The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Foothills Parkway consist of over 500,000 acres of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, containing the largest expanses of old-growth forest left in the eastern United States, internationally noted for the biodiversity of plant and animal species. The Superintendent manages the iconic national park and is responsible for carrying out the legislative mandate to preserve, protect, restore, and interpret areas within the park.
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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a two-page resume (max) that shows you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs). To be considered, only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Technical Qualifications (TQs) are designed to assess an applicant's experience relevant to the specific position requirements. Your resume should clearly demonstrate your experience and accomplishments related to the two TQs below: 1. Experience in managing a complex land management program(s) that typically extends and applies to an entire organization or major components of an organization. This should include describing your leadership experience in public land management, strategic planning, project management, law enforcement and emergency services, natural and cultural resource management, concessions management, visitor services, safety, maintenance management, and workforce management. 2. Experience establishing and managing partnerships directly related to land management operations. Your two-page resume should also show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications listed below. Your resume should clearly demonstrate your experience and accomplishments related to the ECQs below. By statute, the Office of Personnel Management prescribes Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for the appointment of career SES members. The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and not technical expertise. ECQ 1-Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience ECQ 4 - Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement ECQ 5 - Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking Qualifications will be evaluated based on how clearly and concisely you emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of your programs; services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of your actions taken. Typically experience will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent in the private sector or non-governmental organizations. Already SES Certified? If you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the Senior Executive Service, or have completed a Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) approved by OPM, you only need to submit a two-page resume and personnel action showing you have held a career SES position. SES CDP graduates must submit a two-page resume and a copy of their CDP program certification with their package.
The Superintendent manages the Park's infrastructure, employees, budget, natural and cultural resources, and visitor services. Responsibilities include: Provides executive leadership to a large workforce of permanent and temporary staff in fields such as research, engineering, architecture, resource management, protection, information management, and general administration. Oversees the development of policies, standards, and procedures that govern the professional conduct of work related to the administration and implementation of the programs, including the functional areas of public use management, resource protection, resources education, and interpretation, fiscal and human resource management, park maintenance, visitor services, law enforcement, safety management, concessions, park partnerships, public affairs, budget planning and execution, and park development. Leads strategic planning and establishes short and long-range goals and standards of operations to ensure effective park operations and policy. Provides program management to one of the most ecologically diverse park areas. Develops resource protection and treatment strategies for the Park's historic and cultural resources and preserves the natural features for future generations. Maintains and operates a complex inventory of physical facilities including 342 buildings, National Historic Landmarks and National Register Properties, 384 miles of roads, more than 850 miles of trails, water systems, and campgrounds. Implements cooperative agreements, contracts, special use permits, leases, and instruments that define the Park's relationship with a variety of partners and commercial interests. Responsible for the planning, development, and operation of a comprehensive education and interpretative program. Provides coordination, leadership, and direction to a complex law enforcement and emergency service program which includes areas of both concurrent and exclusive jurisdiction. Establishes and maintains a close relationship with local, state, and Federal agencies, as well as private organizations interested in park uses and maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem. Represents the Director in interactions with the Secretary of the Interior and members of his staff, members of Congress, Mayors, Governors, Tribal Leaders, and other municipal authorities.