Join the State Park Explorer team

Looking for a fun summer job?
Would you like to teach others about natural resources?
Become a part of the State Park Explorer Team

On a typical summer day, you could be dipping a net in a frog pond, calling a screech owl, hunting for insects or edible plants, leading a nature hike - and getting paid for it!

State Park Explorer positions are available this summer at 41 locations statewide. Click here to see the list of state parks and recreation areas that are hosting the Explorer program.

State Park Explorer guides lead programs and hikes for park visitors that feature each location's unique natural, cultural and historic resources. Explorer programs are hands-on, environmental and educational activities. Program topics include forests, insects, night hikes, pond studies and other topics covering the variety of plants, animals and natural features within each park. Audiences include both children and adults, often in a family setting.

Training and program resources and materials are provided. Support and mentoring are provided through the Michigan State Park Interpretive Program.

State Park Explorer Guides are paid $7.65 to $8.74 per hour and may work up to 719 hours. Candidates should be 18 and older and be willing to work a five-day work schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays.

Candidates should have job experience or education in parks and recreation, interpretation, education, biology, environmental studies or a related field. Candidates also should possess strong communication and program planning skills and be able to work independently.

Interested individuals must complete an Employment Application Form #PR-7123e and submit it, along with a resume and three references to Karen Gourlay, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 20145 Beck Road, Northville, MI 48167.

Employment Application Form #PR-7123e
.pdf format
.rtf format
MS Word format

Civil Service Rule 1-7 requires that all persons newly hired into state government positions submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to their actual appointment. The state of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information about this program, please send an e-mail to: DNR-ExplorersProgram@michigan.gov.