Work With Purpose in America’s National Parks

Join our team and make a real difference. Every sale, every guest interaction, and every store operation fuels the conservation of our nation’s natural and historic treasures. National Park jobs in the Black Hills and Nebraska Panhandle are still available despite federal cuts.

Rectangular graphic advertising National Park jobs and employment opportunities. Closeup of a hand holding a hiking compass. Text reads "Find Your Path with BHPFA"

At Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, your daily work goes beyond retail — it’s a commitment to conservation and education. By joining us, you become part of a legacy that values environmental stewardship, community, and the love for nature.

  • Directly contribute to park conservation and educational programs
  • Inspiring work environment in national parks and forests
  • Flexible roles designed for diverse life stages
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth in a mission-driven culture

Imagine starting your day surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Black Hills of South Dakota or the expansive prairies of Gering and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, knowing your efforts directly impact the preservation and enjoyment of these natural wonders. Whether you’re engaging with visitors, sharing knowledge about the parks’ unique features, or helping them find the perfect souvenir, your work makes a difference.

Current National Forests and National Park Jobs In Our Stores

Updated 4/7/2025

Retail Operations Manager
BHPFA Headquarters (Custer, South Dakota)

    • Lead retail operations supporting National Park Service & Forest Service sites

    • Help design and launch our new flagship visitor center store

    • Play a key role in supporting education, interpretation, and stewardship

    • Travel to some of the most iconic public lands in the Great Plains

  • Requirements:

    • 3+ years retail operations or inventory management experience

    • Leadership skills with ability to supervise store managers and seasonal staff

    • Proficiency in tools like Retail Pro, Salesforce, and Google Workspace

    • Strong problem-solving and logistical planning capabilities

    • Valid driver’s license and ability to lift up to 50 lbs

  • Bonus Points For:

    • Experience with WooCommerce or ecommerce fulfillment

    • Interest in AI, automation, or retail data analytics

    • Familiarity with National Park/Forest partner organizations

Retail Sales Staff
Wind Cave National Park (Hot Springs, South Dakota) 

  • Location: Wind Cave National Park
  • Hours: 30-40 hours per week through October
  • Benefits:
    • Competitive hourly wage
    • Opportunities to work in stunning natural environments
    • Engage with visitors and share knowledge about the parks
    • Support conservation and educational efforts
  • Requirements:
    • Strong communication and customer service skills
    • Enthusiasm for nature and conservation
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
    • Retail experience is a plus
Apply Now

Retail Sales Staff

Join our team to help educate and engage visitors while supporting critical conservation efforts. Your role is vital in turning a simple transaction into a lasting impact on national heritage.

Store Manager Role

Lead and inspire teams in a unique setting where managing store operations goes hand in hand with advancing conservation projects and community engagement.

Working for BHPFA has been an incredible journey. As a former park ranger, I wanted to stay connected to public lands, and this nonprofit gave me that opportunity. I started as the Nebraska Area Manager, growing into an HQ leadership role… proof that passion for parks can turn into a career. Here, every day supports places I love.

Jason G.

Former Nebraska Area Manager, Now Digital Content and Data Manager

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A Mission That Matters – Apply Today

Ready to join our team and start making a difference? Here’s how you can apply:

Employment Application

  • Contact Information:
    • Email: Patty Ressler at pressler@blackhillsparks.org
    • Phone: 605-745-7020
  • Seasonal Application Process:
    • Fill out the Employment Application, and email it to Patty Ressler at pressler@blackhillsparks.org
    • Follow-Up: After submitting your application, you may be contacted for an interview.

At our organization, every job is a step toward preserving nature. Whether you’re serving guests in our park stores or leading teams as a store manager, your efforts fund real conservation projects and support public education.

Why Join Us?

• Direct impact on park conservation
• Work in stunning, natural settings
• Flexible roles that fit your lifestyle
• Clear career paths and supportive training

Join a community that values every sale, every visitor interaction, and every effort made toward protecting our national heritage.

 

Locations that we staff:

  • Wind Cave National Park — Hot Springs, South Dakota
  • Jewel Cave National Monument — Custer, South Dakota
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument — Gering, Nebraska
Job Descriptions: