West Virginia state parks, forests and wildlife management areas accept applications for temporary employment year-round. The strongest employment period is generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and provide service to a vacationing public. Other employment on a year-round basis includes housekeeping, restaurant staff and front desk opportunities. Pay rates begin at minimum wage and dependent on job responsibilities.
You are encouraged to apply if you enjoy working with people in beautiful natural settings. West Virginia State Parks is looking for "smiling faces" to greet and assist our guests. You will find working in a West Virginia state park, forest or wildlife management area to be a rewarding and valuable experience. Please note that some jobs require specific training and education.
Employment Announcement:
The following areas are seeking individuals for these positions. Click on the park name to send an email to discuss your opportunity to work at a WV State Park.
Beech Fork State Park - 2008 Summer Naturalist position.
Jobs available include:
Campground Attendant
Responsibilities: Campground attendants are responsible for the upkeep and control of campground areas. Campground attendant duties may include fee collection and camper registration, litter removal, bathhouse maintenance, security patrol, firewood sales and game equipment rental.
Duration: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (may begin earlier or extend into the fall season).
This position is available at the following parks and forests:
Audra State Park, Babcock State Park, Beech Fork State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Bluestone State Park, Camp Creek State Park, Cedar Creek State Park, Chief Logan State Park, Holly River State Park, Moncove Lake State Park, North Bend State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, Tomlinson Run State Park, Twin Falls Resort State Park, Tygart Lake State Park, Watoga State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Coopers Rock State Forest, Greenbrier State Forest, Kanawha State Forest,
Park Attendant
Responsibilities: Park attendant responsibilities may include maintenance and office work, game equipment rental, housekeeping assistance, food and merchandise sales, fee collection, and other general support services. This position is available at most parks, forests and wildlife management areas.
Duration: generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (may begin earlier)
Summer Naturalist
Responsibilities: Employees in this position will be responsible for, or will assist in, the planning and leading of weekly nature interpretation/recreation programs in a West Virginia state park or forest.
Duties include: planning and leading interpretive walks and activities; presenting audio visual slide shows and movies; leading planned recreational activities such as softball, volleyball, craft programs, etc.; preparing the weekly program which includes planning, typing, copying and distributing; assisting in the planning of various special events; completing weekly and monthly reports; and other related or assigned duties.
Desirable skills include:
- West Virginia flora and fauna identification skills.
- General knowledge of the use of field guides.
- General knowledge of the use of audio visual equipment.
- Public speaking skills.
- Ability to work with people of all ages.
- Strong written and oral communications skills.
- Ability and willingness to complete necessary reports and forms.
Duration: Mid May through Labor Day
Training is provided.
This position is available at the following parks and forests:
Babcock State Park*, Beech Fork State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park*, Bluestone State Park*, Cacapon Resort Park*, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park*, Cedar Creek State Park, Holly River State Park*, Lost River State Park*, North Bend State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Twin Falls Resort State Park, Tygart Lake State Park, Watoga State Park*, Greenbrier State Forest*,
* Indicates housing may be available
Summer Lifeguard
Responsibilities: Lifeguards oversee the swimming pool and surrounding area to prevent accidents and to rescue swimmers in distress, collect admission fees, maintain bathhouse and pool grounds, and enforce swimming pool rules and regulations.
Requirements: Lifeguards must have as a minimum Basic Lifeguarding for pool side assignments and full lifeguard training for beach lifeguarding as certified by Red Cross. Both certification levels must also include a current standard First Aid card. Other lifeguarding certification, such as Boy Scouts of America and YMCA will be considered.
Duration: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
This position is available at the following parks, forests, and wildlife management areas:
Audra State Park, Babcock State Park*, Beech Fork State Park, Berkeley Springs State Park, Bluestone State Park, Cacapon Resort Park, Cedar Creek State Park, Chief Logan State Park, Holly River State Park, Lost River State Park, Moncove Lake State Park, North Bend State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Tomlinson Run State Park, Twin Falls Resort State Park, Watoga State Park*, Watters Smith Memorial State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Greenbrier State Forest, Panther State Forest, Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area.
* Indicates housing available
For more information about job opportunities in West Virginia State Parks, Forests and Wildlife Management Areas contact the address below, or contact the park or forest directly.
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Parks & Recreation
State Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Building 3, Room 714
Charleston, WV 25305-0662
304/558-2764 or 1-800-CALL WVA |
