| Location | gatlinburg, TN |
| Salary | $19.52–$25.37 Per Hour |
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Forestry Technician (IPM) (Seasonal)
Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Summary
The purpose of the position is to assist in various vegetation management tasks including forest health, exotic plant management and ecological restoration projects throughout the 810 square mile park.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is November - April but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: Nov-Dec 2026.
Open to the first 100 applicants.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
The purpose of the position is to assist in various vegetation management tasks including forest health, exotic plant management and ecological restoration projects throughout the 810 square mile park.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is November - April but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: Nov-Dec 2026.
Open to the first 100 applicants.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Gatlinburg, TN
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $19.52 - $25.37 per hour Pay scale & grade
GS 5
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Temporary - Not to excced 1039 Hours
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CAHQ-27-13091453-DE-TS Control number 889037200
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens or Nationals; and Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
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Duties
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At the full performance level (GS-05) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
U.S. Citizenship required.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
You will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Occupancy of government quarters may be required.
Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing.
You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work.
You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver''s license will be required in such cases.
You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.
You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/28/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level:
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Education
This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Some positions filled with this announcement may be covered by a union.
First time hires to the Federal government normally start at step 1 rate.
Temporary Appointment: This is a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1039 hours. The appointment is expected to end upon completion of the season''s work.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: As a temporary seasonal employee, you can be rehired in future seasons without reapplying, as long as you do not exceed 1,039 hours anywhere in the NPS during your service year.
Rehire eligibility applies to the same position or to another position with the same qualification requirements as long as it is a temporary seasonal appointment. Your service year is the 12 months that begin on the date of your first temporary appointment with the bureau, and it starts over on that date each year. Every temporary appointment you hold with the bureau during a service year counts toward the total.
Once you reach 1,040 hours, this eligibility ends unless OPM approves an exception. These rules come from 5CFR 316.402[b][7]. Already reached the limit this service year? Don''t worry. You are still welcome to apply to this announcement or any future one.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Physical Demands:The work requires strenuous off trail hiking over rugged mountainous terrain, lifting and carrying for long distances items, in excess of 50 lbs. and prolonged physical labor, such as operating a truck mounted sprayer or brush cutters. Pesticides are used in accordance with federal regulations and proper protective equipment is mandatory.
Working Conditions:Work may require prolonged exposure to the elements. Weather extremes range from more than 90° F and more than 90% relative humidity in summer to below freezing with snow and winds in the winter. Backcountry camping trips of several days are required. Use of pesticides involves exposure to toxic chemicals for which protective equipment is supplied.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated ''ineligible'', ''not qualified'', or your score will be lowered and/or adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position.
Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran''s preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position.
Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job.
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/28/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency''s staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/28/2026--unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Agency contact information
DOI Seasonal Temp Team
Email seasonaltempteam@ios.doi.gov Address Great Smoky Mountains National Park
DO NOT SEND MAIL TO THIS ADDRESS
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/28/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency''s staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/28/2026--unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
DOI Seasonal Temp Team
Email seasonaltempteam@ios.doi.gov Address Great Smoky Mountains National Park
DO NOT SEND MAIL TO THIS ADDRESS
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
National Park Service
The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation''s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.
The mission of the National Park Service (NPS) is to preserve the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work. Click here to learn more about the National Park Service.
Agency contact information
DOI Seasonal Temp Team
Email seasonaltempteam@ios.doi.gov Address Great Smoky Mountains National Park
DO NOT SEND MAIL TO THIS ADDRESS
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what it''s like to work at National Park Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKonBsAFNbY
Summary
The purpose of the position is to assist in various vegetation management tasks including forest health, exotic plant management and ecological restoration projects throughout the 810 square mile park.
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty is November - April but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: Nov-Dec 2026.
Open to the first 100 applicants.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Gatlinburg, TN
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $19.52 - $25.37 per hour Pay scale & grade
GS 5
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Temporary - Not to excced 1039 Hours
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CAHQ-27-13091453-DE-TS Control number 889037200
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