Now Hiring Seasonal Positions at Patapsco Valley State Park!
 Part of the Hollofield Seasonal Ranger team 2023
Available Positions:
- Bilingual Interpreter
- Maintenance Worker
- Contact Station Attendant / Camper Contact Attendant
- Park Ranger
- Park Ranger Lead
- Naturalist
What is working at Patapsco like?
Patapsco Valley State Park staff also manages Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area and Morgan Run Natural Environment Area. This makes us the second largest park complex in the Maryland Park Service and one of the most visited as well. So much land means many different resources to manage, like the historic Choate Mine at Soldiers Delight, the disc golf course in McKeldin, or the expansive trail system throughout the Patapsco Valley.
The complex is separated into three management areas: North, South and Central. You will work out of one of those areas, which are also broken down into day-use areas. Depending on the position, you may be stationed in one or you may float among several. Some areas may be more project based while others might require more operational assistance. Either way, we have a team of experienced Rangers and Maintenance Technicians that will guide you throughout your season.
If you work for the Park Service, you will quickly find that we work when others play, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. So depending on the position, be prepared for a schedule outside of the normal 9-5.
The park's leadership team has a wide range of experience and are eager to pass on those skills. But if you're willing to teach us something, we'll gladly learn too! Name a job and we probably work with them: wildland firefighter, forester, interpreter, carpenter, trail technician, mechanic, heavy machinery operator, program manager, etc. Whether you are looking to start your career in Parks, explore a new area, bored of retirement or simply need a wholesome, fulfilling job, Patapsco Valley State Park is a perfect place for you. Join our community for one summer or for all of your seasons!
Apply by February 11!
SEASONAL BILINGUAL INTERPRETER
Pay: $18.01 per hour
To those that would like to use their Spanish-speaking skills to connect with the community, consider joining our team! Training opportunities typically include First Aid/CPR from the American Red Cross, traffic direction, interpretive skills training, and more.
Duties generally include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and lead nature programs and hikes
- Provide general customer service and park information to visitors
- Communicate with visitors while assisting with park operations
- Develop bilingual program advertisements and assist with public relations
- View more job duties on our website.
Apply online!
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SEASONAL MAINTENANCE WORKER
Pay: $16.98 per hour
Seasonal Maintenance Workers are stationed in each of the following areas: Avalon, Hilton, McKeldin, and Hollofield. These teams work together to ensure the park is safe and beautiful, and make any necessary notifications or repairs to keep it that way. When groundskeeping tasks are finished, relish in the opportunity to work on your plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills. Training opportunities include First Aid/CPR from the American Red Cross, basic chainsaw, and more.
Duties generally include, but are not limited to:
- Clean restrooms, shelters, campsites and other facilities
- Mow and trim grass
- Maintenance of facilities and grounds
- Painting, electric, carpentry and plumbing work
- View more job duties on our website.
Apply online!
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SEASONAL CONTACT STATION ATTENDANT/CAMPER CONTACT ATTENDANT
Pay: $16.98 per hour
If you have ever been to any of the following areas, you have likely been greeted by a Contact Station Attendant: Avalon, Hilton, McKeldin, and Hollofield. These employees are the first that greet our visitors and give the first impression of our park, so we are looking for anyone that is friendly and kind. While some days are slower than others, we require anyone in these positions to flourish in a fast-paced, organized environment.
Duties generally include, but are not limited to:
- Operate a computer reservation system
- Register campers
- Handle money and provide change
- Assist with facility upkeep and maintenance
- Answer phones and provide information to visitors about park facilities, programs and regulations
- Enter data using Excel spreadsheets and Google Suite programs
- View more job duties on our website.
Apply online!
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SEASONAL RANGER SERIES
Park Ranger pay: $16.98 per hour
Park Ranger lead pay: $18.01 per hour
Seasonal Rangers at Patapsco Valley State Park are stationed in each of the areas: Avalon, Hilton, McKeldin, and Hollofield. Learn a new skill or exercise an old one in one of the many projects we have planned. Or just sit back and enjoy the operation (i.e. traffic direction). Rangers typically get certified in First Aid/CPR from the American Red Cross and may have opportunities to obtain others like: chainsaw operation, basic water rescue, interpretive skills, etc.
Duties generally include, but are not limited to:
- Provide visitors with park information and regulations
- Monitor and cleaning of buildings, bathhouses, campgrounds and restrooms
- General maintenance of park trails, facilities, buildings and DNR vehicles
- Use of a computer and point-of-sale system to register campers, sell admission
- Respond to emergencies, including first aid & traffic direction
- View more job duties on our website.
Apply online!
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SEASONAL NATURALIST
Pay: $16.98 per hour
Have you ever wanted to get paid to explore a hobby? You can do just that as a Naturalist or Historical Interpreter. These positions are largely based out of Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills. A day in the life consists of providing quality care for our reptile and avian educational ambassadors, staffing one of our four centers, presenting historical programs and living demonstrations, administering a program in or out of the park, planning an event, and much more. Staff of this series typically get certified in First Aid/CPR from the American Red Cross and may have opportunities to obtain others: small craft safety, basic water rescue, interpretive skills training, etc.
Duties generally include but are not limited to:
- Develop and present interpretive and environmental education programs
- Assist with volunteers and youth programs
- Develop and maintain exhibits, park bulletin boards and educational materials
- Will include live animal care (turtles, reptiles, raptors), handling, enrichment activities and programming associated with the Scales & Tales program
- Will include operation and maintenance of nature centers, buildings and grounds
- View more job duties on our website.
Apply online!
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Are you more interested in volunteering?
 Camp Hosts Wanted for 2025 season!
Who? Anyone with a love of nature, people and parks! Applicants must provide their own camper/RV/trailer and be willing to commit at least 30 hours per week to hosting.
What? Camp hosts are often one of the first points of contacts for visitors. They are the welcoming face, helpful hands and diligent monitors of the campground. Duties include cleaning fire rings and campsites between campers, welcoming visitors, selling firewood and ice, etc.
Where? We are currently recruiting for the Hilton Area Campground located in Catonsville, which is known as "Music City, Maryland," for it's rich cultural heritage. Its proximity to the Baltimore metropolitan area makes it a wonderful introductory camping experience, and its quaint charm encourages families to return year after year!
When? We require at least a one-month commitment. There are currently openings for April, May and June.
Questions? Contact us at volunteerpatapsco.dnr@maryland.gov or call our office at 410-461-5005.
Save Our Pollinators!
Donate today to support butterfly and bumblebee
habitat and education in state parks!
Donations in any amount are a helpful way to make a difference. Thank you!
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 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Park and Trail Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of 75 state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
First Responders & Law Enforcement Discount:
$40 off the Annual Park Pass, which provides unlimited day-use entry to all Maryland State Parks, plus free boat launching and discounts on concessions and boat rentals.
Offer good for Maryland residents only.
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