The National Park Service Needs You

The job market across the United States is not exactly perky right now, but there are jobs to be hand in some industries. CNN reported today that not only is the The National Park Service hiring, but they’re actually actively recruiting new workers.

According to Chief Ranger Jill Hawk, the organizations estimates that over half of the jobs available in in the northeastern part of the United States alone will be vacant.

You don’t have to work as a park ranger in the middle of the woods to work for The National Park Service, though this certainly is an option in some areas, such as with parks jobs in Alaska. One of the reason so many jobs are opening, however, is that people applying with this organization generally are looking for a job in the wilderness. However, workers are most needed in urban environments, working at sites such as a Bunker Hill in Massachusetts and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Armed law enforcement rangers at urban parks can make $50,000 or more annually. Even as a student intern, you can get started working with The National Park Service as part of a 12-week program that pays 11 to $16 an hour.

Starting out at an urban location where need is great also gives you the experience necessary to compete for jobs at more popular locations. Ranger positions are highly competitive at places such as Glacier National Park in Montana, so putting in your time with the organization at an urban location like the Statue of Liberty is a great way to get your foot in the door for the more competitive positions. It can even lead to higher-level jobs in the government. Be flexible, especially when starting out in this field, and go where you’re needed before applying to open ranger jobs that get thousands of applications.