Position Description
August 24, 2024
PD_DOI_Director-of-the-National-Park-Service
Position Description
Director of the National Park Service, Department of the interior
Overview
Senate Committee
Energy and Natural Resources
Agency Mission
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 and affiliated island communities.
Position Overview
The director of the National Park Service is responsible for managing and conserving, unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.
Compensation
Level V $145,700 (5 U.S.C. § 5316)1 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
Position Reports to
Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks2 https://www.doi.gov/whoweare/orgchart
Responsibilities
Management Scope
In fiscal 2015, the National Park Service had $2.219 billion in budget outlays and 15,375 employees.3 The National Park System comprises more than 400 natural, recreational, historic and cultural park units, encompassing more than 80 million acres throughout the United States, the Pacific, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.4 Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/OrgDocument.asp?OrgId=-1&LDIBookId=19&LDIOrgId=153442&LDISecId=180&FromRecent=0&Save=1&Position=-1#O153442 OPM
Primary Responsibilities
® Oversees a suite of programs that support the efforts of others to preserve natural and cultural resources and enhance recreational opportunities in places the National Park Service does not administer
® Represents the National Park Service in dealings with other federal, state and local agencies, educational institutions, scientific societies, conservation organizations, private industry and Congress
® Cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world5 OPM
Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]Requirements and Competencies
Requirements
® Prior government experience, either from Capitol Hill or a similar state function (helpful)
® Prior agency experience (helpful)
Competencies
® Strong communication skills to communicate well within the department, across different agencies and with external stakeholders
® Political savvy and sensitivity
® Willingness to travel
Past Appointees
Jonathan B. Jarvis (2009 to 2017): Pacific West Region Director, National Park Service; Superintendent, Mount Rainier and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Craters of the Moon National Monument6 http://npshistory.com/publications/directors/index.htm
Mary Amelia Bomar (2006 to 2009): Northeast Regional Director, National Park Service; Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park; Superintendent, Oklahoma City National Memorial7 http://npshistory.com/publications/directors/index.htm
Fran P. Mainella (2001 to 2006): Director, Florida’s State Parks, Executive Director of the Florida Recreation and Park Association; President, National Recreation and Park Association and National Association of State Park Directors8 http://www.guestservices.com/about-us/board-of-trustees/frances-p-mainella/
The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The Center’s Ready to Govern· initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process, develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.