DNR Parks and Recreation Division Hiring Seasonal Employees for 2021

lschultz • January 14, 2021

A seasonal park worker helps a customer check in to their campsite at Van Riper State Park, September 2020. Photo by Michigan DNR.

Are you or someone you know interested in working at one of Michigan’s beautiful state parks or recreation areas this summer?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Recreation Division is currently hiring for more than 1,000 seasonal positions at state parks across the state. If you love working outdoors, interacting with the public and want to start or continue your career in natural resources, these jobs can provide you with the opportunity to do exactly that.

The DNR is planning to hire 1,200 seasonal park workers and 50 seasonal park rangers for the 2021 season.

According to the DNR press release issued on January 11, 2021:

Seasonal park workers  are key employees who provide customer service and perform important park duties like answering visitor questions, registering campers, cleaning park buildings and mowing grass. Workers earn between $10 and $11.60 an hour and may qualify for academic/internship credit.

Seasonal park rangers  (commissioned and noncommissioned) are frontline staff carrying out day-to-day operations and maintenance and other essential duties. They help train and direct seasonal staff and volunteers and maintain grounds, infrastructure and equipment. Park rangers receive state employment benefits and are paid between $17.75 and $24.95 an hour.

To learn more about these opportunities, visit the job postings page at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs. Applicants are asked to select the work location(s) in which they are most interested. Additionally, you can read the full DNR press release on the 2021 seasonal hiring process HERE .

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.
By Olivia Triltsch April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.
By Olivia Triltsch April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts