UPPER PENINSULA — The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking seasonal employees for the upcoming summer recreation season. The hiring effort encourages local residents to apply for positions across multiple locations in the Upper Peninsula.
The recruitment initiative aims to improve trails, campgrounds and facilities to provide safer and more reliable experiences for forest visitors. These seasonal roles support essential summer operations and provide hands-on experience in public land management.
The forest is recruiting for seven specific positions. Six of these roles focus on recreation and visitor services and are based in Munising, Raco, Rapid River and Saint Ignace. An additional position for active resource management is available in Rapid River.
These recreation-focused openings are in addition to seasonal fire hire events that are already in progress. The combined hiring efforts are intended to ensure recreation sites remain open and welcoming during the busiest months of the year.
Shannon Rische, forest supervisor, highlighted the impact these workers have on local operations. “Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations—keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” Rische said. She added that the roles offer “meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.”
Beyond immediate maintenance needs, the positions are designed to provide a pathway for future employment in the sector. Rische noted the various motivations people have for seeking these temporary roles. “Seasonal jobs can be a first step into a natural resources career, a way to build experience, or simply a chance to spend the summer working outside,” Rische said. “We encourage anyone interested to apply.”