by Mandy Donoghue

Created on: February 24, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2009

The National Park Service was formed in 1916 with the mission to preserve land for fauna and flora to flourish as well as maintain a natural environment for people to visit. Protecting and managing these parks requires employees with skills suitable to assisting visitors, answering questions, giving guided tours, collecting and recording field samples, and fixing facilities and trails. The Department of Interior manages the National Park Service and posts jobs on

USAJobs. There are year-round, temporary, and seasonal employment opportunities. Only United States citizens are eligible to apply.

To begin a search, visit USAJobs online. Select the Search Jobs button. Then, click on the sub-tab, Agency Search. You can enter National Park Service in the Enter a Department/Agency Name; however, thousands of positions will appear. Narrow the search in Select a Department. Scroll down to Interior, Department of The. Click on the sixth sub-category, National Park Service. Then, choose locations and types of occupations that interest you. Hit the search button and explore.

Positions posted include a plethora of information. Overview gives salary ranges, a job summary, and the open period in which to apply. Duties outlines the major job responsibilities an employee must be able to complete. Qualifications and Requirements lists education and skill levels necessary to receive a favorable evaluation for employment. Benefits and Info provides human resources information applicable if hired. How to Apply guides candidates through the application package process.

There are five main types of positions typically available with the National Park Service including Visitor Use Assistant, Park Guide, Biological Science Technician, Park Ranger, and Seasonal Maintenance. The number of job opportunities is based on the expected visitor count and size of the park. There are about 16,000 full-time employees, and each year, the National Park Service hires about another 10,000 people for temporary and seasonal positions.

VISITOR USE ASSISTANT Like being proactive and helpful to complete strangers? Then, check this out for a chance to greet visitors as they arrive and prepare to experience the splendor of a national park. Hand out pamphlets and maps, collect entrance fees, and answer questions about all the activities offered inside the park.

PARK GUIDE Put those public speaking skills to good use by educating visitors about the park's history, environment, resources, and cultural significance.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>