General Information
The National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and protection of our nation’s outstanding natural, cultural, historical and recreational areas since its establishment in 1916. Currently, there are about 390 areas within the National Park system, with over 15,000 permanent employees and 5,000 thousand temporary and seasonal employees. The types of jobs available within the National Park Service are as diverse as the parks themselves. This information will help you get started on your career with the National Park Service.

Current job opportunities, with a full description of all vacancy announcements, may be found on the Office of Personnel Management website.

Groups of occupations are as follows:

• Administrative and Clerical
• Information Technology
• Concessions Management
• Trades and Crafts
• Engineering, Design and Facility Management
• Fee Collection and Dispatch
• Fire Management
• Park Ranger (Law Enforcement, Interpretation, Public
• Affairs, Park Management)
• Park Guide
• Safety Management
• Science and Resource Management

Temporary & Seasonal Employment
Each year, thousands of temporary and seasonal employees are hired by the National Park Service. These positions are temporary and can last up to 1040 hours or 130 eight-hour work days. The duration of the job depends on the needs of the individual park. The types of positions available for temporary and seasonal jobs include: interpretive rangers, law enforcement rangers, fee collection rangers, firefighters, trail workers, laborers, clerk-typists, biological technicians, lifeguards and maintenance workers. While most seasonal positions are for summer work, a limited number of winter positions are also available. Strict application deadlines apply to these positions - get your application in on time. To view a listing of some of the current temporary and seasonal positions, visit the NPS Seasonal Job Listings website. All National Park Service jobs, both permanent and temporary, are announced on the USAJOBS website.

Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association offers positions in many park areas. While not a salaried position, you will receive compensation in the form of a stipend, moving expenses or mileage reimbursement and a monetary award which can be used for paying off old school loans or paying for additional classes. To learn more, visit the Student Conservation Association's website, or call (603) 543-1700.

Permanent Employment
Like you, many people have had the dream of becoming a park ranger. Because of this, the competition for permanent employment with the National Park Service is intense and only a few jobs may be available. There are a number of ways to be hired for permanent positions. To access a listing of the current vacancies in the NPS, visit the USAJOBS website.

How to get a permanent position with the National Park Service.