Park Service Denies SF Soldier Employment Due to Hearing Loss

scooter · 07-20-2016, 08:16

My former senior Engineer is enrolled in Park Service training to become a Park Ranger. They just told him that due to his hearing loss, he cannot be a Park Ranger. He has minor hearing loss that is typical of any combat arms veteran, as in he has lower scores on the "Beep" test but has no functional loss of everyday hearing that in any way impairs him.

His audiologist does not concur, and was shocked by the news.

This strikes me as somewhat against Veterans hiring laws and other OPM practices.... does anyone have any insight into this? Any idea who specifically can help him with this?

I am going to talk to the CARE Coalition this morning, just wondering if anyone has any knowledge to share. Thanks.

Old Dog New Trick · 07-20-2016, 08:51

There is an alternate "speech recognition" test available. (You are tested by talking with someone in a normal setting) Obviously he should tell them he wants to do this before they pass judgment on him.

Next step would be to get an attorney for under $200 and draft a letter of intent to sue. That right there should take care of any further discrimination against him.

Hearing aids and glasses to correct deficits are not a disqualifying requirement if brought to with acceptable standards.

SouthernDZ · 07-20-2016, 10:14

If this Park Service position is civil service (GS), he can appeal under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

TWITCHY · 07-20-2016, 10:55

I am a wildland firefighter (part-time) for the NPS and we have to do a physical every year, too. I have hearing loss below allowed levels, as well, but it has t been caught, yet. The other test mentioned is the Whisper Test. I plan on requesting it when my hearing loss is noticed.

Bleed Green · 07-21-2016, 07:21

I have a couple of questions for you Scooter if you could. Can you post the Vacancy Announcement Number? I would be interested in knowing the job title and series so I could look up the Position Description and see what that says about hearing. I would also like to see if it is a primary LEO position as there are some way funny things going on with qualifications for entry into federal LEO positions right now.

scooter · 07-21-2016, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bleed Green

I have a couple of questions for you Scooter if you could. Can you post the Vacancy Announcement Number? I would be interested in knowing the job title and series so I could look up the Position Description and see what that says about hearing. I would also like to see if it is a primary LEO position as there are some way funny things going on with qualifications for entry into federal LEO positions right now.

I'd have to get more info from my friend, I have all of my information second hand. It is an LEO job.