Employment and Internships

A park ranger on a trail shows two visitors a page inside a wildflower identification book.
Many seasonal positions are actively involved with visitor engagement, such as leading cave tours, conducting patio talks, or guiding nature hikes.

NPS Photo / VIP David Sutton

Employment with the National Park Service (USA Jobs)

The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work.

The agency offers numerous opportunities to work in more than 400 national parks and offices across the country and around the world — from Maine to Guam, the Virgin Islands to Alaska, and most anyplace in between. Many locations partner with nearby communities to preserve site-specific history or regional significance, as well as manage recreational areas for outdoor fun. If you have wondered about working as a park ranger and serving the public, why not try a position within America's most treasured resources and awe-inspiring landscapes?

For a current listing of permanent and temporary (seasonal) positions, visit USAJobs for information and updated vacancy announcements. For specific information related to positions at the monument, contact the visitor center directly at (605) 673-8300 for assistance.

Are you interested in Jewel Cave National Monument?

When do temporary (seasonal) positions typically open for the monument?
Answer: Most seasonal positions are offered during the summer months (May through September). The vacancy announcements for these positions are normally posted in late December through February. On occasion, off-season positions are also available (October through April). When available, these vacancy announcements are normally posted in late July through early September.

How do I find out about vacancies for Jewel Cave National Monument?
Answer: The monument distributes recruiting messages and notifications to a number of different national and regional outlets, social media sites, universities and colleges, local newspapers, and within several online newsletters. Potential applicants are encouraged to follow the monument on Facebook and/or Instagram for updates. Yet, the best way to learn about vacancies is to visit USAJobs and conduct a search for Jewel Cave National Monument or Custer, South Dakota.

What kind of positions are available at the monument?
Answer: Temporary (seasonal) positions include park rangers (law enforcement and interpretation), park guides, visitor use assistants, maintenance workers, resource management staff, and vegetation management crews. Positions often change from year to year, depending on project needs, funding, critical issues, etc.

Can I apply for a position if I am still in college?
Answer: Jewel Cave National Monument encourages everyone to apply for positions that complement their professional / personal interest. As long as applicants meet the specific qualifications listed within the vacancy announcement(s), educational background or enrollment standing may not matter. In short, you cannot get hired if you do not apply.

Does the monument offer internships?
Answer: The monument often announces internships that encourage youth involvement within the fields of interpretation and resource management. The programs may change from year to year; however, it is not uncommon to have multiple internships available at the monument for a duration of 12 to 16 weeks. In some instances, staff have also made arrangements with their school or university to secure internship credit, using the monument as their work site for the season.

What about volunteer positions? Can I just volunteer a few days each week?
Answer: Yes ... the monument does offer a variety of Volunteers-In-Parks positions, ranging from visitor center host to a cave explorer. Volunteer positions are not paid; however, there are some volunteer perks that may be of interest to potential candidates. Please visit our Volunteer page for more information.

Last updated: June 5, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12

Custer, SD 57730

Phone:

605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

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