Olympic National Park welcomed Scott Jacobs as the park’s new Chief Ranger, park officials announced this week.

“Olympic National Park is truly extraordinary,” Jacobs said. “I’m honored to be given the opportunity to join the park’s outstanding team and partners to support our shared mission to conserve the diverse ecosystems, dynamic landscapes, and awe-inspiring experiences of this special place.”

He began his new position Monday, Nov. 16.

Jacobs most recently worked as as the National Program Manager for the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) at the National Park Service Law Enforcement Training Center on the Georgia coast, where he served as the National Program Manager for the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). FTEP is an agency-wide collaboration that delivers law enforcement training and experience to recent academy graduates.

“Scott has been entrusted with the care of a national program, and ensuring rangers are thoroughly prepared to do their job at any park,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said.

“Scott’s leadership and expertise will be a great asset to the park and our local communities.”

Jacobs began his National Park Service career in the late 1990s, starting as a seasonal Visitor Use Assistant at Rocky Mountain National Park. His prior duty stations include Boston National Historic Park, Big Bend National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Yosemite National Park, and most recently the National Park Service Law Enforcement Training Center.

Jacobs comes to the Olympic Peninsula from coastal Georgia with his wife and two children. In their leisure time, he and his family enjoy outdoor activities, hiking and spending time in national parks.