Onboarding Information

Lodgepole rangers pose for their 2024 staff photo.

NPS / Anna Cirimele

Welcome to the Team!

 

NPS Photo

You are now a part of more than 17,000 employees and thousands of volunteers, and interns who work in a wide variety of disciplines and organizations, from parks to regions to national programs, throughout the National Park Service.

We are led by the NPS Director, who is supported by senior executives who manage national programs, policy, and budget in the Washington, DC, headquarters, and seven regional directors responsible for national park management and program implementation.

Our Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

 

NPS / Sage Boerke

Area Information

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Parks are jointly administered by one Superintendent and administrative staff with headquarters located at Ash Mountain (near Three Rivers, CA).

Within the administrative jurisdiction of these parks lie the heart of the rugged Sierra Nevada encompassing over 1,300 square miles of spectacular granite mountains, deep canyons and magnificent forests. These parks represent an extraordinary continuum of ecosystems (nearly 97% designated wilderness) arrayed along the greatest vertical relief (1,370 to 14,494 feet elevation) of any protected area in the lower 48 states.

Weather

Plan on a variety of temperatures! Early summer nights can be freezing. Most summer days are sunny with temperatures ranging between 65 ˚F and 76˚F. Mid to late summer can bring heatwaves near 100˚F in the Lodgepole District and above 110˚F in the Foothills District and San Joaquin Valley. Pack a variety of clothing and bedding to ensure that you are comfortable.

Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months - generally May to October. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards.

If you need detailed information on air pollution in this area, please contact the parks’ Air Resources Specialist at [phone].

 

Work Locations

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Now isn't that a mouthful. You are probably used to hearing of only one park within a park title. Sequioa and Kings Canyon are a little different, because they are two separate national park sites, often times referenced together. This can create some confusion, but we've broken it down into bite sized pieces to help!

Sequoia National Park – Ash Mountain

Ash Mountain is where park headquarters is located. It is approximately 6 miles from the town of Three Rivers, CA at 1,700 feet of elevation. Snow is seldom encountered at this elevation, and the spring, fall, and winter seasons are generally mild. Summers here, however, are anything but. The foothills can be hot and occasionally humid, with temperatures ranging from 80°-115° Farenheit. But, that heat becomes bearable when (safely) taking a dip in the nearby Kaweah River. 

The town of Three Rivers has restaurants, groceries, gas stations, banking, and a variety of services and includes a school from kindergarten through eighth grade. The nearest full-service town is Visalia, 35 miles to the west. 

Sequoia National Park – Lodgepole

Lodgepole is truly the heart of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This area sits at 6,700 feet in elevation and is nestled right in the middle of Sequoia National Park. It includes employee housing, a visitor center/office building, maintenance shops, a 260 site campground, a concession-operated grocery store (open summers only), laundry facilities, and a snack bar. 

Lodgepole is located 50 miles north of Visalia and 70 miles east of Fresno, CA. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°-90° Farenheit with heavy snow in the winter. There is limited to no cell service here. Pack your favorite book!

Sequoia National Park – Mineral King

Experience the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at Mineral King. At 7,500 feet of elevation, this area is approximately 25 miles from the town of Three Rivers, CA and remains to be one of the more secluded parts of the parks.

The road to Mineral King is rustic, and some parts are gravel. There is a small diner/market located in Silver City. Facilities are either solar or propane, while electricity is very limited and may go out throughout the summer. Internet and network capabilities are slow and often an unreliable way of communication. There is no cell service available. The gorgeous views and secluded bakcpacking hikes in the area, however, make up for it all!

Kings Canyon National Park – Grant Grove

At 6,500 feet of elevation, Grant Grove is the hub for all things Kings Canyon. The area is located 30 miles north of Lodgepole and 55 miles east of Fresno, CA. Average temperatures range from 51° to 86° Farenheit in the summer with winters recieving plenty of snow. 

Grant Grove Village includes employee housing, a visitor center, post office, market, concessions operated restaurant, three campgrounds, and a maintenance area. There is limited cell service here.

Kings Canyon National Park – Cedar Grove

Cedar Grove is a remote, seasonal community. At an elevation of 4,600 feet, the nearest full service towns are Fresno, CA and Visalia CA, both located 87 miles to the west. Snow is seldom encountered in the summer and temperatures typically range from 70°-100° Farenheit. 

There is a visitor center, four campgrounds, a snack bar, laundry facilities, and a concession operated market. There is no cell phone service available. 

Backcountry Work Locations

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks present a uniquely challenging work environment. These parks represent an extraordinary continuum of ecosystems (nearly 97% designated wilderness) arrayed along the greatest vertical relief (1,370 to 14,494 feet elevation) of any protected area in the lower 48 states. They are the highest, most rugged portion of the High Sierra Mountains. As such, these positions require expertise utilizing wilderness travel skills.

Incumbents must be able to hike by foot in the wilderness at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies of at least 50 lbs, and be able to work alone or in crews camping in wilderness for several days to several weeks at a time.

 

NPS Photo

 

Housing Information

 

Your New Home

Being able to call a national park home is truly special. Sequoia and Kings Canyon have been a home to people for thousands of years. Dependent upon your work location, employee housing may be available for rent. Rent is paid bi-weekly through payroll deduction. Cost varies by location and season. Government rental housing units may be occasionally available for permanent employees on a bid system.

Temporary employee housing units are typically shared with other temporary staff, and may be rustic in nature. Seasonal rangers typically live in cabins. These cabins vary in location, construction, age, and furnishing. Most cabins consist of one-three bedrooms and one kitchen. You likely will share a unit and bedroom with one roommate. At Lodgepole, bathrooms and laundry are separate from cabins and are a nearby short walk. There is no temporary employee housing available for families and/or pets.

Shipping Addresses

Location	Address
Ash Mountain/SEKI Headquarters/Foothills	Ash Mountain Warehouse 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271
Lodgepole	63100 Lodgepole Road Sequoia National Park, CA 93262

 

Betty Reid Soskin recently retired at 100 as the oldest National Park Service ranger from Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front NHP.

NPS Photo

The Uniform

The park ranger uniform is one that should be worn with pride. For many of us, the first time we pin the badge to our chest and don the flat hat feels like some form of a coronation. Wearing the uniform, especially the hat, typically commands respect. The way we wear the uniform and present ourselves is important, and we want you to feel proud to be representing the National Park Service as a uniformed park ranger. Policy and procedures around uniform standards are in place to ensure that we present ourselves in both a professional and uniform way. We hope that you will wear your uniform with pride and respectfully represent the hard working and dedicated park rangers around the country.

Uniform Standards

All employees are expected to maintain a neat and professional uniformed appearance. Hats must always be work when outside. Shirts are to be worn tucked in and a belt is always worn. Dark brown shoes/boots that can be polished are required and must be approved by your supervisor if ordered outside the uniform website. Showy jewelry may not be worn while on duty, and necklaces cannot be visible if worn beneath shirt. Wearing the correct uniform is a condition of employment.

Allowances and purchasing accounts for uniforms will be available once you begin your first few days at the parks. There are also uniform caches available in Sequoia with previously used and donated uniform items to help supplement your uniform needs for the season or before your ordered items arrive!

Employee Resources

• SEKI SharePoint
• Employee Resources
• Employee Support
• Employee Development
• Employee Safety Health and Wellness