Work Guide · National Parks

Seasonal Jobs at National Parks

Concession workers, NPS positions, and contractor roles at the most spectacular locations in the country. Here is how the national park job system works and how to get in.

The Three Types of National Park Jobs

Working at a national park is not a single thing — it is three distinct employment tracks with different employers, different compensation, and different application processes. Understanding the difference is the first step to finding the right position.

1. NPS (National Park Service) Positions

NPS positions are federal government jobs. They include park rangers, interpretive staff, maintenance workers, and administrative roles. They pay federal wages ($15–$25/hour for seasonal positions), include federal benefits, and are posted on USAJOBS.gov. The application process is formal and competitive. Seasonal NPS positions are the most prestigious national park jobs, but they are also the hardest to get — expect to apply multiple times before landing one.

2. Concession Positions

Concession companies operate the lodges, restaurants, gift shops, and activity programs inside national parks under contract with the NPS. The major concessionaires are Aramark, Delaware North, Xanterra, and Forever Resorts. These companies hire hundreds of seasonal workers every year for positions in food service, housekeeping, retail, front desk, and activities.

Concession positions pay $15–$20/hour and typically include housing (a dorm room or RV site) for a small fee ($50–$200/month). The combination of wages and subsidized housing makes concession positions one of the best deals in seasonal work. The locations are spectacular — Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Zion.

3. Contractor and Vendor Positions

Various contractors operate within national parks — shuttle services, tour operators, equipment rental companies, and maintenance contractors. These positions are posted through the individual companies rather than through the NPS or concessionaires. They are often easier to find on shorter notice and may pay better than concession positions for skilled work.

The Best Parks for Seasonal Work

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is the largest employer of seasonal workers in the national park system. Xanterra operates the lodges and restaurants inside the park and hires 3,000+ seasonal workers every year. Positions include food service, housekeeping, retail, front desk, and activities. Housing is provided in park dormitories. The season runs from May through October, with some winter positions. Apply through Xanterra's website in January or February for summer positions.

Grand Canyon National Park

Delaware North operates the South Rim facilities and Aramark operates the North Rim. Both hire seasonal workers for food service, retail, and lodging. The South Rim is open year-round; the North Rim is open May through October. The canyon is one of the most visited places on earth, which means the jobs are busy and the tips (for food service) are good.

Glacier National Park

Glacier is one of the most beautiful parks in the country and one of the most popular for seasonal workers. Aramark operates the lodges and restaurants. The season is short (June through September) but intense — the park gets 3 million visitors in a 4-month window. Housing is provided. Apply early — Glacier positions fill by February.

Olympic, Crater Lake, and Mount Rainier

The Pacific Northwest parks are popular with van lifers and workampers from Oregon and Washington. Delaware North operates Crater Lake Lodge. Rainier Guest Services operates at Mount Rainier. Olympic has a smaller concession operation. These parks are less competitive than Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, which makes them good options for first-time national park workers.

How to Apply Successfully

Apply early. The best positions at popular parks fill by February for the summer season. If you are applying for the first time, apply to multiple parks simultaneously — do not put all your applications in one park.

Be flexible about position type. If you are set on Yellowstone but only want to work in food service, you may not get in. If you are willing to work housekeeping or retail, your chances improve significantly. Once you are in the park, you can often transfer to a different department in subsequent seasons.

Return workers get priority. Most concession companies give returning workers first choice of positions and schedules. If you do one season and enjoy it, come back the next year — you will have more options and better assignments.

OGS lists national park and seasonal outdoor positions. Browse current listings to find positions that fit your timeline and location. Create a free Trekkie profile so park employers can find you based on your skills and availability.