>>1252258Not a ranger, but currently working seasonally for NPS in GIS and database management.Ymmv.
Federal hiring is a huge pain in the ass. I think the expectation is that people who really want a permanent position there will be willing to work seasonally for as much as 10 years before they 'get in'. Personally, I think of employment with NPS as existing on a scale of sorts, with permanent full-time on one end and 1039 seasonal employment on the other, with many shades in between. I expect this varies a little between parks.
Also know that many people, especially those looking to climb the ranks into upper management, move from park to park with great frequency. There are many positions only flown internally.
That sounds kinda shitty, and it is, but i also want to say that I can't speak highly enough of my coworkers at my park. I dont know how representative of the whole NPS this is, but everyone I work with is smart, good at their job, and hardworking.
Good luck, anon
