How To Get a Job with the National Park Service

Getting a job at a national park is a fun experience. Participating in park events and assisting newcomers improves self-confidence in interacting with other people. There are various types of jobs in a national parks. Choosing the type of job that fits your personality and skills could give you a better chance of being hired.

Here is a list of jobs in the National Park Service:

• Administration You will be in charge to collect the NPS legal documents and implement the park rules. You will also be responsible in managing some employees to do their jobs well.

• Health and Safety  You must learn how to apply first aid and you must be knowledgeable of different safety measures in case accidents occur.

• Human Resources  You are responsible hiring applicants and introducing them into their respective positions. You assess their credentials and provide orientations about their job descriptions.

• Firefighting  In case a fire breaks out in the park, firefighters are responsible for putting it out as soon as possible.

• Park Ranger  A park ranger is responsible for the park's protection and security.

Here are suggestions that could help you to gain employment with the National Park Service:

• Plan ahead. Always prepare for job opportunities. If you want to apply for a certain position at a national park, then put your same qualifications and skills on your resume to match the requirements that match that specific position.

• Look and conduct yourself professionally.  If possible, always look your best at every interview because this is one quality that National Park Service looks for in an employee.

Here are the choices for application after deciding to get a job with the National Park Service: 

• Application via the Internet:  Go online and visit the National Park Service site and look for a "join / apply page" then fill out the forms with the information required. Send your resume or look for the person who is responsible for hiring applicants. It could be indicated within the application page. You might want to browse on the other links or tabs for more information about the National Park Service that you are applying for. The more information, the better, because you can use that information in case the staff asks you questions regarding the National Park Service background.

• Direct or Walk-In Application:  Look for a person that is already working in a National Park Service and ask him or her how he or she got the job in the NPS. Try visiting the NPS first. Look for the person in charge of employment and ask about the hiring procedures. If possible, ask if they have open job opportunities regarding your desired position and ask about how to apply for any job as well. This could help you prepare your application and increase the chances of being hired.

• Follow-up on the status of your application. This shows interest and eagerness to have the job and also increases the chances of hiring. Remember not to overdo this step because it could lead to negative impressions. Be discreet in following up your application status.

Keep these steps in mind and put them to action. Before you know it, you will be happily working at the National Park Services.