Well, I’m just over half-way through my stay here in the mountains, and I’ve been sending out a LOT of applications in hopes of some solidarity in employment for the months beyond April. Obviously my first choice would be to go back and work for the Park Service, but I am also really missing Moab, and have put out a few applications for rafting guide jobs in that area. My last resort at this point, I think, would be to try and get a job in a shop or restaurant in Moab. But I rather be doing something relevant to the careers I’m considering, so I’d like to stay in the area of guiding/rangering. But I guess it will all depend on the choices I end up with.

At this point, I’ve put out 49 applications for the park service and received 35 back. I know the numbers sound crazy but the applications are multiple choice style so not very hard to fill out (don’t give me too much credit). Staying true to the OCD freak I am, I’ve been keeping detailed track of my responses. As of now, the results are as follows:

(*Note, I’ve organized them according to’ date-park-position-score’, if that helps anyone understand this crazy list)

Referred – We reviewed your application and concur that you are qualified for the position listed above.  We have referred your name to the selecting official(s) for consideration, and they will contact you if an interview is needed.

12/1/10 – Rocky Mountain National Park – Visitor Use Assistant – 96
12/16/10 – Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Park Guide – 97
12/17/10 – Timpanogos Cave National Monument – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 98
12/20/10 – Zion National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 98
12/28/10 – Kenai Fjords National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation/Education) – 95
12/28/10 – Southeast Utah Group (Moab) – Visitor Use Assistant – 94
1/5/11 – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 100
1/7/11 – Shenandoah National Park – Park Ranger Interpretation – 98
1/12/11 – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Park Guide – 100
1/12/11 – Great Basin National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 100
1/12/11 – Capitol Reef National Park – Park Guide – 100
1/12/11 – Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 98
1/12/11 – Katmai National Park and Preserve – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 93
1/14/11 – Voyageurs National Park – Park Guide – 94
1/15/11 – Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve/Yakutat, AK (GS-07) – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 95
1/15/11 – Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve /Yakutat, AK (GS-05) – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 94
1/21/11 – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – ?
1/21/11 – Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 97
1/21/11 – Yellowstone National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 96
1/21/11 – Grand Teton National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 99
1/21/11 – Capitol Reef National Park – Park Ranger Interpretation – 100
1/26/11 – Wind Cave National Park – Park Ranger Interpretation – 99
1/31/11 – Mesa Verde National Park – Park Guide – 98
1/31/11 – Rocky Mountain National Park – Park Guide – 100
2/11/11 – Yukon Charley Rivers National Park – Park Ranger Interpretation – ?

Eligible But Not Referred – We have reviewed your application and found you qualified for the position listed above.  However, you were not among the most highly qualified candidates. Therefore, your name will not be referred to the selecting official at this time. If we receive a request for additional candidates,  your application will be reviewed for possible referral.

10/22/10 – Joshua Tree National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation-Education) – 98

Not Referred –  The score shown reflects your self-assessment and has not been reviewed by this office.  Since your self-assessment did not place you among the top rated group for this specialty, grade and location, your name will not be referred to the employing agency at this time. However, if we receive a request for additional candidates from the agency, your application may be reviewed for referral at that time.

9/8/10 – Haleakala National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 87
12/28/10 – Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve/Nabesna/Kennecott/Copper Center – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 94
12/28/10 – Southeast Utah Group (Cortez, Blanding, Moab, & Monticello) – Park Guide – 98
1/19/11 – Kenai Fjords National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation-Glacier) – 92
1/21/11 – Rocky Mountain National Park – Park Guide – 98
1/24/11 – Acadia National Park – Park Ranger (Interpretation) – 100
1/28/11 – Yosemite National Park – Park Ranger – General – 88

Ineligible – You either rated yourself as ineligible for this position or were found to be ineligible after a review of your application. Please refer to the rating codes and message description.

2/11/11 – Devils Tower National Monument – Park Ranger Interpretation

So those are the results. At this point I’ve received ‘inquiry’ emails from Carlsbad Caverns and Grand Canyon (South Rim) and have spoken on the phone with the hiring official at Mesa Verde. But it’s definitely time to be more proactive and make some phonecalls. Well, wish me luck!