Jobs and Volunteering
Come to work for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
We are an organization of dedicated and extraordinary people; people who are building parks and providing recreational areas where the spirit and beauty of Idaho is preserved and available to all.
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of career opportunities. Professional, administrative, and technical positions are available in the Boise and Regional offices as well as at the more than 30 state parks for those interested in Park Development, Public Information, Research and Marketing, Administration Services, Grants, Resource Management, Outdoor Recreation to name a few.
Applying for a job with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is easy. You can apply from your personal computer or you can download an application and exam from the DHR website and mail the information to us at:
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
P O Box 83720
Boise ID 83720-0065
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation participates in the E-Verify program an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.
Current Openings
Parks Region Manager - Boise, Idaho
The Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR) has an immediate opening for a Parks Regional Manager. This position is located in Boise, Idaho and reports directly to the Deputy Director.
The incumbent in this position is responsible for managing park and recreation programs in the South Region, including seven parks, a maintenance crew, and support staff. The Region Manager is a seasoned manager responsible for establishing, implementing, and monitoring budgets, bureau goals, objectives, policies, and ensuring consistency and compliance of operations.
To view the job announcement, requirements and to apply click here.
If you would like to view open announcements for all other state agencies go to www.dhr.idaho.gov
Ranger
Jobs are announced as vacancies occur. Please check back often.
If you would like to view open announcements for all other state agencies go to www.dhr.idaho.gov
Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal employees are an important part of our park staff and share the goal of making the park a pleasant place to stay. For information regarding duties, park information and to apply for seasonal jobs, click here.
Trail Rangers
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Trail Ranger Program, funded by the registration fee for off-highway motorcycles and ATV's, maintains thousands of miles of Idaho trails annually. The program is organized into three two-man crews. Each person carries a chainsaw, pulaski, and shovel along with tank bags that carry gas, oil, and tools for the saws mounted on a trail bike.
Idaho has one of the largest trail systems in the United States (18,000 miles), and many of those trails are open to off-highway vehicles. Keeping those trails accessible to users is a coordinated task so, Idaho's Trail Rangers are highly regarded.
If you would like to become an Idaho Trail Ranger, download this form and send the completed form to the address listed.
Thank you for your interest in the Trail Ranger Position; all positions have been filled. Applications are generally accepted January of each year. If vacancies occur during the year positions are announced as those vacancies occur.
Interested in learning more about what it means to be a trail ranger? Contact the Regional Trails Specialist nearest you!
Southwest Idaho
Todd Wernex
twernex@idpr.idaho.gov or call (208)514-2413
North Idaho
Marc Hildesheim
mhildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov or call (208) 769-1511
East Idaho
Michael Robinson
mrobinson@idpr.idaho.gov or call (208) 525-7121
Volunteer for Idaho State Park and Recreation Programs
You are invited to join our Idaho Team!
Spread your wings in some of the state's most spectacular places! Choose to volunteer at a park in an old growth forest, along a trout filled stream, or on the shores of a pristine mountain lake. Or, you may want to help us maintain trails, teach boating safety, or work at a visitor center. As part of our team, volunteers provide essential services with a personal touch. You can make visitors' experiences more enjoyable and complete. Your volunteer efforts help preserve Idaho's natural treasures for generations to come.
What you do as a Volunteer...
A person may volunteer as an individual or as a part of a group on short term projects of a day or less, or on a long term project in specialized programs. There are many ways to volunteer your time with Idaho State Parks and Recreation. The following are some of the most popular volunteer programs
How to volunteer....
To volunteer your services and share your knowledge and expertise, please fill out a volunteer application online, or print one out. Selected volunteers will be asked to sign an agreement outlining their responsibilities as well as those of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Keep in mind that not all parks or programs need all the different types of volunteers.
Campground Host
Campground Hosts are park ambassadors. They perform a variety of tasks such as greeting visitors and handing out information, replacing restroom supplies, cleaning campsites, picking up litter, and informing the rangers about potential problems. Hosts serve as official greeters and must like people, be courteous, outgoing, and helpful to all park visitors. Host volunteers need to be physically capable of performing these duties. You will be scheduled to work varied days and hours, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Hosts are asked to give full attention to their volunteer effort by not accepting employment outside the park during their stay as hosts. We ask for at least a 30 day commitment, however some assignments can also be for the entire camping season if desired.
We supply campground hosts with .....
- Free camping with hookups and a sign for your campsite
- A Volunteer Orientation Guidebook about Idaho State Parks
- A uniform designating your status as volunteer - consisting of a cap, vest, patch, and name tag
- Training by State Park personnel
- Insurance for job-related medical costs
- All you need to provide is your own Recreational Vehicle (RV).
Interpretive Host
Interpretive Hosts are trained volunteers who interpret the cultural, natural and recreational resources of State Parks to visitors. They receive initial and continuing training to which they can add their own unique approach and experiences. These hosts can either be on-site campers or come in on a day-to-day basis from the local community. Interpretive hosts give guided tours pertaining to the natural features of the area, historical and cultural information specific to the area, especially at Historic Parks, assist with research and development of programs, perform clerical tasks, greet visitors, and other public oriented services.
Visitor Services Host
Visitor Service volunteers answer questions and provide information to park visitors at park entrances or visitor centers. They volunteer as clerks in the parks' retail stores and help with clerical and front desk receptionist duties. Computer and secretarial skills can also be used to help park personnel do various reporting procedures.
Maintenance Host
Maintenance Hosts assist in the minor repair and maintenance of park facilities. Existing buildings and other structures need cleaning, painting, repairing, and improvements. Skills sought include: electrical, carpentry, painting, masonry, landscaping, small motor repair. Maintenance hosts can also help park staff on new construction projects.
Special Projects and other volunteer work
Volunteers can also help in our Boating Safety Education programs, non-motorized trails programs and off road vehicle programs. Special projects can be developed for both groups or individuals.
Sample Positions
Take Pride in America
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is the state of Idaho's ambassador for the Take Pride in America campaign.
Take Pride in America is a national partnership established by the U.S. Department of the Interior that aims to engage, support and recognize volunteers who work to improve our public parks, forests, grasslands, wildlife refuges, cultural and historical sites, local playgrounds and other recreation areas.
Events are organized annually. Contact Kathryn Hampton at khampton@idpr.idaho.gov or (208) 514-2493 for details. Visit the national Take Pride in America website for national event schedules, PSA's and related information.