There are a lot of boomers and seniors out there with more time on their hands than they know what to do with. After 20-30 years slaving away in the workforce, it can be traumatizing for some to suddenly stop. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones to have settled into a relaxing beach town, dialing down the drive and ambition of so many years can be a difficult transition.
Some retirees find that retirement-life is a little slower than expected, and they begin to search out new hobbies and/or part-time work to keep the mind fresh and alive. A great option for some might be to join the National Park Service as a volunteer or as a paid employee. Here’s a few ideas on how to become a park ranger, a park guide, or a park employee of any kind.
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There are many different ways you can become involved. Are you looking for a full-time, permanent job? We’ve got those. Or maybe you’d prefer to work in parks for a few months as a seasonal ranger? We’ve got some of those, too. – NPS.gov
Volunteering in our National Parks
Volunteering in our National Parks can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether you’re teaching conservation, cleaning up our parks, or working in the visitors center, opportunities abound for great conversation and learning along the way. Volunteers that need to stay on park grounds may be able to receive a full hook-up campsite so they can stay in comfort. Each park will have it’s own rules and regulations.
Full or Part-Time Work in our National Parks
There are plenty of paid work opportunities in our national parks. Whether you’re looking for full or part-time work, our parks offer great opportunities and a gorgeous backdrop! Here’s a great interview with a couple of park rangers, on why they decided to work in our national parks.
Jobs in our National Parks can range the gamut, but 2 great options (full-time or part-time) are as a park ranger, or as a park guide. Obviously there is more freedom when you’re volunteering your time, but part-time work can range anywhere from $13/hr to $25/hr. Want a few current examples? See below:
Current Jobs in our National Parks
Park Ranger (Protection – Emergency Medical Response): Salary: $21.74 – $21.74 / Per Hour. Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Park Guide: Salary: $15.64 – $15.64 / Per Hour. Location: Paterson, New Jersey.
Park Guide (Fee Collection): Salary: $13.84 – $17.99 / Per Hour. Location: West Branch, Iowa.
Park Ranger (Interpretation): Salary: $15.49 – $15.49 / Per Hour. Location: Medora, North Dakota.
Supervisory Health System Specialist (full time): Salary: $48,968.00 – $77,019.00 / Per Year. Location: Yosemite National Park, California.
We offer opportunities to work in more than 400 national parks and offices—from Maine to Guam, the Virgin Islands to Alaska, and anyplace in between. We partner with communities across the country to preserve their history and create places for outdoor fun. – NPS.gov
For more full and part-time jobs with our Park Service click here —–> More Jobs
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