Estes Park National Park Service Jobs (moving to Estes) (Gypsum: employment, living in)

[CTC]

Wow
My wife just accepted a very well paying position at the hospital in Estes Park-we are very stoked to be moving back to CO (used to live in Gypsum) from Billings,MT (her job in Billings was outsourced to a Texas company)

We have experienced Estes both Summer and Winter and decided that the pros far out way the cons (the only one I can think of are the Summer crowds)

Looking forward to living in a place which has great bike trails and no big box stores-super friendly as well-we enjoy mountain living no matter the season

If anyone out there has any good ideas about techniques in getting a job with the Park Service/Forest Service I would appreciate it. I have tried in the past to get jobs with the Gov but have never been able to get an interview

I have a pretty well rounded background in Environmental Chemistry/Natural Resource Management/Biology (B.S.)

Seasonal employment would be fine to start-thanks for any tips

CTC

[Mike from back east]

CTC, glad to hear of your good news.

Check OPM's USAJOBS website, which lists most Federal jobs. I believe they use standing lists of applicants for many job types/agencies. I got my first job back in 1972 off of the old "Transportation--Freight Rate" register.

[CTC]

Thanks Mike
I have checked that site and know from experience that the application process is complicated and there are probably some major dos and don'ts when
applying for Gov. jobs-like resume formatting, which GS scale you are trying to place yourself into etc

I was looking for some insight into the process as a whole, maybe someone out there has some advice?

Thanks again

Chris

[delta07]

Originally Posted by CTC

Thanks Mike
I have checked that site and know from experience that the application process is complicated and there are probably some major dos and don'ts when
applying for Gov. jobs-like resume formatting, which GS scale you are trying to place yourself into etc

I was looking for some insight into the process as a whole, maybe someone out there has some advice?

Thanks again

Chris

I used to work for the Forest Service, so I can give you my experience with the application process, but it has changed a bit in the years since I left. If you are looking for seasonal work, start the application process early. I usually hired my seasonals by the first of April, so I was looking at applications as early as January. It is pretty tough to get in permanently without some seasonal experience, although if you have the education it may be possible. One thing I have always done is look at the postings for the jobs advertised as govt only. Often that same job is posted as general public, but the govt. listings have what are called KSAs. These are the Knowledge, SKills, and Abilities questions directly pertaining to the job. Answer these even though it doesn't require you to on the public application!

The other thing advice I have to offer is to make sure you directly call the contact person and talk about the job. Make sure they can at least put a voice to a name on your resume. This helps whether you are applying for seasonal or permanent jobs. Best of luck to you!

[CTC]

I appreciate the advice especially the KSA info-also calling the contact person.
Thanks again!!

[Bullitt007]

Build your resume around the KSA's. The software usajobs uses matches words in your resume to the KSAs...if there's a minimum number of matches, you won't even be on the list to be interviewed. Keep in mind, a lot of agencies do not do interviews for various reasons (mostly the red tape involved).

Either way, your best bet is to work extremely hard on your resume and tailor it to match the specific job you're applying for, without lying of course.

Be willing to take part-time, seasonal, etc...just to get in the system. Once you get in the system, your biggest hurdle is jumped.

I wish you the best and CONGRATS on the move.

[StealthRabbit]

Yes, congrats on the move!! Wish it were me (I grew up there, now 28 yrs in rainy WA)

Still have many friends living in EP., Oh how I miss Hermit Park free cabins and activities (now a county park, instead of Private)

You might want to check other employment options too:
Bureau of Reclamation, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy, Larimer County Environmental Health, Larimer County parks... I've had friends work in each of these agencies but based in Estes.