The National Park Service manages 63 national parks and more than 400 protected sites across the United States — and thousands of seasonal and volunteer positions keep them running. From camp hosts at Yellowstone to visitor center aides at the Grand Canyon, NPS positions put you in some of the most iconic landscapes on the planet.
Paid jobs are posted through USAJOBS and include campground hosts, recreation assistants, and visitor services aides. These are formal government appointments with GS pay grades (typically GS-3 to GS-5) and some include on-site housing or RV parking. Volunteer opportunities are managed through the Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) program. VIP hosts may receive a free RV campsite in exchange for 32 hours of weekly service.
Paid NPS positions are posted through USAJOBS — browse listings, click any position for the official link, and apply before the closing date. Volunteer positions are managed through the Volunteer-In-Parks program and posted on Volunteer.gov. Applications are reviewed by the individual park unit.
Some paid NPS positions include on-site housing or RV parking — this varies by park and position. NPS Volunteer-In-Parks host positions may include a free RV campsite; hookup type depends on the park. Always review the official listing for specifics before applying.
The Volunteer-In-Parks program places volunteer hosts at campgrounds, visitor centers, trailheads, and backcountry sites across the National Park System. Volunteers commit to a minimum number of weekly service hours (typically 32) in exchange for a free campsite and sometimes additional benefits like a stipend or park entrance pass.
Paid NPS positions at popular parks can be competitive. The most iconic parks — Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains — fill quickly. Volunteer positions at marquee parks are also highly sought-after, often requiring applications 6–12 months in advance.
HitchPath is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Listings may come from official sources and employer submissions when available. Always review the official listing before applying.