Grand Teton National Park Roving Ranger: Resource Protection + Visitor Services

This dual-assignment volunteer duo supports Grand Teton National Park’s visitor experience and resource protection goals by combining focused on-the-ground bear outreach and education at String Lake with mobile, park-wide visitor engagement in high-use and pass-through areas. Volunteers proactively engage visitors to provide accurate information, promote safe and responsible recreation, prevent human–wildlife conflicts, and strengthen public connection to Grand Teton National Park.

RV Site Provided- *Must provide your own RV.*

Primary Responsibilities

String Laker - Wildlife Focus, Bear Outreach (Visitor Services & Resource Protection)

• Rove the busy String Lake area, including picnic sites, parking lots, lakeshore trails, and day use sites to engage visitors and promote responsible visitor behavior.
• Help prevent negative human–wildlife interactions by assisting with soft hazing of black bears and securing unattended bear attractants.
• Educate visitors on park regulations, safety guidelines, and resource protection practices, with a strong focus on proper food storage and responsible recreation.
• Collect visitor use and resource concern data to support management decisions and improve visitor experience.

Parkwide Roving Ranger - Visitor Services & Orientation Focus

• Drive a government-owned vehicle (GOV) to designated locations to conduct visitor contacts, provide education, and respond to emerging visitor needs.
• Proactively engage visitors at designated pullouts throughout the park’s road corridor to provide orientation and timely, accurate park information.
• Reach pass-through visitors who may not be aware of park opportunities, entrance locations, regulations, or available services.
• Provide general information about camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, safety, and trip planning to enhance visitor experiences and support safe travel through the park.
• Promote awareness of trail rules, etiquette, and resource protection practices.

Working Environment: 

• Must be comfortable working in areas with high visitor use interfacing with the public and working along busy roadways. 
• Must be willing to work in close proximity to large mammals, including grizzly bears, black bears, and moose. 
• Performs duties in all weather conditions, including sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, or snowy conditions. 
• May need to work early morning or evening shifts. May need to work holidays and weekends.    
• May need to lift objects weighing up to 30+ pounds. 
• May hike up to 10+ miles in the backcountry to monitor bear activity and food storage compliance. 

Qualifications & Skills Needed: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and complete required driving certification if operating a government vehicle.
• Ability to rove busy trails, lakeshores, parking areas, and roadside pullouts in all weather conditions.
• Works collaboratively in small teams and independently with minimal supervision for extended periods.
• Must have strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills. Ability to communicate respectfully and tactfully with visitors, including during conversations about regulations, safety concerns, and sensitive topics.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and navigate challenging visitor interactions.
• Ability to learn park resources, regulations, and safety protocols quickly.