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In this guide, you’ll discover the best national parks to work at during summer season, the specific roles hiring now, and practical steps to help you secure one.
If your goal this year is to find a rewarding national park job, build valuable work experience, and spend a few months in some of the most stunning parks in the country, these National Park Service roles are excellent job opportunities. They combine competitive pay, meaningful duties, and the kind of lifestyle that makes most summer jobs look ordinary.
1. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine – Trail Crew Member
Established in 2016, this protected national monument in northern Maine is known for dense forests, winding rivers, and rich natural and cultural resources. It’s less crowded than popular destinations like the Grand Canyon, making it perfect for travelers who value solitude and unspoiled wilderness.
Job Description
This seasonal job focuses on maintaining the park’s extensive trail network so it remains safe and accessible throughout the summer.
Key Duties
- Clear and repair trails after storms or heavy use
- Install and maintain signage at campsites and intersections
- Assist with erosion control and habitat protection
- Work with the resource management team to protect sensitive areas
Qualifications
- Physical stamina for multiple hours of labor in remote areas
- Experience with basic hand tools and outdoor maintenance preferred
- Ability to respond effectively to challenges and work well within a team
2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California – Biological Science Technician (Plants)
These connected parks in the Sierra Nevada are home to the largest trees on Earth, diverse ecosystems, and protected cultural resources. The environment attracts scientists, conservationists, and travelers from across the country.
Job Description
Biological science technicians here focus on plant conservation, supporting restoration and research projects that sustain the parks’ rare vegetation.
Key Duties
- Conduct surveys to monitor plant health and populations
- Collect and process seeds for preservation
- Support ecological data management
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address invasive species
Qualifications
- Coursework or degree in botany, ecology, or related field preferred
- Strong plant identification skills and GPS mapping ability
- Capability to hike varied terrain carrying field equipment for several hours
3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota – Maintenance Mechanic
Badlands National Park features dramatic rock formations, fossil-rich deposits, and mixed-grass prairie habitat. It’s an environment that requires consistent infrastructure upkeep to support visitor services, campgrounds, and operational facilities.
Job Description
Maintenance mechanics play a vital role in ensuring that facilities meet National Park Service safety standards.
Key Duties
- Diagnose and repair plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- Maintain campgrounds, visitor centers, and staff housing
- Operate and maintain park vehicles and heavy equipment
- Assist with management projects to improve visitor amenities
Qualifications
- Skilled in one or more trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry)
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Physically capable of performing labor-intensive work for extended hours
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – Forestry Technician
Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the country, renowned for its geothermal features, wildlife, and vast wilderness areas. Due to its size and ecological diversity, wildfire detection and prevention are critical to protecting its natural landscapes.
Job Description
Forestry technicians in fire lookout roles monitor forested areas for signs of smoke or fire, collect weather data, and relay important information to fire management teams.
Key Duties
- Maintain constant visual surveillance from a designated lookout tower
- Log weather conditions and wildfire indicators during each shift
- Communicate promptly with dispatch and firefighting crews when needed
- Perform light maintenance on lookout structures and equipment
Qualifications
- Strong observational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work alone for extended periods while remaining alert
- Physical fitness to access remote towers, sometimes by hiking or climbing
5. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – General Park Ranger
Shenandoah stretches along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic vistas, cascading waterfalls, and over 500 miles of trails. It attracts hikers, families, and college students each summer.
Job Description
Park rangers in generalist roles provide visitor services, protect natural resources, and assist with law enforcement when necessary.
Key Duties
- Lead interpretive programs and guided hikes
- Patrol trails and recreational areas to ensure safety and compliance with park regulations
- Assist in search and rescue operations when required
- Support management in preserving wildlife habitats and cultural resources
Qualifications
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills
- First aid and CPR certification strongly preferred
- Previous work experience in visitor services, education, or resource protection beneficial
6. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts – Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard)
Cape Cod National Seashore preserves 40 miles of Atlantic shoreline, complete with sandy beaches, dunes, and historic lighthouses. The area is known for its strong communities, active tourism business, and abundance of local restaurants.
