Park Hosts serve as liaisons between park users and park staff. Hosts camp among other campers, where campgrounds are provided, in order to provide a personal touch and to accommodate the needs of park visitors. Hosts assist visitors by providing information about the park, answering questions, and explaining rules. Hosts must be familiar with the reasoning behind state park rules. Hosts must also become familiar with local points of interest and know the location of services that may be requested by campers.
When park staff are not present, a host may perform light maintenance work around the park or make minor repairs. Other duties may be assigned according to the needs of the park and the skills of the volunteer.
Hosts are not expected to enforce park regulations; rather, they should be observant and courteously advise campers of unintentional or minor violations. They should report flagrant violations to park personnel responsible for law enforcement.
Hosts must set an example by being model campers, practicing good housekeeping at all times in and around their campsite, and observing all rules.
Park Hosts may also be called upon to assist with monitoring user fee compliance, help with special event activities, announce interpretive programs, and other assigned tasks when park staff are not present.
Park Hosts are needed throughout the camping season from May 1 through September 30. Hosts are required to be available for a minimum of four weeks at most state parks. A two-week minimum may be applicable at some remote sites. Consideration may be given for both longer and shorter periods of service.
The Host's daily duty hours will be mutually agreed upon between the Hosts and the Park Manager. Each member of the host's party will be required to provide 20–24 hours of services a week, five days per week including weekends and holidays. Days off will be taken during weekdays, Monday through Friday. Hosts will be considered "on-call" at all times of the day and night.
The Park Host volunteer position may include the following benefits:
- training and orientation,
- Workers' Compensation insurance,
- reimbursement up to $100 per month for travel, and meals, or to the extent funds are available,
- one complimentary annual state park entrance pass,
- free campsite,
- volunteer uniform,
- other special provisions unique to Host's park site, and
- possible college credit.
Applicants must be experienced campers, enjoy the great outdoors, and have a desire to help others enjoy recreating in Montana State Parks. Candidates must also be outgoing, friendly, and enjoy meeting people. Hosts will reside at a designated campsite during their stay and must provide their own housing, equipment, and personal items. Many parks do not have hookups, so self-contained units are advisable.
Knowledge of basic first aid is helpful; CPR and standard first aid certification are a plus.
The use of Park Hosts is governed by the Volunteer Policy Guidelines (
15 KB) adopted by the Parks Division, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and other applicable laws, rules, and policies.
Find locations where Park Host positions are available.
- Applicant(s) must have a self-contained camping unit; housing cannot be provided.
- Some areas have full hookups, phone, and pads; some have none.
- Some sites are close to communities with stores, laundromats, and other services; other sites are 30 or more miles away from such services.
