 Click here to spend the day with a seasonal park ranger at Badlands National Park. |
The National Park Service hires seasonal employees with a wide range of skills ranging from museum workers, firefighters, and audio/visual communication specialists, to those whose only "skill" is a desire to be a part of the National Park Service. If you do have any kind of special skill or related coursework, it would be to your advantage to mention it when filling out your application.
In lieu of special skills, seasonal workers should demonstrate some knowledge of the National Park system, and above all, a desire to be part of the team that runs America's national parks.
SEASONAL PARK RANGERS
There are three types of seasonal ranger positions available in the national parks:
Interpretive Rangers. These workers develop and implement tours and special programs that inform visitors of a park's historical, natural, and cultural importance. You must be at least 18 years old. Video
Law Enforcement Rangers. These workers respond to emergencies, design safety programs, and generally patrol the parks. Those who wish to apply for law enforcement positions must be at least 21 years of age, and they must have completed accredited law enforcement training. Law enforcement officials must also pass a pre-hire drug test.
General Park Rangers. These workers engage in all around park service activities which may include collecting fees, guiding tours, limited law enforcement, clearing trails and maintaining campsites, providing recreation activities, and helping with forestry and resource management. You must be at least 18 years old.
Unlike some other Park Service employees, there are additional requirements that seasonal park rangers must fulfill. These include:
- Good general physical condition.
- 20/20 corrected vision.
- A valid driver's license.
Recommended skills include:
- First Aid, CPR, and lifesaving training.
Search and rescue training or experience.
According to the Park Service, while no specialized educational background is usually required, applicants who have taken classes in the following areas are generally preferred: anthropology, archaeology, business administration, communications, criminal justice, drama, history, natural science, park and recreation management, social science, and special education.
CLERICAL OPPORTUNITIES
If working in the parks appeals to you, but working in the outdoors does not (for whatever reason), there are opportunities for skilled typists and office workers during the summer. Job responsibilities usually involve general secretarial tasks such as typing, filing, and answering telephones. Clerical workers must be able to pass a summer employment exam and type at least 30-40 words per minute.
LABORERS
These workers perform typically low-skill, manual labor jobs such as clearing undergrowth and trees, building fences, digging ditches, planting trees, and operating equipment.
All applicants for these jobs must be in excellent physical health as the work can be extremely hard. But these jobs offer the chance to work outside constantly. They are also good jobs for people who don't want to work extensively with the public.
