NPS LE Rangers

[tunlrat]

From start to finish, does anyone know how long the app. process is for National Park Service Law Enforcement/ Protection Rangers?

Also, do they have a 24/7 carry policy?

[tunlrat]

Even for GS 5 or 7 positions? There's a couple of spots open on the usajobs website. What about past LE experience?

[Island_Girl]

Once Batman filled out the paperwork, it took less than two months. It could've been quicker, but he set his sign-on date. Several things made this process very quick for him 1) he was already a federal officer 2) the position was a lateral and 3) he had quite a bit of LE experience.

Don't let anyone tell you different, it helps if you know someone. During our time with NPS, we saw several people get jobs because they "knew" someone....and some weren't the best candidates (ie, not much LE experience).

[tunlrat]

That's just plain sad. Why do they even have "open announcements" to the public? It would make more sense to advertise for "Status" or "Agency" employees only. NPS is the one agency where I would think they would welcome new recruits in droves considering all the negative publicity they've had as of late:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/2020/...rks030725.html

[Island_Girl]

NPS loses more officers than ANY other agency. The link you provided tunlrat is a prime example of why. Also, it's the reason they only hire experienced LE for their Protection Ranger slots.

One correction to what DC said, I think that it's more difficult to become a Protection Ranger (LE) from the Interpretive Ranger (basically the unarmed history buff) position versus getting on with even some minor LE experience (NPS unrelated) where you were required to perform LE responsibilities. You are not going to get any LE experience in the IR position.
Just my two.

[AirmanE3]

I have been talking with a well-known GNMP Ranger and he said I run a very good chance of getting hired with the NPS after my USAF Tour because of my Military (Federal) and LE/Security background (6 years total after all is said and done). The tip is, apply to a small National Park, then apply for a Transfer... both my wife and I want to be Rangers, but I want to be an LE Ranger.