Specifically, look at the "This job is open to" section under Kenai Fjords National Park postings on the USAJOBS website. There, "Special authorities" will be listed, and Public Land Corps (PLC) listed under "Clarification from the agency". When you apply, make sure to upload both your Work Hours Verification Form and PLC Certificate. You cannot use this hiring authority for jobs that are "Open to the Public", but are encouraged to apply if you qualify.

Youth Opportunities

Unique 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.

Volunteer

For information on volunteering at Kenai Fjords visit our Volunteers page.

Key Points For Federal Applicants

Seasonal, 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.

Job applications are often open for a very limited time (sometimes less than 24 hours) and can be posted up to several months in advance. Bookmark and check current openings and local hire openings regularly, set up notifications for specific USAJOBS searches, and/or contact Kenai Fjords National Park HR at 907-422-0514 to learn about potential tentative openings.

Before you apply for a position with Kenai Fjords National Park, be sure to review the entire vacancy announcement carefully. Each vacancy announcement contains specific information about the duties of the position and the qualifications required.

Tips For Applying Through USAJOBS

After 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 Resume

Preparing 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.

If this is your first federal resume, use the USAJOBS Resume Builder so you capture all required information. You can download and reformat it later if you prefer a different look.

Tailor your resume to the specific job by using keywords from the announcement in your resume to make your relevant experience obvious. If applying through USAJOBS, you can also use keywords from the occupational questionnaire, which should be available by link in the “How to Apply” section.

REMEMBER: Federal resumes are several pages long and very detailed (5-10+ pages is common). Be sure you include the following information:

• Your name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, and Social Security Number.

• Country of Citizenship.

• Veteran’s preference eligibility.

• Eligibility for reinstatement based on previous Federal service.

• Work experience (including any relevant volunteer experience). Include specific starting and ending dates (month/day/year), job title, grade (if Federal employment), salary, hours worked per week, employer’s name and phone number, supervisor's name and phone number, and detailed information regarding your duties and accomplishments in the jobs you held.

• Education completed. List names and addresses of schools attended, major(s), degree(s) earned, and year(s) received.

• Other information relevant to the position for which you are applying, such as job-related training courses, job-related skills, current job-related certificates and licenses, etc.

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-Assessment

Many 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 Apply

Depending 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 Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions