In 2018, The National Park Service (NPS) was authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018: Public Law 115-141, Section 115, the Department of the Interior (DOI) to enter into cooperative agreements with, private nonprofit organizations designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to utilize the talents of older Americans in programs authorized by other provisions of law administered by the Secretary and consistent with such provisions of law. The Experienced Services Program is intended to augment the capacity of parks and provide needed subject-matter expertise to address short-term needs, unanticipated workloads, and new initiatives.The Experienced Services Program provides a cost-effective recruitment opportunity to obtain the services of non-Federal, experienced workers aged 55 and older. Through agreements with eligible nonprofit organizations, the NPS will be able to recruit and utilize the services of these workers on a project-specific basis to enhance its capacity to achieve its mission, goals, and objectives. Skilled and experienced older Americans, including veterans, will have the opportunity to put their talents and experience to use on a part-time to full-time basis. Enrollment in the program will not impact the retirement benefits of retired federal employees. The use of private non-profit organizations aligns with many of the Department of the Interior goals for fostering better relationships with the communities it serves and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of NPS programs.
