CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State parks in West Virginia are hiring seasonal employees for the 2026 summer season, and local residents are being encouraged to apply.
Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks, said seasonal employees are needed annually to maintain the parks.
“As visits begin to pick up with the return of warmer weather to the Mountain State, seasonal employees are essential in helping to serve the public’s needs,” Price said.
“Through vital work—such as maintaining campgrounds and trailheads, improving signage and responding to visitor needs—seasonal employees contribute to the overall positive experience in our state parks and forests.”
The parks are employing in a variety of roles, including:
- Lodge Desk Clerks
- Golf Course Operations
- Campground Attendants
- Gift Shop Clerks
- Lifeguards
- Building and Grounds Maintenance
- Office Assistants
- Housekeepers
- Restaurant Servers and Cooks
Prince said seasonal jobs are ideal for anyone who wants to gain experience or spend the summer working outside. The jobs are also often a first step into a career in natural resources.
Applicants are encouraged to call the park or forest where they are interested in working or to apply in person. Qualifications and start dates vary by position.
To learn more about employment opportunities at West Virginia’s state parks, visit wvstateparks.com/careers.
About West Virginia State Parks
West Virginia’s state parks and forests are the vacation destination of choice for more than seven million people each year. Comprising 35 parks, nine forests, and two rail trails, the West Virginia State Parks system provides endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. Make memories that last forever. Book your adventure at www.wvstateparks.com.
West Virginia State Parks is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, a division of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
The benefits of seasonal summer employment in the U.S.
Seasonal summer employment offers a wide range of benefits for students, retirees, teachers, and others seeking temporary work during the warmer months. Across the United States, summer jobs provide valuable opportunities to earn income, gain experience, and support local economies during the busiest travel and recreation season of the year.
For students and young adults, summer employment often serves as a first introduction to the workforce. Jobs at parks, resorts, restaurants, camps, retail shops, and tourism attractions help workers develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, and customer service. These experiences can strengthen resumes and provide references that may assist with future careers or college applications.
Summer jobs also provide financial advantages. Seasonal workers frequently use their earnings to pay tuition, purchase vehicles, cover living expenses, or save for future goals. In tourist destinations and recreational areas, employers often increase hiring during the summer due to higher visitor traffic, creating thousands of temporary positions that may not exist in other seasons.
Communities benefit from seasonal employment as well. Tourist regions, state parks, fairs, festivals, and outdoor recreation businesses rely heavily on additional summer staff to accommodate travelers and special events. The increased workforce helps businesses extend operating hours, improve services, and contribute to regional economic growth. In many rural areas, seasonal tourism jobs provide an important source of supplemental household income.
Summer employment can also encourage personal growth. Workers often become more independent, confident, and adaptable as they learn to manage schedules and responsibilities. Outdoor summer jobs, including those in conservation, agriculture, or recreation, may additionally promote physical activity and an appreciation for nature and local heritage.
Although seasonal positions are temporary, they frequently lead to long-term opportunities. Many employers use summer hiring periods to identify dependable workers for future permanent roles. As a result, seasonal summer employment remains an important pathway to economic opportunity, workforce development, and community vitality.