Employment Opportunities
Now Hiring for Summer 2008!
If you are interested in applying for the 2008 summer season, don't delay! Go to the Application Process page, and apply. Interns are welcome and encouraged to apply. An exciting summer work experience could be in your near future!
Check out some pictures of our summer staff having fun in the Staff Photo Gallery.
Join Our Team
Every year our program is seeking applicants to fill employee recreation positions for the summer season. Summer work agreements begin between April and June, and end between August and October. All available positions are seasonal.
Desired applicants should be seeking or achieved a degree in the field of Recreation Administration, Physical Education, or closely related fields. Experience in implementing recreation activities in an organizational setting is also very beneficial. The job duties require planning, communication, accounting, and public relations skills. All applicants should be motivated to acquire a breadth of recreational programming experience.
There are a total of 5 location Employee Recreation Offices that operate in the summer, and 14 seasonal positions are available for staffing these offices.
The level of participation achieved at any given location is directly related to the ability of the recreation staff to plan and schedule activities wisely, as well their ability to motivate and inspire those they serve to sign up. The populations we serve are adults who have the choice to do what they want with their own free time.
With this in mind, we are looking for individuals that are excited for the opportunity to lead outings and activities, and motivated to do so professionally. Those who succeed in our program are those who themselves enjoy the activities we offer employees – sports, outdoor recreation, and getting out and meeting people.
It’s all about experiencing first hand the excitement of climbing a mountain, competing with a team, making new friends, rounding the next corner in that trail, and seeking new experiences. If this motivates you, then perhaps you have what it takes to motivate others.
In return, we provide you the training to plan and develop a variety of recreational activities, and the freedom to develop programming tailored to the population you serve. You’ll be within a family - like work environment that encourages constant learning, refining, and evaluation. You’ll learn the nuts and bolts of recreational planning, knowledge that is applicable throughout the industry. You’ll gain the experience of programming a variety of activities in a unique setting. Best of all, you’ll be involved in a lot of fun activities and you’ll be getting paid!
If this sounds like what you’d like to do this summer, apply now! We want to know what skills you have that can be applied towards the positions we offer, as well as your background, motivations, and other applicable information. Let us know when you are available to work.
Attachment of a resume is also very helpful. If we feel that you are a qualified candidate for the positions we offer, we’ll write you back. We’ll then forward you to a website where you can begin filling out an official application. The hiring process consists of an over the phone initial contact, followed by a phone interview. Applicants will be required to list work references, and these references will be contacted as well.
Interns are always welcome! The experience gained in our program has been essential in the career development of many former interns. All interns are paid. If you wish to apply for a position in our program as an intern, please note this when contacting us.
Staff Testimonials
"Working in Yellowstone has been an unforgettable experience. Not only was I in one of the most beautiful places in the world but I also met many good friends. My job as a recreation coordinator was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about adventure activities and what it takes to plan through some of those activities. Because of the skills and experience that I learned in YNP as a recreation coordinator, I have been hired by my local city recreation department to develop and coordinate programs for two of the city’s recreational centers. Working in Yellowstone has prepared me with the skills to open doors for my future. This is a job that no matter who you are or what you’re going into you should have this once in a life time opportunity."
Lindsey Cadwell
Old Faithful Area Recreation Coordinator
"Yellowstone truly is a place like no other, but sometimes more than a place, it is a feeling, an emotion, a unique experience that becomes a part of everyone who has stepped foot on any of its 2.2 million beautiful acres. But to the employees, it is even more than this - it is a home, whether it be for a month, a season, or several years. Because of this, the employees of Yellowstone National Park are able to see it in a way that tourists cannot. One of my favorite things about working at Yellowstone this year was watching the park change with the seasons from spring to summer, and fall. Yellowstone never stays the same - it is an ever-changing environment which never ceases to amaze me.
As employee recreation supervisor at Lake Village, I feel extremely lucky because my job was to make sure that all employees had the opportunity to enjoy this unique environment and to make the best out of their summers at Yellowstone. I’ll never forget the excitement of a loyal group of hikers each week as they would sign up for a hiking trip I had planned. It was very rewarding to know that I helped them to see at least one more part of the amazing wilderness that surrounds us here at Yellowstone National Park."
Heather Ambrisco
Lake Area Recreation Supervisor
"When I arrived for my first summer of work in Yellowstone I thought it would be my one and only. But after spending the summer working with a great group of people and exploring the backcountry I knew I would return again. Being paid to lead activities that I enjoy made the summer fly by. I never dreaded going to work because I enjoyed what I was doing. Now after my second summer I’m only looking forward to the next time I can call Yellowstone home."
David Everitt
Grant Village Recreation Supervisor
"Being a recreation coordinator, I had the opportunity to facilitate white water rafting, hiking, and team sports in the unspoiled beauty of Yellowstone. It was a pleasure being part of a creative and motivated team, learning wilderness survival, putting together tournaments and hosting a variety of outdoor activities. It really is the adventure of a lifetime!"
Kiya Knight
Mammoth Hot Springs Recreation Coordinator
"Working for the Yellowstone Co-op Recreation Program was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I meet some really cool, down to earth people, but I got to experience things I have never experienced before. From leading hikes in bear country to kayaking down the Gallatin River, there was never a dull moment!!"
Tara Lusignan
Mammoth Hot Springs Recreation Coordinator
"Yellowstone is a life changing experience. Your eyes are opened to a whole new world of beauty. It is amazing living inside a masterpiece and being able to share the experience with others from all around the world. Working with the Co-op Recreation Program is a bonus! Being a part of the recreation team is so much fun! Between sports, rafting and hiking expeditions you barely get a chance to catch your breath."
Mary Patterson
Mammoth Hot Springs Recreation Supervisor