Job Description
Lead recreation assistants serve as senior lifeguards, overseeing beach safety operations and coordinating a team of seasonal lifeguards during the summer.
Key Duties
- Monitor swimming areas and enforce safety regulations
- Lead training sessions for seasonal lifeguard staff
- Perform water rescues and administer first aid when needed
- Maintain equipment and safety signage
Qualifications
- Current lifeguard certification, including open water rescue credentials
- Leadership experience in aquatic safety settings
- Strong swimming ability and endurance for long hours in the sun
7. Death Valley, California & Nevada – Gardener
Death Valley is the largest national park outside Alaska and the hottest, driest desert in North America. While visitors come for its stark landscapes and unique geology, certain developed areas feature managed gardens, lawns, and shade trees that require ongoing care.
Job Description
Gardeners maintain and enhance vegetation around visitor centers, staff housing, and public use areas, contributing to visitor enjoyment and site aesthetics.
Key Duties
- Perform planting, pruning, irrigation checks, and soil improvement
- Monitor plant health and treat for pests or disease
- Work closely with park management to select drought-tolerant species
- Assist with landscaping projects that align with National Park Service conservation guidelines
Qualifications
- Prior horticulture or landscaping work experience
- Ability to work in high temperatures for extended hours
- Knowledge of desert-adapted plants and water-efficient practices preferred
8. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Iowa – Park Guide (Blacksmith)
This preserved site commemorates the early life of President Herbert Hoover, offering visitors an immersive history experience through historic buildings, demonstrations, and exhibits.
Job Description
Blacksmith park guides interpret 19th-century metalworking techniques for the public while assisting in the preservation of cultural resources.
Key Duties
- Operate a forge to produce period-appropriate iron goods
- Lead demonstrations and engage guests with historical interpretation
- Maintain blacksmithing equipment and workspace
- Collaborate with interpretive staff to enhance visitor programs
Qualifications
- Experience in blacksmithing, metalwork, or similar skilled trades
- Strong public speaking skills for diverse audiences
- Interest in U.S. history and cultural preservation
9. Multiple Locations – Park Ranger (Protection)
The National Park Service employs protection park rangers across multiple parks each season to ensure visitor safety, protect resources, and enforce federal regulations.
Job Description
Protection rangers handle law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency response duties in diverse environments, from remote backcountry to high-traffic visitor centers.
Key Duties
- Patrol parks on foot, by vehicle, or via watercraft
- Enforce laws and regulations while providing assistance to visitors
- Respond to medical emergencies and coordinate rescue operations
- Work with resource management to safeguard natural and cultural resources
Qualifications
- Law enforcement training or relevant certification
- Excellent physical fitness and outdoor survival skills
- Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with the public in high-pressure situations
10. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota – Deck Hand
Voyageurs is a water-based national park where lakes, rivers, and interconnected channels serve as the primary means of transportation. The park is known for its scenic island campgrounds, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Job Description
Deck hands support the operation of park boats, assist with visitor transport, and maintain vessel safety standards.
Key Duties
- Assist with docking, mooring, and vessel maintenance
- Provide orientation and safety instructions to passengers
- Support interpretive programs while on the water
- Work as part of a close-knit team to ensure smooth daily operations
Qualifications
- Boating skills and familiarity with navigation equipment
- Comfort working on water for extended hours in varying weather
- Strong teamwork and customer service abilities
Conclusion
By the time most people are counting down the hours in an office, you could be guiding visitors through wild landscapes, tending gardens in the desert, or spotting wildlife on your trail patrol. These seasonal jobs offer pay, unforgettable work experience, and the chance to explore some of the most incredible places in the country. All you have to do is apply, pack, and get ready for a summer you will never forget.
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