The Best Green Jobs for Summer

River and Hiking Guide

Summer tourism seasons bring people out into the nation's backcountry national parks and wild lands. Companies offering guided trail hiking, river rafting, canoeing and backpacking hire guides, office staff, logistics workers and bus drivers during the summer months. These jobs offer an opportunity to incorporate your backcountry skills into a salary, all while helping to guide your clients through the rivers and trails and letting them know about the ecosystems they are in. Complete any required Wilderness First Responder, basic CPR and whitewater/swiftwater rescue classes prior to submitting resumes.

Naturalist - State and National Parks

Naturalists work in state and national parks giving interpretation on the ecosystems, cultural heritage, flora and fauna and geologic history of the regions where the parks are located. Naturalists often have backgrounds in the sciences, such as botany, biology, geology, glaciology and oceanography. Many state and national parks hire seasonal employees for the busy summer seasons. Look for naturalist positions at the www.nps.gov website, or through your local state parks websites.

Forest Fire Fighter/Worker

For an exciting and adventurous green summer job, consider forest fire fighting. Teams of woodland and forest fire fighters are employed during the late spring and summer months. Fire fighters must be in top physical condition, go through fire training and be willing to work up to 16 hours a day in remote and grueling situations. Rewards come knowing you are helping maintain the integrity of our national lands, and keeping the green alive.