Yellowstone National Park Jobs / Employment

Permanent and seasonal jobs are available in Yellowstone National Park for people with all skill levels – whether you are looking for a place to volunteer, looking for an internship, or looking to build a career.

Employment Opportunities
The National Park Service (NPS) hires employees either full-time or seasonally (summer and winter). Most seasonal employment extends from the beginning of June through Labor Day, with some seasonal positions lasting up to six months. These job opportunities come in the form of vacancy announcements.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers in Parks (VIP)
The NPS has Volunteers in Parks (VIP) program. The major objective of the program is to utilize voluntary help in such a way that is mutually beneficial to the NPS and the Volunteer.

Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Each year Yellowstone National Park welcomes a number of full-time volunteers from the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national non-profit organization. These volunteers, who may be high school or college students or other adults, assist with a range of vital activities from trail maintenance or bear management to backcountry patrol or assisting park visitors. In return, the volunteers receive valuable training and experience, have most expenses paid, and are able to live and work in one of America's premier national parks.

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer employment program for young men and women ages 15 through 18. Through work projects done in the park, this program provides enrollees with a better understanding of their environment and management of our natural resources.

This is a residential program that begins on June 16th and continues through August 11th. YCC is based out of Mammoth Hot Springs and gives participants opportunities to explore Yellowstone's wilderness. Crews will focus their efforts on projects dealing with rehabilitation of trails and backcountry areas, bridge reconstruction, and a wide variety of resource management, maintenance, and research projects. A wide spectrum of environmental education programs will be offered as part of each year’s program, as well as an extensive recreation program.

How to Apply 
The National Park Service's Human Resources Employment Information website http://www.nps.gov/personnel/ provides wide-ranging information relating to job opportunities. Because applying for federal employment is a tricky and precise business it is recommended that you talk with employees already working for the parks in the jobs you find of interest.

Paid Employment
Applicants for paid employment with the NPS must submit a specific application, within a specific period, for every position available. There is not a "generic" application for positions, nor is there a "standing file" for positions.

Only United States citizens may be considered for government positions with the NPS. All applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, or national origin. For the most part, employees must be 18 years of age.

VIP Program
Persons interested in becoming a VIP must complete the Volunteer Application and mail it directly to the park where they wish to volunteer.

Student Conservation Association (SCA)
To apply to work in Yellowstone as a part of the SCA, contact the Northwest regional office of SCA in Seattle, WA.

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
To apply to work as a part of the YCC, contact the Wyoming Department of Youth Conservation Corps, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY.

For a list of current positions and internships available at Vertical Media, publisher of this website, please visit our employment page.